CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Cornell University Library
F 472H8 H67
History of Howard and Cooper counties, M
3 1924 028 846 496
olin Overs
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the Cornell University Library.
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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028846496
HISTORY
OF
HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES,
MISSOURI,
WEITTEN AND COMPILED
FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC OFFICIAL AND PRIVATE SOURCES,
INCLUDING A HISTORY OF ITS
TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
TOGETHER WITH
A CONDENSED HISTORY OP MISSOURI; A RELIABLE AND DETAILED HISTORY OF
HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES — ITS PIONEER RECORD, RESOURCES,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS ; GENERAL
AND LOCAL STATISTICS OF GREAT VALUE; INCIDENTS
AND REMINISCENCES.
ILL USTBATED.
* ST. LOUIS:
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMPANY.
1883. ,
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by
O. P. WILLIAMS & CO.,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
St. Louis, Mo.:
Press of Nixon- Jones Prvn&ing Company.
PREFACE.
What wonderful changes a few years have wrought in
this western country ! Less than eighty years ago not a single
white man dwelt within the present confines of Howard and
Cooper Counties. Their soil, had doubtless, occasionly been
pressed by the feet of the reckless hunter and the daring ad-
venturer, but their beautifully rolling prairies, their charming
timber-fringed streams and enchanting groves were the homes
of the antelope, the elk, the deer and the red man. How all
has been changed by the hand of progress ! To-day the busy
hum of industry everywhere resounds, and the voice of culture
and refinement echo where once was heard the howl of the wild
beast and the war-whoop of the Indian.
These have been years of important events ; events fraught
with interest to the sons and daughters from the old firesides
of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Indiana, and from the more distant homes beyond the Atlantic.
The energy and bravery of these hardy pioneers and their de-
scendants have made Howard and Cooper Counties what they
are. Their labors have made the wilderness to "bud and
blossom as the rose ; " and to preserve the story of this won-
derful change and to hand it down to posterity as a link in the
history of the great country of which these counties form an
integral part, has been the object of this book. While the
publishers do not arrogate to themselves a degree of accuracy
beyond criticism, they hope to have attained a large measure
of exactness in the compilation and arrangement of the almost
innumerable facts and incidents which are here treated. These
facts and incidents have been gleaned from the memory and
notes of the old settlers ; and, although an error may here and
there seemingly occur, the reader must not hastily conclude
that the history is in fault, but rather test his opinion with that
of others familiar with the facts.
IV PREFACE .
It only remains for us to tender the people of Howard and
Cooper Counties in general, our obligations for the courtesy
extended to us and our representatives during the preparation
of these annals ; without their aid, this history would have
been left buried beneath the debris of time, unwritten and un-
preserved.
THE PUBLISHEKS.
CONTENTS.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI
CHAPTEE I.
The Louisiana Purchase — Brief Historical Sketch
CHAPTEE II.
Descriptive and Geographical
CHAPTEE III.
Geology op Missouri
Title and Earlt Settlers
Territorial Organization
Admission Into the Union
Missouri as a State
CHAPTEE IV.
CHAPTEE V.
CHAPTEE VI.
CHAPTEE VII.
CHAPTEE VIII.
Civil War in Missouri .....
CHAPTEE IX.
Early Military Eecord op the State
CHAPTEE X.
Agriculture and Mineral Wealth
CHAPTEE XI.
Education — The Public School System
CHAPTEE XII.
Religious Denominations ....
CHAPTEE XIII.
Gov. Crittenden's Administration
PAGE.
1-7
7-13
13-21
21-27
27-31
31-37
37-43
43-53
53-59
59-65
65-73
73-79
79-86
VI CONTENTS.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CHAPTER I. page.
The Pioneer — Introduction, Etc. . ... 87-100
CHAPTER II.
Events Following Early Settlement — War Clouds . . 100-107
CHAPTER III.
Territorial Laws — Organization, Etc. ..... 107-128
CHAPTER IV.
Pioneer Life . ... 128-140
CHAPTER V.
County and Township Systems — Government Surveys . 140-184
CHAPTER VI.
History op Boone's Lick Township ... . 148-167
CHAPTER VII.
History of Franklin Township ... • 157-176
CHAPTER VIII.
History of Richmond Township . . . 176-204
CHAPTER IX.
History of Chariton Township . . . 204-236
CHAPTER X.
History of Prairie, Moniteau, Burton, and Bonne Femme Tps. 236-243
CHAPTER XI.
Bench and Bar — Criminal Record . .... 243-258
CHAPTER XII.
The Press of Howard County ... ... 258-264
CHAPTER XIII.
Mexican War — California Emigrants — War of 1861 . . . 264-293
CHAPTER XIV.
Agricultural Societies — Railroads — Miscellaneous Matters . 293-307
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XV.
Political History . ....
CHAPTER XVI.
Physical and Geological Features
CHAPTER XVII.
Public Schools of the County
CHAPTER XVIII.
Ecclesiastical History ...
CHAPTER XIX.
List op Howard County Officials from 1816
BIOGRAPHICAL
Richmond Township
Chariton Township
Franklin Township
Boone's Lick Township
Moniteau Township
Prairie Township
Burton Township
Bonne Femme Township
Addendum of Howard County
HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
Introduction — First Settlements ...
CHAPTER II.
Customs of Early Days . . . . . .
CHAPTER III.
Organization of Cooper County — Early Courts
CHAPTER IV.
History of Boonville Township .... . .
CHAPTER V.
History of Blackwater, Clark's Fork and Clear Creek Townships
VII
PAGE.
307-320
320-327
329-332
332-352
352-358
358-425
425-486
486-529
529-543
543-568
568-586
• 586-602
602-610
610-617
617-629
629-639
629-652
652-682
682-687
Viii CONTENTS .
CHAPTER VI. PA<5»-
History of Kelly Township . • • 687-691
CHAPTER VII.
History of Lamine and Moniteau Townships • • 691-694
CHAPTER VIII.
History of Lebanon Township . . . • • 694-700
CHAPTER IX.
i
History of Otterville Township . . 700-709
CHAPTER X.
History of Palestine Township . . . . 709-716
CHAPTER XI.
History of Pilot Grove Township ... . 715-721
CHAPTER XII.
History of Prairie Home Township ... . 721-725
CHAPTER XIII.
History of Saline Township .... . 725-729
CHAPTER XIV.
The Press and Public Schools ... ... 729-736
CHAPTER XV.
Political History of Cooper County . . 736-752
CHAPTER XVI.
War History ... 752-775
CHAPTER XVII.
Bench and Bar — Crime and Suicides 775-789
CHAPTER XVIII.
Railroads — Miscellaneous Facts . 789-801
CHAPTER XIX.
California Emigrants— Temperance Excitement 801-80 5
CHAPTER XX.
Samuel Cole
805-813
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
CHAPTEE I.
LOUISIANA PUKCHASE.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCH.
The purchase in 1803 of the vast territory west of the Mississippi
River, by the United States, extending through Oregon to the Pacific
coast and south to the Dominions of Mexico, constitutes the most im-
portant event that ever occurred in the history of the nation.
It gave to our- Republic additional room for that expansion and
stupendous growth, to which it has since attained, in all that makes it
strong and enduring, and forms the seat of an empire, from which
will radiate an influence for good unequaled in the annals of time. In
1763, the immense region of country, known at that time as Louisiana,
was ceded to Spain by France. By a secret article, in the treaty of
St. Ildefonso, concluded in 1800, Spain ceded it back to France.
Napoleon, at that time, coveted the island of St. Domingo, not only
because of the value of its products, but more especially because its
location in the Gulf of Mexico would, in a military point of view,
afford him a fine field whence he could the more effectively guard his
newly-acquired possessions. Hence he desired this cession by Spain
should be kept a profound secret until he succeeded in reducing St.
Domingo to submission. In this undertaking, however, his hopes
were blasted, and so great was his disappointment that he apparently
became indifferent to the advantages to be secured to France from his
purchase of Louisiana.
In 1803 he sent out Laussat as prefect of the colony, who gave the
(1)
2 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
people of Louisiana the first intimation they had that they had once
more become the subjects of France. This was the occasion of great
rejoicing among the inhabitants, who were Frenchmen m their origin,
habits, manners, and customs. , , . .
Mr. Jefferson, then President of the United States, on being in-
formed of the retrocession, immediately dispatched- instructions to
Robert Livingston, the American Minister at Paris, to make known
to Napoleon that the occupancy of New Orleans, by his government,
would not only endanger the friendly relations existing between the
two nations, but, perhaps, oblige the United States to make common
cause with England, his bitterest and most dreaded enemy : as the
possession of the city by France would give her command of the
Mississippi, which was the only outlet for the produce of the "West-
ern States, and give her also control oi the Gulf of Mexico, so neces-
sary to the protection of American commerce. Mr. Jefferson was so
fully impressed with the idea that the occupancy of New Orleans, by
France, would bring about a conflict of interests between the two
nations, which would finally culminate in an open rupture, that he
uro-ed Mr. Livingston, to not only insist upon the free navigation of
the Mississippi, but to negotiate for the purchase of the city and the
surrounding country.
The questiou of this negotiation was of so grave .a character to the
United States that the President appointed Mr. Monroe, with full
power to act in conjunction with Mr. Livingston. Ever equal to all
emergencies, and prompt in the cabinet, as well as in the field, Na-
poleon came to the conclusion that, as he could not well defend his
occupancy of New Orleans, he would dispose of it, on the best terms
possible. Before, however, taking final action in the matter, he sum-
moned two of his Ministers, and addressed them follows : —
" I am fully sensible of the value of Louisiana, and it was my wish
to repair the error of the French diplomatists who abandoned it in
1763. I have scarcely recovered it before I run the risk of losing it:
but if I am obliged to give it up, it shall hereafter cost more to those
who force me to part with it, than to those to whom I shall
yield it. The English have despoiled France of all her northern pos-
sessions in America, and now they covet those of the South. I am
determined that they shall not have the Mississippi. Although
Louisiana is but a trifle compared to their vast possessions in other
parts of the globe, yet, judging from the vexation they have mani-
fested on seeing it return to the power of France, I am certain that
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 3
their first object will be to gain possession of it. They will proba-
bly commence the war in that quarter. They have twenty vessels in
the Gulf of Mexico, and our affairs in St. Domingo are daily getting
worse since the death of LeCIerc. The conquest of Louisiana might
be easily made, and I have not a moment to lose in getting out of
their reach. I am not sure but that they have already begun an at-
tack upon it. Such a measure would be in accordance with their
habits ; and in their place I should not wait. I am inclined, in order
to deprive them of all prospect of ever possessing it, to cede it to the
United States. Indeed, I can hardly say that I cede it, for I do not
yet possess it ; and if I wait but a short time my enemies may leave
me nothing but an empty title to grant to the Republic I wish to con-
ciliate. I consider the whole colony as lost, and I believe that in the
hands of this rising power it will be more useful to the political and
even commercial interests of France than if I should attempt to retain
it. Let me have both your opinions on the subject."
One of his Ministers approved of the contemplated cession, but
the other opposed it. The matter was long and earnestly, discussed
by them, before the conference was ended. The next day, Napoleon
sent for the Minister who had agreed with him, and said to him : —
"The season for deliberation is over. I have determined to re-
nounce Louisiana. I shall give up not only New Orleans, but the
whole colony, without reservation. That I do not undervalue Louis-
iana, I have sufficiently proved, as the object of my first treaty with
Spain was to recover it. But though I regret parting with it, I am
convinced it would be folly to persist in trying to keep it. I commis-
sion you, therefore, to negotiate this affair with the envoys of the
United States. Do not wait the arrival of Mr. Monroe, but go this
very day and confer with Mr. Livingston. Remember, however, that
I need ample funds for carrying on the war, and I do not wish to com-
mence it by levying new taxes. For the last century France and Spain
have incurred great expense in the improvement of Louisiana, for
which her trade has never indemnified them. Large sums have been
advanced to different companies, which have never been returned to
the treasury. It is fair that I should require repayment for these.
Were I to regulate my demands by the importance of this territory
to the United States, they would be unbounded ; but, being obliged to
part with it, I shall be moderate in my terms. Still, remember, I
must have fifty millions of francs, and I will not consent to take less.
4 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
I would rather make some desperate effort to preserve this fine
country."
That day the negotiations commenced. Mr. Monroe reached Paris
on the 12th of April, 1803, and the two representatives of the United
States, after holding a private interview, announced that they were
ready to treat for the entire territory. On the 30th of April, the
treaty was signed, and on the 21st of October, of the same year, Con-
gress ratified the treaty. The United States were to pay $11,250,000,
and her citizens were to be compensated for some illegal captures.,
to the amount of $3,750,000, making in the aggregate the sum of
$15,000,000, while it was agreed that the vessels and merchandise of
France and Spain should be admitted into all the ports ot Louisiana
free of duty for twelve years. Bonaparte stipulated in favor of
Louisiana, that it should be, as soon as possible, incorporated into
the Union, and that its inhabitants should enjoy the same rights,
privileges and immunities as other citizens of the United States, and
the clause giving to them these benefits was drawn up by Bonaparte,
who presented it to the plenipotentiaries with these words : —
" Make it known to the people of Louisiana, that we regret to part
with them ; that we have stipulated for all the advantages they could
desire ; and that France, in giving them up, has insured to them the
greatest of all. They could never have prospered under any Euro-
pean government as they will when they become independent. But
while they enjoy the privileges of liberty let them remember that they
are French, and preserves for their mother country that affection which
a common origin inspires."
Complete satisfaction was given to both parties in the terms of the
treaty. Mr. Livingston said : —
" I consider that from this day the United States takes rank with
the first powers of Europe, and now she has entirely escaped from the
power of England," and Bonaparte expressed a similar sentiment when
he said : " By this cession of territory I have secured the power of the
United States, and given to England a maritime rival, who, at some
future time, will humble her pride."
These were prophetic words, for within a few years afterward the
British met with a signal defeat, on the plains of the very territory of
which the great Corsican had been speaking.
From 1800, the date of the cession made by Spain, to 1803, when
it was purchased by the United States, no change had been made by
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 0
the French authorities in the jurisprudence of the Upper and Lower
Louisiana, and during this period the Spanish laws remained in full
force, as the laws of the entire province ; a fact which is of interest to
those who would understand the legal history and some of the present
laws of Missouri.
On December 20th, 1803, Gens. Wilkinson and Claiborne, who
were jointly commissioned to take possession of the territory for the
United States, arrived in the city of New Orleans at the head of the
American forces. Laussat, who had taken possession but twenty days
previously as the prefect of the colony, gave up his command, and the
star-spangled banner supplanted the tri-colored flag of France. The
agent of France, to take possession of Upper Louisiana from the
Spanish authorities, was Amos Stoddard, captain of artillery in the
United States service. He was placed in possession of St. Louis on
the 9th of March, 1804, by Charles Dehault Delassus, the Spanish
commandant, and on the following day he transferred it to the United
States. The authority of the United States in Missouri dates from
this day.
From that moment the interests of the people of the Mississippi
Valley became identified. They were troubled no more with uncer-
tainties in regard to free navigation. The great river, along whose
banks they had planted their towns and villages, now afforded them
a safe and easy outlet to the markets of the world. Under the pro-
tecting aegis of a government, republican in form, and having free
access to an almost boundless domain, embracing in its broad area the
diversified climates of the globe, and possessing a soil unsurpassed for
fertility, beauty of scenery and wealth of minerals, they had every
incentive to push on their enterprises and build up the land wherein
their lot had been cast.
In the purchase of Louisiana, it was known that a great empire had
been secured as a heritage to the people of our country, for all time to
come, but its grandeur, its possibilities, its inexhaustible resources
and the important relations it would sustain to the nation and the
world were never dreamed of by even Mr. Jefferson and his adroit and
accomplished diplomatists.
The most ardent imagination never conceived of the progress which
would mark the history of the " Great West." The adventurous
pioneer, who fifty years ago pitched his tent upon its broad prairies,
or threaded the dark labyrinths of its lonely forests, little thought that
a mighty tide of physical and intellectual strength, would so rapidly
6 HISTORY OF MISSOURI
flow on in his footsteps, to populate, build up and enrich the domain
which he had conquered.
Year after year, civilization has advanced further and further, until
at length the mountains, the hills and the valleys, and even the rocks
and the caverns, resound with the noise and din of busy millions.
" I beheld the westward marches
Of the unknown crowded nations.
All the land was full of people,
Restless, struggling, toiling, striving,
Speaking many tongues, yet feeling
But one heart-beat in their bosoms.
In the woodlands rang their axes ;
Smoked their towns in all the valleys;
Over all the lakes and rivers
Rushed their great canoes of thunder."
In 1804, Congress, by an act passed in April of the same year,
divided Louisiana into two parts, the " Territory of Orleans," and
the " District of Louisiana," known as "Upper Louisiana." This
district included all that portion of the old province, north of " Hope
Encampment," on the Lower Mississippi, and embraced the present
State of Missouri, and all the western region of country to the Pacific
Ocean, and all below the forty-ninth degree of north latitude not
claimed by Spain.
As a matter of convenience, on March 26th, 1804, Missouri was
placed within the jurisdiction of the government of the Territory of
Indiana, and its government put in motion by Gen. William H. Har-
rison, then governor of Indiana. In this he was assisted by Judges
Griffin, Vanderburg and Davis, who established in St. Louis what were
called Courts of Common Pleas. The District of Louisiana was re°-u-
larly organized into the Territory of Louisiana by Congress, March 3,
1805, and President Jefferson appointed Gen . James Wilkinson, Gov-
ernor, and Frederick Bates, Secretary. The Legislature of the ter-
ritory was formed by Governor Wilkinson and Judges R. J. Meio-s
and John B. C. Lucas. In 1807, Governor Wilkinson was succeeded
by Captain Meriwether Lewis, who had become famous by reason of
his having made the expedition up the Missouri with Clark. Governor
Lewis committed suicide in 1809 and President Madison appointed
Gen. Benjamin Howard of Lexington, Kentucky, to fill his place.
Gen. Howard resigned October 25, 1810, to enter the war of 1812,
and died in St. Louis, in 1814. Captain William Clark, of Lewis and
Clark's expedition, was appointed Governor in 1810, to succeed Gen.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 7
Howard, and remained in office until the admission of the State into
the Union, in 1821.
The portions of Missouri which were settled, for the purposes of
local government were divided into /four districts. Cape Girardeau
was the first, and embraced the territory between Tywappity Bottom
and Apple Creek. Ste. Genevieve, the second, embraced the terri-
tory from Apple Creek to the Meramec River. St. Louis, the third,
embraced the territory between the Meramec and Missouri Rivers.
St. Charles, the fourth, included the settled territory, between the
Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The total population of these dis-
tricts at that time, was 8,670, including slaves. The population of
the district of Louisiana, when ceded to the United States was 10.120.
CHAPTEK II.
DESCRIPTIVE AND GEOGRAPHICAL.
Name — Extent — Surface — Eivers — Timber — Climate — Prairies — Soils — Popula-
tion by Counties.
NAME.
The name Missouri is derived from the Indian tongue and signifies
muddy.
EXTENT.
Missouri is bounded on the north by Iowa (from which it is sep-
arated for about thirty miles on the northeast, by the Des Moines
River), and on the east by the Mississippi River, which divides it from
Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, and on the west by the Indian Ter-
ritory, and the States of Kansas and Nebraska, The State lies (with
the exception of a small projection between the St. Francis and the
Mississippi Rivers, which extends to 36°), between 36° 30' and 40° 36'
north latitude, and between 12° 2' and 18° 51' west longitude from
Washington.
The extreme width of the State east and west, is about 348 miles ;
its width on its northern boundary, measured from its northeast cor-
ner along the Iowa line, to its intersection with the Des Moines
8 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
River, is about 210 miles ; its width on its southern boundary is about
288 miles. Its average width is about 235 miles.
The length of the State north and south , not including the narrow strip
between the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers, is about 282 miles. It
is about 450 miles from its extreme northwest corner to its southeast
corner, and from the northeast corner to the southwest corner, it is
about 230 miles. These limits embrace an area of 65,350 square
miles, or 41,824,000 acres, being nearly as large as England, and the
States of Vermont and New Hampshire.
SURFACE.
North of the Missouri, the State is level or undulating, while the
portion south of that river (the larger portion of the State) exhibits a
greater variety of surface. In the southeastern part is an extensive
marsh, reaching beyond the State into Arkansas. The remainder of
this portion between the Mississippi and Osage Rivers is rolling, and
gradually rising into a hilly and mountainous district, forming the out-
skirts of the Ozark Mountains.
Beyond the Osage River, at some distance, commences a vast- ex-
panse of prairie land which stretches away towards the Rocky Moun-
tains. The ridges forming the Ozark chain extend in a northeast and
southwest direction, separating the waters that flow northeast into the
Missouri from those that flow southeast into the Mississippi River.
RIVERS.
No State in the Union enjoys better facilities for navigation than
Missouri. By means of the Mississippi River, which stretches along
her entire eastern boundary, she can hold commercial intercourse with
the most northern territory and State in the Union ; with the whole
valley of the Ohio ; with many of the Atlantic States, and with the
Gulf of Mexico.
"Ay, gather Europe's royal rivers all —
The snow-swelled Neva, with an Empire's weight
On her broad breast, she yet may overwhelm;
Dark Danube, hurrying, as by foe pursued,
Through shaggy forests and by palace walls,
To hide its terror in a sea of gloom ;
The castled Rhine, whose vine-crowned waters flow
The fount of fable and the source of song ; '
The rushing Rhone, in whose cerulean depths
The loving sky seems wedded with the wave-
The yellow Tiber, chok'd with Roman spoils)
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 9
A dying miser shrinking 'neath his gold ;
The Seine, where fashion glasses the fairest forms ;
The Thames that bears the riches of the world;
Gather their waters in one ocean mass,
Our Mississippi rolling proudly on,
Would sweep them from its path, or swallow up,
Like Aaron's rod, these streams of fame and song."
By the Missouri River she can extend her commerce to the Rocky
Mountains, and receive in return the products which will come in the
course of time, by its multitude of tributaries.
The Missouri River coasts the northwest line of the State for abput
250 miles, following its windings, and then flows through the State, a
little south of east, to its junction with the Mississippi. The Mis-
souri River receives a number of tributaries within the limits of the
State, the principal of which are the Nodaway, Platte, Grand and
Chariton from the north, and the Blue, Sniabar, Lamine, Osage and
Gasconade from the south. The principal tributaries of the Missis-
sippi within the State, are the Salt River, north, and the Meramec
River south of the Missouri.
The St. Francis and White Rivers, with their branches, drain
the southeastern part of the State, and pass into Arkansas. The
Osage is navigable for steamboats for more than 175 miles. There
are a vast number of smaller streams, such as creeks, branches and
rivers, which water the State in all directions.
Timber. — Not more towering in their sublimity were the cedars of
ancient Lebanon, nor more precious in their utility were the almug-
trees of Ophir, than the native forests of Missouri. The river bottoms
are covered with a luxuriant growth of oak, ash, elm, hickory, cotton-
wood, linn, white and black walnut, and in fact, all the varieties found
in the Atlantic and Eastern States. In the more barren districts may
be seen the white and pin oak, and in many places a dense growth of
pine. The crab apple, papaw and persimmon are abundant, as also
the hazel and pecan.
Climate. — The climate of Missouri is, in general, pleasant and
salubrious. Like that of North America, it is changeable, and sub-
iect to sudden and sometimes extreme changes of heat and cold ; but
it is decidedly milder, taking the whole year through, than that of the
same latitudes east of the mountains. While the summers are not
more oppressive than they are in the corresponding latitudes on and
near the Atlantic coast, the winters are shorter, and very much milder,
10 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
except during the month of February, which has many days of pleas-
ant sunshine.
Prairies. — Missouri is a prairie State, especially that portion of it
north and northwest of the Missouri River. These prairies, along the
Water courses, abound with the thickest and most luxurious belts of
timber, while the "rolling" prairies occupy the higher portions of
the country, the descent generally to the forests or bottom lands being
over only declivities. Many of these prairies, however, exhibit a grace-
fully waving surface, swelling and sinking with an easy slope, and a
full, rounded outline, equally avoiding the unmeaning horizontal sur-
face and the interruption of abrupt or angular elevations.
These prairies often embrace extensive tracts of land, and in one or
two instances they cover an area of fifty thousand acres. During the
spring and summer they are carpeted with a velvet of green, and
gaily bedecked with flowers of various forms and hues, making a
most fascinating panorama of ever-changing color and loveliness. To
fully appreciate their great beauty and magnitude, they must be
seen.
Soil. — The soil of Missouri is good, and of great agricultural capa-
bilities, but the most fertile portions of the State are the river bot-
toms, which are a rich alluvium, mixed in many cases with sand, the
producing qualities of which are not excelled by the prolific valley of
the famous Nile.
South of the Missouri River there is a greater variety of soil, but
much of it is fertile, and even in the mountains and mineral districts
there are rich valleys, and about the sources of the White, Eleven
Points, Current and Big Black Rivers, the soil, though unproductive,
furnishes a valuable growth of yellow pine.
The marshy lands in the southeastern part of the State will, by a
system of drainage, be one of the most fertile districts in the State.
HI8TOET OF MISSOURI.
POPULATION BY COUNTIES IN 1870, 1876, AND 1880.
11
Counties.
Adair .
Andrew
Atchison .
Audrain
Barry .
Barton
Bates .
Benton
Bollinger .
Boone
Buchanan .
Butler
Caldwell .
Callaway .
Camden
Cape Girardeau
Carroll
Carter
Cass .
Cedar .
Chariton
Christian .
Clark .
Clay . .
Clinton
Cole .
Cooper
Crawford .
Dade .
Dallas
Daviess
, DeKalb .
Dent .
Douglas .
Dunklin
Franklin .
Gasconade .
Gentry
Greene
Grundy
Harrison .
Henry
Hickory
Holt .
Howard
Howell
Iron .
* Jackson
. Jasper
Jefferson .
Johnson
Knox .
Laclede .
Lafayette .
Lawrence .
Lewis .
Lincoln
Linn .
Livingston .
1870.
11,449
15,137
8,440
12,307
10,373
6,087
15,960
11,322
8,162
20,765
35,109
4,298
11,390
19,202
6,108
17,558
17,440
1,440
19,299
9,471
19,136
6,707
13,667
15,564
14,063
10,292
20,692
7,982
8,683
8,383
14,410
9,858
6,357
3,915
5,982
30,098
10,093
11,607
21,549
10,567
14,635
17,401
6,452
11,652
17,233
4,218
6,278
55,041
14,928
15,380
24,648
10,974
9,380
22,624
13,067
15,114
15,960
15,906
16,730
1876.
13,774
14,992
10,925
15,157
11,146
6,900
17,484
11,027
8,884
31,923
38,165
4,363
12,200
25,257
7,027
17,891
21,498
1,549
18,069
9,897
23,294
7,936
14,549
15,320
13,698
14,122
21,356
9,391
11,089
8,073
16,557
11,159
7,401
6,461
6,255
26,924
11,160
12,673
24,693
13,071
18,530
18,465
5,870
13,245
17,815
6,766
6,623
64,045
29,384
16,186
23,646
12,678
9,845
22,204
13,054
16,360
16,858
18,110
18,074
1880.
15,190
16,318
14,565
19,739
14,424
10,332
25,382
12,398
11,132
25,424
49,824
6,011
13,654
23,670
7,269
20,998
23,300
2,168
22,431
10,747
25,224
9,632
15,631
15,579
16,073
15,519
21,622
10,763
12,557
9,272
19,174
13,343
10,647
7,753
9,604
26,536
11,153
17,188
28,817
15,201
20,318
23,914
7,388
15,510
18,428
8,814
8,183
82,328
32,021
18,736
28,177
13,047
11,524
25,761
17,585
15,925
17,443
20,016
20,205
12
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
POPULATION BY COUNTIES — Continued.
Counties.
McDonald
Macon
Madison
Maries
Marion
Mercer
Miller
Mississippi
Moniteau
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
New Madrid
Newton
Nodaway
Oregon
Osage .
Ozark .
Pemiscot
Perry .
Pettis .
Phelps
Pike .
Platte
Polk .
Pulaski
Putnam
Rails .
Randolph
Ray .
Reynolds
Ripley
St. Charles
St. Clair
St. Prancois
Ste. Genevieve
St. Louis1
Saline
Schuyler
Scotland
Scott .
Shannon
Shelby
Stoddard
Stone .
Sullivan
Taney
Texas
Vernon
Warren
Washington
Wayne
Webster
Worth
Wright
City of St. Louis
1876.
1876.
5,226
23,230
5,849
5,916
23,780
11,557
6,616
4,982
13,375
17,149
10,405
8,434
6,357
12,821
14,751
3,287
10,793
3,363
2,059
9,877
18,706
10,606
23,076
17,352
14,445
4,714
11,217
10,510
15,908
18,700
3,756
3,175
21,304
6,742
■ 9,742
8,384
351,189
21,672
8,820
10,670
7,317
2,339
10,119
8,535
3,253
11,907
4,407
9,618
11,247
9,673
11,719
6,068
10,434
5,004
5,684
6,072
25,028
8,750
6,481
22,794
13,393
8,529
7,498
13,084
17,751
14,418
9,529
6,673
16,875
23,196
4,469
11,200
4,579
2,573
11,189
23,167
9,919
22,828
15,948
13,467
6,157
12,641
9,997
19,173
18,394
4,716
3,913
21,821
11,242
11,621
9,409
27,087
9,881
12,030
7,312
3,236
13,243
10,888
3,544
14,039
6,124
10,287
14,413
10,321
13,100
7,006
10,684
7,164
6,124
1880.
7,816
26,223
8,866
7,304
24,837
14,674
9,807
9,270
14,349
19,075
16,250
10,134
7,694
18,948
29,560
6,791
11,824
5,618
4,299
11,895
27,285
12,565
26,716
17,372
15,745
7,250
13,556
11,838
22,751
20,1%
6,722
5,377
23,060
14,126
13,822
10,309
31,888
29,912
10,470
12,507
8,587
3,441
14,024
13,432
4,405
16,569
5,605
12,207
19,370
10,806
12,895
9,097
12,175
8,208
9,733
850,522
1,721,295 1,547,030 1 2,168,804
i St. Louis City and County separated to 1877. Population lor 1876 not given.
HISTORY OP MISSOURI.
SUMMARY.
13
Males
Females
Native
Foreign
White
Colored '
1,126,424
1,041,380
1,957,564
211,240
2,023,568
145,236
CHAP TEE HI.
GEOLOGY OF MISSOURI.
Classification of Rocks — Quatenary Formation — Tertiary — Cretaceous — Carbonifer-
ous — Devonian — Silurian — Azoic — Economic Geology — Coal — Iron — Lead —
Copper — Zinc — Building Stone — Marble — Gypsum — Lime — Clays — Paints —
Springs — Water Power.
The stratified rocks of Missouri, as classified and treated of by Prof.
G. C. Swallow, belong to the following divisions : I. Quatenary ;
II. Tertiary; III. Cretaceous; IV. Carboniferous; V. Devonian;
VI. Silurian ; VII. Azoic.
" The Quatenary formations, are the most recent, and the most
valuable to man: valuable, because they can be more readily utilized.
The Quatenary formation in Missouri, embraces the Alluvium, 30
feet thick ; Bottom Prairie, 30 feet thick ; Bluff, 200 feet thick ; and
Drift, 155 feet thick. The latest deposits are those which constitute
the Alluvium, and includes the soils, pebbles and sand, clays, vegeta-
ble mould, bog, iron ore, marls, etc.
The Alluvium deposits, cover an area, within the limits of Mis-
souri, of more than four millions acres of land, which are not sur-
passed for fertility by any region of country on the globe.
The Bluff Prairie formation is confined to the low lands, which are
washed by the two great rivers which course our eastern and western
boundaries, and while it is only about half as extensive as the Allu-
vial, it is equally as rich and productive."
" The Bluff formation," says Prof. Swallow, " rests upon the
ridges and river bluffs, and descends along their slopes to the lowest
valleys, the formation capping all the Bluffs of the Missouri from
Fort Union to its mouth, and those of the Mississippi from Dubuque
1 Including 92 Chinese, 2 half Chinese, and 96 Indians and half-breeds.
14 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
to the mouth of the Ohio. It forms the upper stratum beneath the
soil of all the high lands, both timber and prairies, of all the counties
north of the Osage and Missouri, and also St. Louis, and the Missis-
sippi counties on the south.
Its greatest development is in the counties on the Missouri River
from the Iowa line to Boonville. In some localities it is 200 feet
thick. At St. Joseph it is 140 ; at Boonville 100 ; and at St. Louis,
in St. George's quarry, and the Big Mound, it is about 50 feet ;
while its greatest observed thickness in Marion county was only 30
feet."
The Drift formation is that which lies beneath the Bluff formation,
having, as Prof. Swallow informs us, three distinct deposits, to wit:
"Altered Drift, which are strata of sand and pebbles, seen in the
banks of the Missouri, in the northwestern portion of the State.
The Boulder formation is a heterogeneous stratum of sand, gravel
and boulder, and water-worn fragments of the older rocks.
Boulder Clay is a bed of bluish or brown sandy clay, through which
pebbles are scattered in greater or less abundance. In some locali-
ties in northern Missouri, this formation assumes a pure white, pipe-
clay color."
The Tertiary formation is made up of clays, shales, iron ores, sand-
stone, and sands, scattered along the bluffs, and edges of the bottoms,
reaching from Commerce, Scott County, to Stoddard, and south to
the Chalk Bluffs in Arkansas.
The Cretaceous formation lies beneath the Tertiary, and is com-
posed of variegated sandstone, bluish-brown sandy slate, whitish-
brown impure sandstone, fine white clay mingled with spotted flint,
purple, red and blue clays, all being in the aggregate, 158 feet in
thickness. There are no fossils in these rocks, and nothing by which
their age may be told.
The Carboniferous system includes the Upper Carboniferous or
coal-measures, and the LoWer Carboniferous or Mountain limestone.
The coal-measures are made up of numerous strata of sandstones,
limestones, shales, clays, marls, spathic iron ores, and coals.
The Carboniferous formation, including coal-measures and the beds
of iron, embrace an area in Missouri of 27,000 square miles. The
varieties of coal found in the State are the common bituminous and
cannel coals, and they exist in quantities inexhaustible. The fact
that these coal-measures are full of fossils, which are always confined
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 15
to the coal measures, enables the geologist to point them out, and the
coal beds contained in them.
The rocks of the Lower Carboniferous formation are varied in color,
and are quarried in many different parts of the State, being exten-
sively utilized for building and other purposes.
Among the Lower Carboniferous rocks is found the Upper Archi-
medes Limestone, 200 feet ; Ferruginous Sandstone, 195 feet ; Mid-
dle Archimedes, 50 feet ; St. Louis Limestone, 250 feet ; Oolitic
Limestone, 25 feet ; Lower Archimedes Limestone, 350 feet ; and
Encrinital Limestone, 500 feet. These limestones generally contain
fossils.
The Ferruginous limestone is soft when quarried, but becomes hard
and durable after exposure. It contains large quantities of iron, and
is found skirting the eastern coal measures from the mouth of the
Des Moines to McDonald county.
The St. Louis limestone is of various hues and tints, and very hard.
It is found in Clark, Lewis and St. Louis counties.
The Lower Archimedes limestone includes partly the lead bearing
rocks of Southwestern Missouri.
The Encrinital limestone is the most extensive of the divisions of
Carboniferous limestone, and is made up of brown, buff, gray and
white. In these strata are found the remains of corals and mollusks.
This formation extends from Marion county to Greene county. The
Devonian system contains : Chemung Group, Hamilton Group,
Onondaga limestone and Oriskany sandstone. The rocks of the
Devonian system are found in Marion, Ralls, Pike, Callaway, Saline
and Ste. Genevieve counties.
The Chemung Group has three formations, Chouteau limestone, 85
feet; Vermicular sandstone and shales, 75 feet; Lithographic lime-
stone, 125 feet.
The Chouteau limestone is in two divisions, when fully developed,
and when first quarried is soft. It is not only good for building pur-
poses but makes an excellent cement.
The Vermicular sandstone and shales are usually buff or yellowish
brown, and perforated with pores.
The Lithographic limestone is a pure, fine, compact, evenly-tex-
tured limestone. Its color varies from light drab to buff and blue.
It is called "pot metal," because under the hammer it gives a sharp,
ringing sound. It bas but few fossils.
16 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
The Hamilton Group is made up of some 40 feet of blue shales, and
170 feet of crystalline limestone.
Onondaga limestone is usually a coarse, gray or buff crystalline,
thick-bedded and cherty limestone. No formation in Missouri pre-
sents such variable and widely different lithological characters as the
Onondaga.
The Oriskany sandstone is a light, gray limestone.
Of the Upper Silurian series there are the following formations :
Lower Helderberg, 350 feet ; Niagara Group, 200 feet ; Cape Girar-
deau limestone, 60 feet.
The Lower Helderberg is made up of buff, gray, and reddish cherty
and argillaceous limestone.
Niagara Group. The Upper part of this group consists of red,
yellow and ash-colored shales, with compact limestones, variegated
with bands and nodules of chert.
The Cape Girardeau limestone, on the Mississippi Eiver near Cape
Girardeau, is a compact, bluish-gray, brittle limestone, with smooth
fractures in layers from two to six inches in thickness, with argilla-
ceous partings. These strata contain a great many fossils.
The Lower Silurian has the following ten formations, to wit : Hud-
son River Group, 220 feet ; Trenton limestone, 360 feet ; Black River
and Bird's Eye limestone, 175 feet; first Magnesian limestone, 200
feet; Saccharoidal sandstone, 125 feet; second Magnesian limestone,
250 feet ; second sandstone, 115 feet ; third Magnesian limestone,
350 feet; third sandstone, 60 feet; fourth Magnesian limestone, 350
feet.
Hudson River Group : — There are three formations which Prof.
Swallow refers to in this group. These formations are found in the
bluff above and below Louisiana ; on the Grassy a few miles north-
west of Louisiana, and in Ralls, Pike, Cape Girardeau and Ste. Gene-
vieve Counties.
Trenton limestone : The upper part of this formation is made up
of thick beds of hard, compact, bluish gray and drab limestone, varie-
gated with irregular cavities, filled with greenish materials.
The beds are exposed between Hannibal and New London north of
Salt River, near Glencoe, St. Louis County, and are seventy-five feet
thick.
Black River and Bird's Eye limestone the same color as the Trenton
limestone.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 17
The first Magnesian limestone cap the picturesque bluffs of the Osage
in Benton and neighboring counties.
The Saccharoidal sandstone has a wide range in the State. In a
bluff about two miles from Warsaw, is a very striking change of thick-
ness of this formation.
Second Magnesian limestone, in lithological character, is like the
first.
The second sandstone, usually of 3^ellowish brown, sometimes
becomes a pure white, fine-grained, soft sandstone as on Cedar Creek,
in Washington and Franklin Counties.
The third Magnesian limestone is exposed in the high and picturesque
bluffs of the Niangua, in the neighborhood of Bryce's Spring.
The third sandstone is white and has a formation in moving water.
The fourth Magnesian limestone is seen on the Niangua and Osage
Rivers.
The Azoic rocks lie below the Silurian and form a series of silicious
and other slates which contain no remains of organic life.
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY.
Coal. — Missouri is particularly rich in minerals. Indeed, no State
in the Union, surpasses her in this respect. In some unknown age of
the past — long before the existence of man — Nature, by a wise process,
made a bountiful provision for the time, when in the order of things,
it should be necessary 'for civilized man to take possession of these
broad, rich prairies. As an equivalent for lack of forests, she quietly
stored away beneath the soil those wonderful carboniferous treasures
for the use of man.
Geological surveys have developed the fact that the coal deposits in
the State are almost unnumbered, embracing all varieties of the best
bituminous coal. A large portion of the State, has been ascer-
tained to be one continuous coal field, stretching from the mouth
of the Des Moines River through Clark, Lewis, Scotland, Adair,
Macon, Shelby, Monroe, Audrain, Callaway, Boone, Cooper, Pettis,
Benton, Henry, St. Clair, Bates, Vernon, Cedar, Dade, Barton and
Jasper, into the Indian Territory, and the counties on the northwest of
this line contain more or less coal. Coal rocks exist in Ralls, Mont-
gomery, Warren, St. Charles, Moniteau, Cole, Morgan, Crawford and
I Lincoln, and during the past few years, all along the lines of all the
railroads in North Missouri, and along the western end of the Missouri
Pacific, and on the Missouri River, between Kansas City and Sioux
2
18 HISTOKY OF MISSOURI.
City, has systematic mining, opened up hundreds of mines in different
localities. The area of our coal beds, on the line of the southwestern
boundary of the State alone, embraces more than 26,000 square miles
of regular coal measures. This will give of workable coal, if the
average be one foot, 26,800,000,000 tons. The estimates from the
developments already made, in the different portions of the State, will
give 134,000,000,000 tons.
The economical value of this coal to the State, its influence in
domestic life, in navigation, commerce and manufactures, is beyoud
the imagination of man to conceive. Suffice it to say, that in the pos-
session of her developed and undeveloped coal mines, Missouri has a
motive power, which in its influences for good, in the civilization of
man, is more potent than the gold of California.
Iron. — Prominent among the minerals, which increase the power
and prosperity of a nation, is iron. Of this ore, Missouri has an inex-
haustible quantity, and like her coal fields, it has been developed in
many portions of the State, and of the best and purest quality. It is
found in great abundance in the counties of Cooper, St. Clair,, Greene,
Henry, Franklin, Benton, Dallas, Camden, Stone, Madison, Iron,
Washington, Perry, St. Francois, Reynolds, Stoddard, Scott, Dent
and others. The greatest deposit of iron is found in the Iron Moun-
tain, which is two hundred feet high, and covers an area of five hun-
dred acres, and produces a metal, which is shown by analysis, to con-
tain from 65 to 69 per cent of metallic iron.
The ore of Shepherd Mountain contains from 64 to 67 per cent of
metallic iron. The ore of Pilot Knob contains from 53 to 60 per cent.
Rich beds of iron are also found at the Big Bogy Mountain, and at
Russell Mountain. This ore has, in its nude state, a varietv of colors,
from the red, dark red, black, brown, to a light bluish gray. The
red ores are found in twenty-one or more counties of the State, and
are of great commercial value. The brown hematite iron ores extend
over a greater range of country than all the others combined, embrac-
ing about one hundred counties, and have been ascertained to exist in
these in large quantities.
Lead. — Long before any permanent settlements were made in Mis-
souri by the whites, lead was mined within the limits of the State at
two or three points on the Mississippi. At this time more than five
hundred mines are opened, and many of them are being successfully
worked. These deposits of lead cover an area, so far as developed^
of more than seven thousand square miles. Mines have been opened*
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 19
in Jefferson, Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Wayne, Carter, Rey-
nolds, Crawford, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cole, Cape Girardeau, Cam-
den, Morgan, and many other counties.
Copper and Zinc. — Several varieties of copper ore are found in
Missouri. The copper mines of Shannon, Madison and Franklin
Counties have been known for years, and some of these have been
successfully worked and are now yielding good results.
Deposits of copper have been discovered in Dent, Crawford, Ben-
ton, Maries, Green, Lawrence, Dade, Taney, Dallas, Phelps, Reynolds
and Wright Counties.
Zinc is abundant in nearly all the lead mines in the southwestern
part of the State, and since the completion of the A. & P. R. R. a
market has been furnished for this ore, which will be converted into
valuable merchandise.
Building Stone and Marble. — There is no scarcity of good building
stone in Missouri. Limestone, sandstone and granite exist in all
shades of buff, blue, red and brown, and are of great beauty as build-
ing material.
There are many marble beds m the State, some of which furnish
very beautiful and excellent marble. It is found in Marion, Cooper,
St. Louis, and other counties.
One of the most desirable of the Missouri marbles is in the 3rd
Magnesian limestone, on the Niangua. It is fine-grained, crystalline,
silico-magnesian limestone, light-drab, slightly tinged with peach blos-
som, and clouded by deep flesh-colored shades. In ornamental archi-
tecture it is rarely surpassed.
Gypsum and Lime. — Though no extensive beds of gypsum have
been -discovered in Missouri, there are vast beds of the pure white
crystalline variety on the line of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, on Kan-
sas River, and on Gypsum Creek. It exists also in several other
localities accessible by both rail and boat.
All of the limestone formations in the State, from the coal measures
to fourth Magnesian, have more or less strata of very nearly pure car-
bonate of pure lime.
Clays and Paints. — Clays are found in nearly all parts of the State
suitable for making bricks. Potters' clay and fire-clay are worked in
many localities.
There are several beds of purple shades in the coal measures which
possess the properties requisite for paints used in outside work. Yel-
low and red ochres are found in considerable quantities on the Missouri
20 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
River. Some of these paints have been thoroughly tested and found
fire-proof and durable.
SPRINGS AND WATER POWER.
No State is, perhaps, better supplied with cold springs of pure water
than Missouri. Out of the bottoms, there is scarcely a section of
land but has one or more perennial springs of good water. Even
where there are no springs, good water can be obtained by digging
from twenty to forty feet. Salt springs are abundant in the central
part of the State, and discharge their brine in Cooper, Saline, Howard,
and adjoining counties. Considerable salt was made in Cooper and
Howard Counties at an early day.
Sulphur springs are also numerous throughout the State. The
Chouteau Springs in Cooper, the Monagaw Springs in St. Clair, the
Elk Springs in Pike, and the Cheltenham Springs in St. Louis County
have acquired considerable reputation as salubrious waters, and have
become popular places of resort. Many other counties have good
sulphur springs.
Among the Chalybeate springs the Sweet Springs on the Blaok-
water, and the Chalybeate spring in the University campus are, perhaps,
the most popular of the kind in the State. There are, however, other
springs impregnated with some of the salts of iron.
Petroleum springs are found in Carroll, Ray, Randolph, Cass,
Lafayette, Bates, Vernon, and other counties. The variety called
lubricating oil is the more common.
The water power of the State is excellent. Large sprint are
particularly abundant on the waters of the Meramec, Gasconade,
Bourbeuse, Osage, Niangua, Spring, White, Sugar, and other streams
Besides these, there are hundreds of springs sufficiently large to drive
mills and factories, and the day is not far distant when these crystal
fountains will be utilized, and a thousand saws will buzz to their
dashing music.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 21
CHAPTER IY.
TITLE AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Title to Missouri Lands — Right of Discovery — Title of France and Spain — Cession
to the United States — Territorial Changes — Treaties with Indians — First Settle-
ment— Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon — St. Louis — When Incorporated —
Potosi — St. Charles — Portage des Sioux — New Madrid — St. Francois County —
Perry — Mississippi — Loutre Island — "Boone's Lick" — Cote Sans Dessein —
Howard County — Some First Things — Counties — When Organized.
The title to the soil of Missouri was, of course, primarily vested in
the original occupants who inhabited the country prior to its discovery
by the whites. But the Indians, being savages, possessed but few
rights that civilized nations considered themselves bound to respect ;
so, therefore, when they found this country in* the possession of such
a people they claimed it in the name of the King of France, by the
right of discovery. It remained under the jurisdiction of France
until 1763.
Prior to the year 1763, the entire continent of North America was
divided between France, England, Spain and Eussia. France held all
that portion that now constitutes our national domain west of the
Mississippi Eiver, except Texas, and the territory which we have
obtained from Mexico and Eussia. The vast region, while under the
jurisdiction of France, was known as the " Province of Louisiana,"
and embraced the present State of Missouri. At the close of the
"Old French War," in 1763, France gave up her share of the con-
tinent, and Spain came into the possession of the territory west of the
Mississippi Eiver, while Great Britain retained Canada and the regions
northward, having obtained that territory by conquest, in the war
with France. For thirty-seven years the territory now embraced
within the limits of Missouri, remained as a part of the possession of
Spain, and then went back to France by the treaty of St. Ildefonso,
October 1, 1800. On the 30th of April, 1803, France ceded it to the
United States, in consideration of receiving $11,250,000, and the
liquidation of certain claims, held by citizens of the United States
against France, which amounted to the further sum of $3,750,000,
making a total of $15,000,000. It will thus be seen that France has
twice, and Spain once, held sovereignty over the territory embracing
22 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Missouri, but the financial needs of Napoleon afforded our Govern-
ment an opportunity to add another empire to its domain.
On the 31st of October, 1803, an act of Congress was approved,
authorizing the President to take possession of the newly acquired
territory, and provided for it a temporary government, and another
act, approved March 26, 1804, authorized the division of the " Louis-
iana Purchase," as it was then called, into two separate territories.
All that portion south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called
the " Territory of Orleans," and that north of the said parallel was
known as the " District of Louisiana," and was placed under the
jurisdiction of what was then known as " Indian Territory."
By virtue of an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1805, the
"District of Louisiana" was organized as the "Territory of Louis-
iana," with a territorial government of its own, which went into
operation July 4th of the same year, and it so remained till 1812. In
this year the " Territory of Orleans " became the State of Louisiana,
and the " Territory of Louisiana" was organized as the " Territory
of Missouri."
This change took place under an act of Congress, approved June 4,
1812. In 1819, a portion of this territory was organized as "Arkan-
sas Territory," and on August 10, 1821, the State of Missouri was
admitted, being a part of the former " Territory of Missouri."
In 1836, the " Platte Purchase," then being a part of the Indian
Territory, and now composing the counties of Atchison, Andrew,
Buchanan, Holt, Nodaway and Platte, was made by treaty with the
Indians, and added to the State. It will be seen, then, that the soil
of Missouri belonged : —
1. To France, with other territory.
2. In 1763, with other territory, it was ceded to Spain.
3. October 1, 1800, it was ceded, with other territory from Spain,
back to France.
4. April 30, 1803, it was ceded, with other territory, by France to
the United States.
5. October 31, 1803, a temporary government was authorized by
Congress for the newly acquired territory.
6. October 1, 1804, it was included in the " District of Louisiana"
and placed under the territorial government of Indiana.
7. July 4, 1805, it was included as a part of the " Territory of
Louisiana," then organized with a separate territorial government. «
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 23
8. June 4, 1812, it was embraced in what was then made the " Ter-
ritory of Missouri."
9. August 10, 1821, it was admitted into the Union as a State.
10. In 1836, the "Platte Purchase" was made, adding more ter-
ritory to the State.
The cession by France, April 30, 1803, vested the title in the United
States, subject to the claims of the Indians, which it was very justly
the policy of the Government to recognize. Before the Government
of the United States could vest clear title to the soil in the grantee it
was necessary to extinguish the Indian title by purchase. This was
done accordingly by treaties made with the Indians at different times.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The name of the first white man who set foot on the territory now
embraced in the State of Missouri, is not known, nor is it known at
what precise period the first settlements were made. It is, however,
generally agreed that they were made at Ste. Genevieve and New
Bourbon, tradition fixing the date of the settlements in the autumn of
1735. These towns were settled by the French from Kaskaskia and
St. Philip in Illinois.
St. Louis was founded by Pierre Laclede Liguest, on the 15th of
February, 1764. He was a native of France, and was one of the
members of the company of Laclede Liguest, Antonio Maxant & Co.,
to whom a royal charter had been granted, confirming the privilege
of an exclusive trade with the Indians of Missouri as far north as St.
Peter's River.
While in search of a trading post he ascended the Mississippi as far
as the mouth of the Missouri, and finally returned to the present town
site of St. Louis. After the village had been laid off he named it St.
Louis in honor of Louis XV., of France.
The colony thrived rapidly by accessions from Kaskaskia and other
towns on the east side of the Mississippi, and its trade was largely in.
creased by many of the Indian tribes, who removed a portion of their
peltry trade from the same towns to St. Louis. It was incorporated
as a town on the ninth day of November, 1809, "by the Court of Com-
mon Pleas of the district of St. Louis ; the town trustees being
Auguste Chouteau, Edward Hempstead, Jean F. Cabanne, Wm. C.
Carr and William Christy, aud incorporated as a city December 9,
1822. The selection of the town site on whieh St. Louis stands was
highly judicious, the spot not only being healthful and having the ad-
24 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
vantages of water transportation unsurpassed, but surrounded by a
beautiful region of country, rich in soil and mineral resources. St.
Louis has grown to be the fifth city in population in the Union, and
is to-day the great center of internal commerce of the Missouri, th©
Mississippi and their tributaries, and, with its railroad facilities, it is
destined to be the greatest inland city of the American continent.
The next settlement was made at Potosi, in Washington County, in
1765, by Francis Breton, who, while chasing a bear, discovered the
mine near the present town of Potosi, where he afterward located.
One of the most prominent pioneers who settled at Potosi was
Moses Austin, of Virginia, who, in 1795, received by grant from the
Spanish government a league of land, now known as the "Austin Sur-
vey." The grant was made on condition that Mr. Austin would es-
tablish a lead mine at Potosi and work it. He built a palatial
residence, for that day, on the brow of the hill in the little village,
which was for many years known as " Durham Hall." At this point
the first shot-tower and sheet-lead manufactory were erected.
Five years after the founding of St. Louis the first settlement made
in Northern Missouri was made near St. Charles, in St. Charles
County, in 1769. The name given to it, and which it retained till
1784, was Les Petites Cotes, signifying, Little Hills. The town site
was located by Blanchette, a Frenchman, surnamed LeChasseur, who
built the first fort in the town and established there a military post.
Soon after the establishment of the military post at St. Charles, the
old French village of Portage des Sioux, was located on the Missis-
sippi, just below the mouth ot the Illinois River, and at about the
same time a Kickapoo village was commenced at Clear Weather Lake.
The present town site of New Madrid, in New Madrid county, was
settled in 1781, by French Canadians, it then being occupied by Del-
aware Indians. The place now known as Big River Mills, St. Fran-
cois county, was settled in 1796, Andrew Baker, John Alley, Francis
Starnater and John Andrews, each locating claims. The following
year, a settlement was made in the same county, just below the pres°
ent town of Farmington, by the Rev. William Murphy, a Baptist min-
ister from East Tennessee. In 1796, settlements were made in Perry
county by emigrants from Kentucky and Pennsylvania ; the latter lo-
cating in the rich bottom lands of Bois Brule,"the former generally :
settling in the " Barrens," and along the waters of Saline Creek.
Bird's Point, in Mississippi county, opposite Cairo, Illinois; was
settled August 6, 1800, by John Johnson, by virtue of a land-<n-ant
HISTORY OF MISSOUKI. 25
from the commandant under the Spanish Government. Norfolk and
Charleston, in the same county, were settled respectively in 1800 and
1801. Warren county was settled in 1801. Loutre Island, below
the present town of Hermann, in the Missouri River, was settled by a
few American families in 1807. This little company of pioneers suf-
fered greatly from the floods, as well as from the incursions of thieving
and blood-thirsty Indians, and many incidents of a thrilling character
could be related of trials and struggles, had we the time and space.
In 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of the great hunter and
pioneer, in company with three others, went from St. Louis to
"Boone's Lick," in Howard county, where they manufactured salt
and formed the nucleus of a small settlement.
Cote Sans Dessein, now called Bakersville, on the Missouri River,
in Callaway county, was settled by the French in 1801. This little
town was considered at that time, as the " Far West" of the new
world. During the war of 181'2, at this place many hard-fought
battles occurred between the whites and Indians, wherein woman's
fortitude and" courage greatly assisted in the defence of the settle-
ment.
In 1810, a colony of Kentuckians numbering one hundred and fifty
families immigrated to Howard county, and settled on the Missouri
Eiver in Cooper's Bottom near the present town of Franklin, and
opposite Arrow Rock.
Such, in brief, is the history of some of the early settlements of
Missouri, covering a period of more than half a century.
These settlements were made on the water courses ; usually along
the banks of the two great streams, whose navigation afforded them
transportation for their marketable commodities, and communication
with the civilized portion of the country.
They not only encountered the gloomy forests, settling as they did
by the river's brink, but the hostile incursion of savage Indians, by
whom they were for many years surrounded.
The expedients of these brave men who first broke ground in the
territory, have been succeeded by the permanent and tasteful improve-
ments of their descendants. Upon the spots where they toiled, dared
and died, are seen the comfortable farm, the beautiful village, and
thrifty city. Churches and school houses greet the eye on every
hand; railroads diverge in every direction, and, indeed, all the appli-
ances of a higher civilization are profusely strewn over the smiling
surface of the State.
26 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Culture's hand
Has scattered verdure o'er the land;
And smiles and fragrance rule serene,
Where barren wild usurped the scene.
SOME FIRST THINGS.
The first marriage that took place in Missouri was April 20, 1766,
in St. Louis.
The first baptism'was performed in May, 1766, in St. Louis.
The first house of worship, (Catholic) was erected in 1775, at St.
Louis.
The first ferry established in 1805, on the Mississippi River, at St.
Louis.
The first newspaper established in St. Louis (Missouri Gazette), in
1808.
The first postoflice was established in 1804, in St. Louis— Rufus
Easton, post-master.
The first Protestant church erected at Ste. Genevieve, in 1806 —
Baptist.
The first bank established (Bank of St. Louis), in 1814.
The first market house opened in 1811, in St. LouiS.
The first steamboat on the Upper Mississippi was the General Pike,
Capt. Jacob Reid; landed at St. Louis 1817.
The first board of trustees for public schools appointed in 1817, St.
Louis.
The first college built (St. Louis College), in 1817.
The first steamboat that came up the Missouri River as high as
Franklin was the Independence, in May, 1819 ; Capt. Nelson, mas-
ter.
The first court house erected in 1823, in St. Louis.
The first cholera appeared in St. Louis in 1832.
The first railroad convention held in St. Louis, April 20, 1836.
The first telegraph lines reached East St. Louis, December 20,
1847.
The first great fire occurred in St. Louis, 1849.
HISTOBY OP MISSOUEI. 27
CHAPTEE V.
TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION.
Organization 1812 — Council — House of Representatives — William Clark first Terri-
torial Governor— Edward Hempstead first Delegate — Spanish Grants — First
General Assembly — Proceedings — Second Assembly — Proceedings — Population
of Territory — Vote of Territory — Ruf us Baston — Absent Members — Third Assem-
bly — Proceedings — Application for Admission . '
Congress organized Missouri as a Territory, July 4, 1812, with a
Governor and General Assembly. The Governor, Legislative Coun-
cil, and House of Representatives exercised the Legislative power of
tin1 Territory, the Governor's vetoing power being absolute.
lie Legislative Council was composed 6f nine members, whose ten-
ure of office lasted five years. Eighteen citizens were nominated by
the House of Representatives to the President of the United States,
from whom he selected, with the approval of the Senate, nine Coun-
cillors, to compose the Legislative Council.
The House of Representatives consisted of members chosen every
two years by the people, the basis of representation being one mem-
ber for every five hundred white males. The first House of Repre-
sentatives consisted of thirteen members, and, by Act of Congress, the
whole number of Representatives could not exceed twenty-five.
The judicial power of the Territory, was vested in the Superior and
Inferior Courts, and in the Justices of the Peace ; the Superior Court
having three judges, whose term of office continued four years, hav-
ing original and appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases.
The Territory could send one delegate to Congress. Governor
Clark issued a proclamation, October 1st, 1812, required by Congress,
reorganizing the districts of St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve,
Cape Girardeau, and New Madrid, into five counties, and fixed the
second Monday in November following, for the election of a delegate
to Congress, and the members of the Territorial House of Represen-
tatives.
William Clark, of the expedition of Lewis and Clark, was the first
Territorial Governor, appointed by the President, who began his duties
1813.
Edward Hempstead, Rufus Easton, Samuel Hammond, and Matthew
Lyon were candidates in November for delegates to Congress.
28 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Edward Hempstead was elected, being the first Territorial Dele-
gate to Congress from Missouri. He served one term, declining a
second, and was instrumental in having Congress to pass the act of
June 13, 1812, which he introduced, confirming the title to lands
which were claimed by the people by virtue of Spanish grants. The
same act confirmed to the people " for the support of schools," the
title to village lots, out-lots or common field lots, which were held
and enjoyed by them, at the time of the session in 1803.
Under the act of June 4, 1812, the first General Assembly held its
session in the house of Joseph Robidoux, in St. Louis, on the 7th of
December, 1812. The names of the members of the House were : —
St. Charles. — John Pitman and Robert Spencer.
St. Louis. — David Music, Bernard G. Farrar, William C. Carr,
and Richard Clark.
Ste. Genevieve. — George Bullet, Richard S. Thomas, and Isaac
McGready.
Cape Girardeau. — George F. Bollinger, and Spencer Byrd.
New Madrid. — John Shrader and Samuel Phillips.
John B. C. Lucas, one of the Territorial Judges, administered the
oath of oflice. William C. Carr was elected speaker, and Andrew
Scott, Clerk.
The House of Representatives proceeded to nominate eighteen per-
sons from whom the President of the United States, with the Senate,
was to select nine for the Council. From this number the President
chose the following :
St. Charles. — James Flaugherty and Benjamin Emmons.
St. Louis. — Auguste Chouteau, Sr., and Samuel Hammond.
Ste. Genevieve. — John Scott and James Maxwell.
Cape Girardeau. — William Neeley and Joseph Cavenor.
New Madrid. — Joseph Hunter.
The Legislative Council, thus chosen by the President and Senate,
was announced by Frederick Bates, Secretary and Acting-Governor of
the Territory, by proclamation, June 3, 1813, and fixing the first
Monday in July following, as the time for the meeting of the Legis-
lature.
In the meantime the duties of the executive office were assumed by
William Clark. The Legislatiu-e accordingly met, as required by the
Acting-Governor's* proclamation, in July, but its proceedings were
never officially published. Consequently but little is known in refer-
ence to the workings of the first Territorial Legislature in Missouri.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 29
From the imperfect account, published in the Missouri Gazette, of
that day ; a paper which had been in existence since 1808, it is found
that laws were passed regulating and establishing weights and meas-
ures ; creating the office of Sheriff; providing the manner for taking
the census ; permanently fixing the seats of Justices, and an act to
compensate its own members. At this session, laws were also passed
defining crimes and penalties ; laws in reference to forcible entry and
detainer ; establishing Courts of Common Pleas ; incorporating the
Bank of St. Louis ; and organizing a part of Ste. Genevieve county
into the county of Washington.
The next session of the Legislature convened in St. Louis, Decem-
ber 6, 1813. George Bullet of Ste. Genevieve county, was speaker
elect, and Andrew Scott, clerk, and William Sullivan, doorkeeper.
Since the adjournment of the former Legislature, several vacancies
had occurred, and new members had been elected to fill their places.
Among these was Israel McCready, from the county of Washington.
The president of the legislative council was Samuel Hammond.
No journal of the council was officially published, but the proceedings
of the house are found in the Gazette.
At this session of the "Legislature many wise and useful laws were
passed, having reference to the temporal as well as the moral and
spiritual welfare of the -people. Laws were enacted for the suppres-
sion of vice and immorality on the Sabbath day ; for the improve-
ment of public roads and highways ; creating the offices of auditor,
treasurer and county surveyor ; regulating the fiscal affairs of the
Territory and fixing the boundary lines of New Madrid, Cape Girar-
deau, Washington and St. Charles counties. The Legislature ad-
journed on the 19th of January, 1814, sine die.
The population of the Territory as shown by the United States
census in 1810, was 20,845. The census taken by the Legislature in
1814 gave the Territory a population of 25,000. This enumeration
shows the county of St. Louis contained the greatest number of in-
habitants, aud the new county of Arkansas the least — the latter hav-
ing 827, and the former 3,149.
The candidates for delegate to Congress were Rufus Easton, Samuel
Hammond, Alexander McNair and Thomas F. Riddick. Rufus
Easton and Samuel Hammond had been candidates at the preceding
election. In all the counties, excepting Arkansas, the votes aggre-
gated 2,599, of which number Mr. Easton received 965, Mr. Ham-
30 HISTOKY OF MISSOURI.
mond 746, Mr. McNair 853, and Mr. Kiddick (who had withdrawn
previously to the election) 35. Mr. Easton was elected.
The census of 1814 showing a large increase in the population of
the Territory, an appointment was made increasing the number of
Eepresentatives in the Territorial Legislature to twenty-two. The
General Assembly began its session in St. Louis, December 5, 1814.
There were present on the first day twenty Eepresentatives. James
Caldwell of Ste. Genevieve county was elected speaker, and Andrew
Scott who had been clerk of the preceding assembly, was chosen
clerk. The President of the Council was William Neeley, of Cape
Girardeau county.
It appeared that James Maxwell, the absent member of the Council,
and Seth Emmons, member elect of the House of Representatives,
were dead. The county of Lawrence was organized at this session,
from the western part of New Madrid county, and the corporate
powers of St. Louis were enlarged. In 1815 the Territorial Legisla-
ture again began its session. Only a partial report of its proceedings
are given in the Gazette. The county of Howard was then organized
from St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and included all that part of
the State lying north of the Osage and south of the dividing rid°-e
between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. (For precise bounda-
ries, see Chapter I. of the History of Boone County.)
The next session of the Territorial Legislature commenced its ses-
sion in December, 1816. During the sitting of this Legislature many
important acts were passed. It was then that the " Bank of Mis-
souri " was chartered and weutinto operation. In the fall of 1817 the
"Bank of St. Louis" and the "Bank of Missouri" were issuiuo-
bills. An act was passed chartering lottery companies, chartering
the academy at Potosi, and incorporating a board of trustees for
superintending the schools in the town of St. Louis. Laws were also
passed to encourage the " killing of wolves, panthers and wild-cats."
The Territorial Legislature met again in December, 1818, and,
among other things, organized the counties of Pike, Cooper, Jeffer-
son, Franklin, Wayne, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and three
counties in the Southern part of Arkansas. In 1819 the Territory of
Arkansas was formed into a separate government of its own.
The people of the Territory of Missouri had been, for some time
anxious that theirTerritory should assume the duties and responsibilities
of a sovereign State. Since 1812, the date of the organization of the
Temtory, the population had rapidly increased, many couuties had
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 31
been established, its commerce had grown into importance, its agri-
cultural and mineral resources were being developed, and believing
that its admission into the Union as a State would give fresh impetus
to all these interests, and hasten its settlement, the Territorial Legis-
lature of 1818-19 accordingly made application to Congress for the
passage of an act authorizing the people of Missouri to organize a State
o-overnment.'
D
CHAPTER VI.
Application of Missouri to be admitted into the Union — Agitation of the Slavery
Question — "Missouri Compromise" — Constitutional Convention of 1820 — Con-
stitution presented to Congress — Further Resistance to Admission — Mr. Clay and
his Committee make Report — Second Compromise — Missouri Admitted.
With the application of the Territorial Legislature of Missouri for
her admission into the Union, commenced the real agitation of the
slavery question in the United States.
Not only was our National Legislature the theater of angry discus-
sions, but everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the Re-
public the "Missouri Question" was the al'l-absorbing theme. The
political skies threatened,
" In forked flashes, a commanding tempest,"
Which was liable to burst upon the nation at any moment. Through
such a crisis our country seemed destined to pass. The question as to
the admission of Missouri was to be the beginning of this crisis, which
distracted the public counsels of the nation for more than forty years
afterward.
Missouri asked to be admitted into the great family of States.
"Lower Louisiana," her twin sister Territory, had knocked at the
door of the Union eight years previously, and was admitted as stipu-
lated by Napoleon, to all the rights, privileges and immunities of a
State, and in accordance with the stipulations of the same treaty,
Missouri now sought to be clothed with the same rights, privileges
and immunities.
As what is known in the history of the United States as the " Mis-
souri Compromise," of 1820, takes rank among the most prominent
32 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
measures that had up to that day engaged the attention of our
National Legislature, we shall enter somewhat into its details, being
connected as they are with the annals of the State.
February 15th, 1819. — After the House had resolved itself into a
Committee of the Whole on the bill to authorize the admission of Mis-
souri into the Union, and after the question of her admission had been
discussed for some time, Mr. Tallmadge, of New York, moved to
amend the bill, by adding to it the following proviso : —
"And Provided, That the further introduction of slavery or involun-
tary servitude be prohibited, except for the punishment of crime,
whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, and that all chil-
dren born within the said State, after the admission thereof into the
Union, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years."
As might have been expected, this proviso precipitated the angry
discussions which lasted nearly three years, finally culminating in "the
Missouri Compromise. All phases of the slavery question were pre-
sented, not in its moral and social aspects, but as a great constitu-
tional question, affecting Missouri and the admission of future, States.
The proviso, when submitted to a vote, was adopted — 79 to 67, and
so reported to the House.
Hon. John Scott, who was at that time a delegate from the Terri-
tory of Missouri, was not permitted to vote, but as such delegate he
had the privilege of participating in the debates which followed. On
the 16th day of February the proviso was taken up and discussed.
After several speeches had been made, among them one by Mr. Scott
and one by the author of the proviso, Mr. Tallmadge, the amendment,
or proviso, was divided into two parts, and voted upon. The first
part of it, which included all to the word " convicted," was adopted "
87 to 76. The remaining part was then voted upon, and also
adopted, by 82 to 78. By a vote of 97 to 56 the bill was ordered to
be engrossed for a third reading.
The Senate Committee, to whom the bill was referred, reported the
same to the Senate on the 19th of February, when that body voted
first upon a motion to strike out of the proviso all after the word •
" convicted," which was carried by a vote of 32 to 7. It then voted
to strike out the first entire clause, which prevailed 22 to 16
thereby defeating the proviso.
The House declined to concur in the action of the Senate, and the
bdl was again returned to that body, which in turn refused to recede
from its position. The bill was lost and Congress adjourned This
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 33
-was most unfortunate for the country. The people having already-
been wrought up to fever heat over the agitation of the. question in
the National Councils, now became intensely excited. The press
added fuel to the flame, and the progress of events seemed rapidly
tending to the downfall of our nationality.
A long interval of nine months was to ensue before the meeting of
Congress. The body indicated by its vote upon the " Missouri Ques-
tion," that the two great sections of the country were politically
divided upon the subject of slavery. The restrictive clause, which it
was sought to impose upon Missouri as a condition of her admission,
would in all probability, be one of the conditions of the admission of
the Territory of Arkansas. The public miud was in a state of great
doubt and uncertainty up to the meeting of Congress, which took
place on the 6th of , December, 1819. The memorial of the Legisla-
tive Council and House of Eepresentatives of the Missouri Territory,
praying for admission into the Union, was presented to the Senate
by Mr. Smith, of South Carolina. It was referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
Some three weeks having passed without any action thereon by the
Senate, the bill was taken up and discussed by the House until the
19th of February, when the bill from the Senate for the admission of
Maine was considered. The bill for the admission of Maine included
the " Missouri Question," by an amendment which read as follows :
"And be it further enacted, That in all that territory ceded by
France to the United States, under the name of Louisiana, which lies
north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes, north latitude (except-
ing such part thereof as is) included within the limits of the State,
contemplated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude, other-
wise than in the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have
been convicted, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited ; Provided,
always, That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or
service is lawfully claimed, in any State or Territory of the United
States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the
person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid."
The Senate adopted this amendment, which formed the basis of the
"Missouri Compromise," modified afterward by striking out the
words, " excepting only such part thereof."
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24 to 20. On the 2d day of
March the House took up the bill and amendments for consideration,
and by a vote of 134 to 42 concurred in the Senate amendment, and
34 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
the bill being passed by the two Houses, constituted section 8, of
"An Act to authorize the people of the Missouri Territory to form a
Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such
State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and
to prohibit slavery in certain territory."
This act was approved March 6, 1820. Missouri then contained fif-
teen organized counties. By act of Congress the people of said State
were authorized to hold an election on the first Monday, and two suc-
ceeding days thereafter in May, 1820, to select representatives to a
State convention. This convention met in St. Louis on the 12th of
June, following the election in May, and concluded its labors on the
19th of July, 1820. David Barton was its President, and Win. G.
Pettis, Secretary. There were forty-one members of this convention,
men of ability and statesmanship, as the admirable constitution which
they framed amply testifies. Their names and the counties repre-
sented by them are as follows : —
Cape Girardeau. — Stephen B}'rd, James Evans, Richard S.
Thomas, Alexander Buckner and Joseph McFerron.
Cooper. — Robert P. Clark, Robert Wallace, Wm. Lillard.
Franklin. — John G. Heath.
Howard Nicholas S. Burkhart, Duff Green, John Ray, Jonathan
S. Findley, Benj, H. Reeves.
Jefferson. — Daniel Hammond.
Lincoln. — Malcom Henry.
Montgomery. —Jonathan Ramsey, James Talbott.
Madison. — Nathaniel Cook.
New Madrid. —Robert S. Dawson, Christopher G. Houts.
Pike. — Stephen Cleaver.
St. Charles. — Benjamin Emmons, Nathan Boone, Hiram H. Baber.
Ste. Genevieve. —John D. Cook, Henry Dodge, John Scott, R. T.
Brown.
St. Louis. — David Barton, Edward Bates, Alexander McNair,
Wm. Reptor, John C. Sullivan, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., Bernard Pratte,
Thomas F. Riddick.
Washington.— 3 o\m Rice Jones, Samuel Perry, John Hutchings.
Wayne. — Elijah Bettis.
On the 13th of November, 1820, Congress met again, and on the .
sixth of the same month Mr. Scott, the delegate from Missouri, pre-
sented to the House the Constitution as framed by the convention.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 35
The same was referred to a select committee, who made thereon a
favorable report.
The admission of the State, however, ,was resisted, because it was
claimed that its constitution sanctioned slavery, and authorized the
Legislature to pass laws preventing free negroes and mulattoes from
settling in the State. The report of the committee to whom was
referred the Constitution of Missouri was accompanied by a preamble
and resolutions, offered by Mr. Lowndes, of South Carolina. The
preamble and resolutions were stricken out.
The application of the State for admission shared the same fate in
the Senate. The question was referred to a select committee, who,
on the 29th of November, reported in favor of admitting the State.
The debate, which followed, continued for two weeks, and finally Mr.
Eaton, of Tennessee, offered an amendment to the resolution as fol-
lows : —
" Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as
to give the assent of Congress to any provision in the Constitution of
Missouri, if any such there be, which contravenes that clause in the
Constitution of the United States, which declares that the citizens of
each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States."
The resolution, as amended, was adopted. The resolution and
proviso were again taken up and discussed at great length, when the
committee agreed to report the resolution to the House.
The question on agreeing to the amendment, as reported from the
committee of the whole, was lost in the House. A similar resolution
afterward passed the Senate, but was again rejected in the House.
Then it was that that great statesman and pure patriot, Henry Clay,
of Kentucky, feeling that the hour had come when angry discussions
should cease,
"With grave
Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd
A pillar of state ; deep on his front engrave*
Deliberation sat and public care ;
And princely counsel in his face yet shone
Majestic" ******
proposed that the question of Missouri's admission be referred to a
committee consisting of twenty-three persons (a number equal to the
number of States then composing the Union), be appointed to act in
conjunction with a committee of the Senate to consider and report
whether Missouri should be admitted, etc.
36 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
The motion prevailed ; the committee was appointed and Mr. Clay
made its chairman. The Senate selected seven of its members to act
with the committee of twenty-three, and on the 26th of February the
following report was made by that committee : —
" Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled : That Missouri shall
be admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with the original
States, in all respects whatever, upon the fundamental condition that
the fourth clause, of the twenty-sixth section of the third article of
the Constitution submitted on the part of said State to Congress, shall
never be construed to authorize the passage of any law, and that no
law shall be passed in conformity thereto, by which any citizen of
either of the States in this Union shall be excluded from the enjoy-
ment of any of the privileges and immunities to which such citizen is
entitled, under the Constitution of the United States ; provided, That
the Legislature of said State, by a Solemn Public Act, shall declare
the assent of the said State, to the said fundamental condition, and
shall transmit to the President of the United States, on or before the
fourth Monday in November next, an authentic copy of the said act ;
upon the receipt whereof, the President, by proclamation, shall an-
nounce the fact; whereupon, and without any further proceeding on
the part of Congress, the admission of the said State into the Union
shall be considered complete."
This resolution, after a brief debate, was adopted in the House, and
passed the Senate on the 28th of February, 1821.
At a special session of the Legislature held in St. Charles, in June
following, a Solemn Public Act was adopted, giving its assent to the
conditions of admission, as expressed in the resolution of Mr. Clay.
August 10th, 1821, President Monroe announced by proclamation the
admission of Missouri into the Union to be complete.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 37
CHAPTEK VII.
MISSOURI AS A STATE.
First Election for Governor and other State Officers — Senators and Eepresentatives to
General Assembly — Sheriffs and Coroners — U. S. Senators — Representatives in
Congress —Supreme Court Judges — Counties Organized — Capital Moved to St.
Charles — Official Record of Territorial and State Officers.
By the Constitution adopted by the Convention on the 19th of July,
1820, the General Assembly was required to meet in St. Louis on the
third Monday in September of that year, and an election was ordered
to be held on the 28th of August for the election of a Governor and
other State officers, Senators and Representatives to the General
Assembly, Sheriffs and Coroners, United States Senators and Repre-
sentatives in Congress.
It will be seen that Missouri had not as yet been admitted as a
State, but in anticipation of that event, and according to the provi-
sions of the constitution, the election was held, and the Qeueral As-
sembly convened.
William Clark (who had been Governor of the Territory) and
Alexander McNair were the candidates for Governor. McNair re-
ceived 6,576 votes, Clark 2,556, total vote of the State 9,132. There
were three candidates for Lieutenant-Governor, to wit : William H.
Ashley, Nathaniel Cook and Henry Elliot. Ashley received 3,907
votes, Cook 3,212, Elliot 931. A Representative was .to be elected
for the residue of the Sixteenth Congress and one for the Seventeenth.
John Scott who was at the time Territorial delegate, was elected to
both Congresses without opposition.
The General Assembly elected in August met on the 19th of Sep-
tember, 1820, and organized by electing James Caldwell, of Ste.
Genevieve, speaker, and John McArthur clerk ; William H. Ashley,
Lieutenant-Governor, President of the Senate ; Silas Bent, President,
pro tern.
Mathias McGirk, John D. Cook, and John R. Jones were appointed
Supreme Judges, each to hold office until sixty-five years of age.
Joshua Barton was appointed Secretary of State ; Peter Didier,
State Treasurer ; Edward Bates, Attorney-General, and William
Christie, Auditor of Public Accounts.
38
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
David Barton and Thomas H. Benton were elected by the General
Assembly to the United States Senate.
At this session of the Legislature the counties of Boone, Callaway,
Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lillard, Perry, Kails, Eay and Saline
were organized.
We should like to give in details the meetings and proceedings of
the different Legislatures which followed ; the elections for Govern-
ors and other State officers ; the elections for Congressmen and United
States Senators, but for want of space we can only present in a con-
densed form the official record of the Territorial and State officers.
OFFICIAL RECORD — TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.
Goveihnors.
Frederick Bates, Secretary and William Clark . «
Acting-Governor .... 1812-13
OFFICERS OF STATE GOVERNMENT.
Governors.
Alexander McNair 1820-24
Frederick Bates 1824-26
Abraham J. Williams, vice
Bdtes 1825
John Miller, vice Bates . . . 1826-28
John Miller 1828-32
Daniel Dunklin, (1832-36) re-
signed; appointed Surveyor
General of the TJ. S. Lilburn
W. Boggs, vice Dunklin . . 1836 '
Lilburn W. Boggs 1836-40
Thomas Eeynolds (died 1844), . 1840-44
M. M. Marmaduke vice Eey-
nolds — John 0. Edwards . 1844-48
Austin A King . . . . 1848-52
Sterling Price 1852-56
Trusten Polk (resigned) . . . 1856-57
Hancock Jackson, vice Polk . 1857
Robert M. Stewart, vice Polk . 1857-60
C. P. Jackson (1860), office va-
cated by ordinance; Hamil-
ton R. Gamble, vice Jackson ;
Gov. Gamble died 1864.
Willard P. Hall, vice Gamble . 1864
Thomas C. Fletcher .... 1864-68
Joseph W. McClurg .... 1868-70
B. Gratz Brown 1870-72
Silas Woodson 1872-74
Charles H. Hardin 1 874-76
John S. Phelps 1876-80
Thomas T. Crittenden (now
Governor) 1880
Lieutenant-Governors.
William H. Ashley
Benjamin H. Reeves
Daniel Dunklin . .
Lilburn W. Boggs .
Franklin Cannon j
M. M. Marmaduke .
James Young . .
Thomas L Rice.
Wilson Brown .
Hancock Jackson .
Thomas C. Reynolds
Willard P. Hall .
George Smith . .
Edwin O. Sianard
Joseph J, Gravelly.
Charles P. Johnson
Norman J. Coleman
Henry C. Brockmeyer
Robert A. Campbell (present
incumbent)
Secretaries of State.
Joshua Barton
William G. Pettis . . . \
Hamilton R. Gamble ....
Spencer Pettis
P. H. McBride ....."
John C. Edwards (term expired
1835, reappointed 1837, re-
signed 1837)
Peter G. Glover
James L. Minor ...
1813-20
1820-24
1824-28
1828-32
1832-36
1836-40
1840-44
1844-48
1848-52
1852-55
1855-56
1860-61
1861-64
1864-68
1868-70
1870-72
1872-74
1874-76
1876-80
1880
1820-21
1821-24
1824-26
1826-28
1829-30
1830-37
1837-39
1839-45
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
39
OFFICERS OF
P. H. Martin
Ephraim B. Ewing . . ..
John M. Richardson ....
Benjamin P. Massey (re-elected
1860, for four years). . . .
Mordecai Oliver
Francis Rodman (re-elected 1868
for two years)
Eugene P. Weigel, (re-elected
1872, for two years) ....
Michael K. McGrath (present
incumbent)
State Treasurers.
Peter Didier
Nathaniel Simonds ....
James Earickson
John Walker
Abraham McClellan ....
Peter G. Glover
A. W. Morrison
George C. Bingham ....
"William Bishop
"William Q. Dallmeyer . . .
Samuel Hays
Harvey W. Salmon ....
Joseph W. Mercer
Elijah Gates
Phillip E. Chappell (present in-
cumbent)
Attorney- Generals.
Edward Bates
Bums Easton
Eobt. "W. Wells
William B. Naptori ....
8. MBay
B. F. Stringfellow
William A. Kobards ....
James B. Gardenhire ....
Ephraim W. Ewing .....
James P. Knott
Aikman Welch
Thomas T. Crittenden . . .
Robert P. Wingate
Horace P. Johnson
A. J. Baker
Henry Clay Ewing .....
John A. Hockaday ....
Jackson L. Smith
D. H. Mclntire (present in-
cumbent)
state government — Continued.
1846-49
1849-52
1852-56
1856-60
1861-64
1864-68
1870-72
1874
1820-21
1821-28
1829-33
1833-38
1838-43
1843-51
1851-60
1862-64
1864-68
1868-70
1872
1872-74
1 874-76
1876-80
1880
1820-21
1821-26
1826-36
1836-39
1839-45
1845-49
1849-51
1851-56
1856-59
1859-61
1861-64
1864
1864-68
1868-70
1870-72
1872-74
1874-76
1876-80
1880
Auditors of Public Accounts.
William Christie 1820-21
William V. Rector
. 1821-23
Elias Barcroft . . .
. 1823-33
Henry Shurlds . . .
. 1833-35
Peter G. Glover . . .
. 1835-37
Hiram H. Baber . .
. 1837-45
William Monroe . .
. 1845
J. R. McDermon . .
. 1845-48
George W. Miller . .
t
. 1848-49
Wilson Brown . . .
1849-52
William H. Buffington
1852-60
William "S. Moseley .
1860-64
Alonzo Thompson . .
1864-68
Daniel M. Draper . .
1868-72
George B. Clark . .
1872-74
Thomas Holladay . . .
»
187 -80
John Walker (present incum-
bent)
.
1880
Judges of Supreme Court.
Matthias McGirk 1822-41
John D. Cooke 1822-23
John R. Jones 1822-24
Rufus Pettibone 1823-25
Geo. Tompkins 1824-45
Robert Wash 1825-37
John C. Edwards 1837-39
Wm. Scott, (appointed 1841 till
meeting of General Assem-
bly in place of McGirk, re-
signed; reappointed . . . 1843
P. H. McBride 1845
Wm. B. Napton 1849-52
John P. Ryland 1849-51
John H. Birch 1849-51
Wm. Scott, John P. Ryland,
and Hamilton R. Gamble
(elected by the people, for six
years) 1851
Gamble (resigned) 1854
Abiel Leonard elected to fill va-
cancy of Gamble.
Wm. B. Napton (vacated by
failure to file oath).
Wm. Scott and John C. Rich-
ardson (resigned, elected Au-
gust, for six years) .... 1857
E. B. Ewing, (to fill Richard-
son's resignation) .... 1859
Barton Bates (appointed) . . 1862
W. V. N. Bay (appointed) . . 1862
40
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
OFFICERS OF
state government — Continued.
1863
1863
1865
1865
1865
1866
1868
1868-70
1873
1874
1874
■ 1874-80
John D. S. Dryden (appointed) 1862
Barton Bates 1863-65
W. V. N. Bay (elected) . . .
John D. S. Dryden (elected) .
David Wagner (appointed) . .
Wallace L. Lovelace (appoint-
ed)
Nathaniel Holmes (appointed)
Thomas J. C. Fagg (appointed)
James Baker (appointed) . .
David Wagner (elected) . . .
Philemon Bliss 1868-70
Warren Currier 1868-71
Washington Adams (appointed
to fill Currier's place, who re-
signed) 1871
Ephraim B. Ewing (elected) . 1872
Thomas A. Sherwood (elected) 1872
W. B. Napton (appointed in
place of Ewing, deceased) .
Edward A. Lewis (appointed,
in place of Adams, resigned)
Warwick Hough (elected) . .
William B. Napton (elected) .
John W.Henry 1876-86
Robert D. Ray succeeded Wm.
B. Napton in 1880
Elijah H, Norton (appointed in
1876), elected 1878
T. A. Sherwood (re-elected) 1882
United States Senators.
T. H. Benton 1820-50
D. Barton 1820-30
Alex. Buckner 1830-33
L. F. Linn 1833-43
D. R. Atchison 1843-55
H. S. Geyer 1851-57
James S. Green 1857-61
T. Polk 1857-63
Waldo P. Johnson 1861
Robert Wilson 1861
B. Gratz Brown (for unexpired
term of Johnson) .... 1863
J. B. Henderson 1863-69
Charles D. Drake 1867-70
Carl Schurz 1869-75
D. P. Jewett (in place of Drake,
resigned) 1870
P.P.Blair 1871-77
L. V.Bogy 1873
James Shields (elected for unex-
pired term of Bogy) . . . 1879
D. H. Armstrong appointed for
unexpired term of Bogy.
F. M. Cockrell (re-elected 1881) 1875-81
George G. Vest 1879
. Representatives to Congress.
John Scott 1820-26
Ed. Bates 1826-28
Spencer Pettis 1828-31
William H. Ashley .... 1831-36
John Bull 1832-34
Albert G. Harrison 1834-39
John Miller 1836-42
John Jameson (re-elected 1846
for two years) 1839-44
John C. Edwards 1840-42
James M. Hughes 1842^4
James H. Relfe 1842^6
James B. Bowlin 1842-50
Gustavus M. Bower .... 1842-44
Sterling Price 1844-46
William McDaniul 1846
Leonard H. Sims 1844-46
JohnS. Phelps 1844-60
James S. Green (re-elected
1856, resigned) 1846-50
Will ard P. Hall 1846-53
William V. N. Bay ... . 1848-61
John P. Darby 1850-53
Gilchrist Porter 1850-57
John G. Miller 1850-56
Alfred W. Lamb 1852-54
Thomas H. Benton 1852-54
Mordecai Oliver 1852-57
James J. Lindley 1852-56
Samuel Caruthers 1852-58
Thomas P. Akers (to fill unex-
pired term of J. G-. Miller,
deceased) 1855
Francis P. Blair, Jr. (re-elected
1860, resigned) 1856
Thomas L. Anderson .... 1856-60
James Craig 1856-S0
Samuel H. Woodson .... 1856-60
John B. Clark, Sr 1857-61
J. Richard Barrett 1860
JohnW. Nool 1858-63
James S. Rollins 1860-64
Elijah H. Norton 1860-63
JohnW.Reid 1860-61
William A. Hall 1862-64
Thomas L. Price (in place of
Reid, expelled) 1862
HISTORY OP MISSOURI.
41
OFFICERS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
1862-66
Henry T. Blow
Sempronius T. Boyd, (elected in
1862, and again in 1868, for
two years.)
Joseph W. McClurg .... 1862-66
Austin A. King 1862-64
Benjamin F. Loan 1862-69
John G. Scott (in place of Noel,
deceased) 1863
John Hogan 1864-66
Thomas F.Noel 1864-67
John R. Kelsoe 1864-66
Robert T. Van Horn . . . 1864-71
John F. Benjamin 1864-71
George W. Anderson .... 1864-69
William A. Pile 1866-68
C. A. Newcomb 1866-68
Joseph J. Gravelly 1866-68
James R. McCormack . . . 1866-73
John H. Stover (in place of
McClurg, resigned) . . . 1867
Erastus Wells 1868-82
G. A. Finklenburg . . . . 1868-71
Samuel S. Burdett 1868-71
JoelF. Asper 1868-70
David P. Dyer 1868-70
Harrison E. Havens .... 1870-75
Isaac G. Parker 1870-75
James G. Blair 1870-72
Andrew King 1870-72
Edwin O. Stanard 1872-74
William H. Stone 1872-78
Robert A. Hatcher (elected) . 1872
Richard B. Bland 1872
Thomas T. Crittenden . . . 1872-74
Ira B.Hyde 1872-74
John B. Clark, Jr. 1872-78
John M. Glover 1872
Continued.
Aylett H. Buckner 1872
Edward C. Kerr 1874-78
Charles H. Morgan .... 1874
John F. Philips 1874
B. J. Franklin 1874
David Rea 1874
Rezin A. De Bolt 1874
Anthony Ittner 1876
Nathaniel Cole 1876
Robert A. Hatcher 1876-78
R. P. Bland 1876-78
A. H. Buckner 1876-78
J. B. Clark, Jr 1876-78
T. T. Crittenden ..... 1876-78
B. J. Franklin 1876-78
John M. Glover 1876-78
Robert A. Hatcher 1876-78
Chas. H. Morgan 1876-78
L. S. Metcalf 1876-78
H.M. Pollard 1876-78
David Rea 1876-78
S. L. Sawyer 1878-80
N. Ford 1878-82
G. F. Rothwell 1878-82
John B. Clark, Jr 1878-82
W. H. Hatch 1878-82
A. H. Buckner 1878-82
M. L. Clardy 1878-82,
R. G.Frost 1878-82
L. H. Davis 1878-82
R. P. Bland 1878-82
J. R. Waddell 1878-80
T.Allen 1880-82
R. Hazeltine 1880-82
T. M.Rice 1880-82
R. T. Van Horn 1880-82
Nicholas Ford 1880-82
J. G. Burrows 1880-82
COUNTIES — WHEN ORGANIZED.
Adair January 29, 1841
Andrew January 29, 1841
Atchison January 14, 1845
Audrain ....December 17, 1836
Barry January 5, 1835
Barton December 12, 1835
Bates January 29, 1841
Benton January 3, 1835
Bollinger March 1, 1851
Boone November 16, 1820
Buchanan February 10, 1839
Caldwell December 26, 1836
Callaway November 25, 1820
Camden January 29, 1841
Cape Girardeau October 1, 1812
Carroll Januarys, 1833
Carter March 10, 18')9
Cass September 14, 1835
Cedar February 14, 1845
Chariton November 16, 1820
Christian March 8, 1860
Clark December 15, 1818
42
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
COUNTIES, WHEN ORGANIZED — Continued,
Butler February 27, 1849
Clay January 2, 1822
Clinton January 15, 1833
Cole November 16, 1820
Cooper December 17, 1818
Crawford January 23, 1829
Dade .....January 29, 1841
Dallas December 10, 1844
Daviess December 29, 1836
DeKalb February 25, 1845
Dent February 10, 1851
Douglas October 19, 1857
1 uiklin February 14, 1845
Franklin December 11, 1818
Gasconade November 25, 1820
Gentry February 12, 1841
Greene January 2, 1833
Grundy January 2, 1843
Harrison February 14, 1845
Henry '. December 13, 1834
Hickory February 14, 1845
Holt February 15, 1841
Howard January 23, 1816
Howell March 2, 1857
Iron February 17, 1857
Jackson December 15, 1826
Jasper January 29, 1841
Jefferson December 8, 1818
Johnson December 13, 1834
Knox February 14, 1845
Laclede February 24, 1849
Lafayette November 16, 1820
Lawrence February 25, 1845
Lewis January 2, 1833
Lincoln December 14, 1818
Linn January 7, 1837
Livingston January 6, 1837
McDonald March 3, 1849
Macon January 6, 1837
Madison December 14, 1818
Maries March 2, 1855
Marion December 23, 1826
Mercer. February 14, 1845
Miller February 6, 1837
Mississippi February 14, 1845
Moniteau February 14, 1845 |
Monroe January 6, 1831
Montgomery. December 14, 1818
Morgan January 5, 1833
New Madrid.: October 1, 1812
Newton December 81, 1838
Nodaway February 14, 1845
Oregon February 14, 1845
Osage January 29, 1841
Ozark January 29, 1841
Pemiscot February 19, 1861
Perry November 16, 1820
Pettis January 26, 1833
Phelps November 13, 1857
Pike December 14, 1818
Platte December 31, 1838
Polk March 13, 1835
Pulaski December 15, 1818
Putnam February 28, 1845
Rails November 16, 1820
Randolph January 22, 1829
Ray. November 16, 1820
Reynolds February 25, 1845
Ripley January 5, 1833
St. Charles October 1, 1812
St. Clair January 29, 1841
St. Francois December 19, 1821
Ste. Genevieve October 1, 1812
St. Louis October 1, 1812
Saline November 25, 1820
Schuyler .February 14, 1845
Scotland January 29, 1841
Scott December 28, 1821
Shannon January 29, 1841
Shelby January 2, 1835
Stoddard January 2, 1835
Stone February 10, 1851
Sullivan February 16, 1845
Taney January 16, 1837
Texas February 14, 1835
Vernon February 17, 1851
Warren January 5, 1833
Washington August 21, 1813
Wayne December 11, 1818
Webster March 3, 1855
Worth , February 8, 1861
Wright January 29, 1841
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 43
CHAPTEE VIII.
CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI.
Fort Sumter flred upon— Call for 75,000 men — Gov. Jackson refuses to furnish a
man — XJ. S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson —
General Order No. 7 — Legislature convenes — Camp Jackson organized — Sterling
Price appointed Major-General — Frost's letter to Lyon — Lyon's letter to Prost —
Surrender of Camp Jackson — Proclamation of Gen. Harney — Conference between
Price and Harney — Harney superseded by Lyon — Second Conference — Gov. Jack-
son burns the bridges behind him — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — Gen. Blair
takes possession of Jefferson City — Proclamation of Lyon — Lyon at Springfield —
State offices declared vacant — Gen. Premont assumes command — Proclamation of
Lieut.-Gov. Eeynolds — Proclamation of Jeff. Thompson and Gov. Jackson — Death
of Gen. Lyon — Succeeded by Sturgis — Proclamation of McCulloch and Gamble —
Martial law declared — Second proclamation of Jeff. Thompson — President modi-
fies Fremont's order — Premont relieved by Hunter — Proclamation of Price — Hun-
ter's Order of Assessment — Hunter declares Martial Law — Order relating to
Newspapers — Halleck succeeds Hunter — Halledk's Order 81 — Similar order by
Halleck — Boone County Standard confiscated — Execution of prisoners at Macon
and Palmyra — Gen. Ewlng's Order No. 11 — Gen. Rosecrans takes command — Mas-
sacre at Centralia — Death of Bill Anderson — Gen. Dodge succeeds Gen. Rose-
crans— List of Battles.
; " Lastly stood war —
With visage grim, stern looks, and blackly hued,
*******
Ah I why will kings forget that they are men?
And men that they are brethren? Why delight
"mm In human sacrifice? Why burst the ties
Of nature, that should knit their souls together
In one soft bond of amity and love?"
Fort Sumter was fired upon April 12, 1861. On April 15th, Presi-
dent Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men, from the
the militia of the several States, to suppress combinations in the South-
ern States therein named. Simultaneously therewith, the Secretary of
War sent a telegram to all the governors of the States, excepting
those mentioned in the proclamation, requesting them to detail a cer-
tain number of militia to serve for three months, Missouri's quota
. being four regiments.
In response to this telegram, Gov. Jackson sent the following answer :
Executive Department of Missouri,
Jefferson City, April 17, 1861.
To the Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington, D. G. :
Sir: Your dispatch of the 15th inst., making a call on Missouri for
44 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
four regiments of men for immediate service, has been received. There
can be, I apprehend, no doubt but these men are intended to form a
part of the President's army to make war upon the people of the
seceded States. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconsti-
tutional, and can not be complied with. Not one man will the State of
Missouri furnish to carry on such an unholy war.
C. F. Jackson,
Governor of Missouri.
April 21, 1861. U. S. Arsenal at Liberty was seized by order of
Governor Jackson.
April 22, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation convening
the Legislature of Missouri, on May following, in extra session, to take
into consideration the momentous issues which were presented, and
the attitude to be assumed by the State in the impending struggle.
On the 22nd of April, 1861, the Adjutant-General of Missouri issued
the following military order :
Headquarters Adjutant-General's Office, Mo.,
Jefferson City, April 22, 1861.
{General Orders No. 7.)
I. To attain a greater degree of efficiency and perfection in organ-
ization and discipline, the Commanding Officers of the several Military
districts in this State, having four or more legally organized compa-
nies therein, whose armories are within fifteen miles of each other, will
assemble their respective commands at some place to be by them sever-
ally designated, on the 3rd day of May, and to go into an encampment
for a period of six days, as provided by law. Captains of companies
not organized into battalions will report the strength of their compa-
nies immediately to these headquarters, and await further orders.
II. The Quartermaster-General will procure and issue to Quarter-
masters of Districts, for these commands not now provided for, all
necessary tents and camp equipage, to enable the commanding officers
thereof to carry the foregoing orders into effect.
III. The Light Battery now attached to the Southwest Battalion,
and one company of mounted riflemen, including all officers and sol-
diers belonging to the First District, will proceed forthwith to St. Louis,
and report to Gen. D. M. Frost for duty. The remaining companies
of said battalion will be disbanded for the purpose of assisting in the
organization of companies upon that frontier. The details in the exe-
HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 45
cution of the foregoing are intrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel John S.
Bowen, commanding the Battalion.
IV. The strength, organization, and equipment of the several com-
panies in the District will be reported at once to these Headquarters,
and District Inspectors will furnish all information which may be ser-
viceable in ascertaining the condition of the State forces.
By order of the Governor.
• Warwick Hough,
| Adjutant-General of Missouri.
May 2, 1861. The Legislature convened in extra session. Many
acts were passed, among which was one to authorize the Governor to
purchase or lease David Ballentine's foundry at Boonville, for the man-
ufacture of arms and munitions of war ; to authorize the Governor to
appoint one Major-General; to authorize the Governor, when, in his
opinion, the security and welfare of the State required it, to take pos-
session of the railroad and telegraph lines of the State ; to provide for
the organization, government, and support of the military forces ; to
borrow one million of dollars to arm and equip the militia of the State
to repel invasion, and protect the lives and property of the people.
An act was also passed creating a " Military Fund," to consist of all
the money then in the treasury or that might thereafter be received
from the one-tenth of one per cent, on the hundred dollars, levied by
act of NovenAer, 1857, to complete certain railroads ; also the pro-
ceeds of a tax of fifteen cents on the hundred dollars of the assessed
value of the taxable property of the several counties in the State, and
the proceeds of the two-mill tax, which had been theretofore appro-
priated for educational purposes.
May 3, 1861. " Camp Jackson " was organized.
May 10, 1861. Sterling Price appointed Major-General of State
Guard.
May 10, 1861. General Frost, commanding " Camp Jackson," ad-
dressed General N. Lyon, as follows : —
1 Headquarters Camp Jackson, Missouri Militia, May 10, 1861.
Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding U. S. Troops in and about 8t. Louis
Arsenal:
Sir : I am constantly in receipt of information that you contem-
plate an attack upon my camp, whilst I understand that you are im-
pressed with the idea that an attack upon the Arsenal and United
States troops is intended on the part of the Militia of Missouri. I am
46 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
greatly at a loss to know what could justify you in attacking citizens
of the United States, who are in lawful performance of their duties,
devolving upon them under the Constitution in organizing and instruct-
in o the militia of the State in obedience to her laws, and, therefore,
have been disposed to doubt the correctness of the information I have
received.
I would be glad to know from you personally whether there is any
truth in the statements that are constantly pouring into my ears. So
far as regards any hostility being intended toward the United States,
or its property cr representatives by any portion of my command, or,
as far as I can learn (and I think I am fully informed), of any other
part of the State forces, I can positively say that the idea has never
been entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command of
the Arsenal, I proffered to Major Bell, then in command of the very
few troops constituting its guard, the services of myself and all my
command, and, if necessary, the whole power of the State, to protect
the United States in the full possession of all her property. Upon
General Harney taking command of this department, I made the same
proffer of services to him, and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt.
Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to the
War Department. I have had no occasion since to change any of the
views I entertained at the time, neither of my own volition nor through
orders of my constitutional commander.
1 trust that after this explicit statement that we may be able, by
fully understanding each other, to keep far from our borders the mis-
fortunes which so unhappily affect our common country.
This cqmmunication will be handed you by Colonel Bowen, my
Chief of Staff, who will be able to explain anything not fully set forth
in the foregoing.
I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant.
Brigadier-General D. M. Frost,
Commanding Camp Jackson, M. V. M.
May 10, 1861. Gen. Lyon sent the following to Gen. Frost:
Headquarters United States Troops,
St. Louis, Mo., May 10, 1861.
Gen. D. M. Frost, Commanding Camp Jackson:
Sir: Your command is regarded as evidently hostile toward the
Government of the United States.
It is, for the most part, made up of those Secessionists who have
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 47
openly avowed their hostility to the General Government, and have
been plotting at the seizure of its property and the overthrow of its
authority. You are openly in communication with the so-called
Southern Confederacy, which is now at war with the United States,
and you are receiving at your camp, from the said Confederacy and
under its flag, large supplies of the material of war, most of which is
known to be the property of the United States. These extraordinary
preparations plainly indicate none other than the well-known purpose
of the Governor of this State, under whose orders you are acting, and
whose communication to the Legislature has just been responded to
by that body in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct
view hostilities to the General Government and co-operation with its
enemies.
In view of these considerations, and of your failure to disperse in
obedience to the proclamation of the President, and of the imminent
necessities of State policy and warfare, and the obligations imposed
upon me by instructions from Washington, it is my duty to demand,
and I do hereby demand of you an immediate surrender of your com-
maud, with no other conditions than that all persons surrendering
under this command shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing
myself prepared to enforce this demand, one-half hour's time before
doing so will be allowed for your compliance therewith.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. Lyon,
Captain Second Infantry, Commanding Troops.
May 10, 1861. Camp Jackson surrendered and prisoners all
released excepting Capt. Emmet McDonald, who refused to subscribe
to the parole.
May 12, 1861. Brigadier-General Wm. S. Harney issued a procla-
mation to the people of Missouri, saying " he would carefully abstain
from the exercise of any unnecessary powers," and only use "the
military force stationed in this district in the last resort to preserve
peace."
May 14, 1861. General Harney issued a second proclamation.
May 21, 1861. General Harney held a conference with General
Sterling Price, of the Missouri State Guards.
May 31, 1861. General Harney superseded by General Lyon.
June 11, 1861. A second conference was held between the National
and State authorities in St. Louis, which resulted in nothing.
48 H8TOKT OF MISSOURI.
June 11, 1861. Gov. Jackson left St. Louis for Jefferson City,
burning the railroad bridges behind him, and cutting telegraph wires.
June 12, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation calling
into active service 50,000 militia, "to repel invasion, protect life,"
property," etc.
June 15, 1861. Col. F. P. Blair took possession of the State Capi-
tal, Gov. Jackson, Gen. Price and other officers having left on the 13th
of June for Boonville.
June 17, 1861. Battle of Boonville took place between the forces
of Gen. Lyon and Col. John S. Marmaduke.
June 18, 1861. General Lyon issued a proclamation to the people
of Missouri.
July 5, 1861. Battle at Carthage between the forces of Gen. Sigel
and Gov. Jackson.
July 6, 1861. Gen. Lyon reached Springfield.
July 22, 1861. State convention met and declared the offices* of
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary of State vacated.
July 26, 1861. Gen. John C. Fremont assumed command of the
Western Department, with headquarters in St. Louis.
July 3l, 1861. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas C. Eeynolds issued
a proclamation at 'New Madrid.
August 1, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation at
Bloomfield.
August 2, 1861. Battle of Dug Springs, between Captain Steele's
forces and General Raius.
August 5, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation at New
Madrid.
August 5, 1861. Battle of Athens.
August 10, 1861. Battle of Wilson's Creek, between the forces
under General Lyon and General McCulloch. In this engagement
General Lyon was killed. General Sturgis succeeded General Lyon.
August 12, 1861. McCulloch issued a proclamation, and soon left
Missouri.
August 20, 1861. General Price issued a proclamation.
August 24, 1861. Governor Gamble issued a proclamation calling
tor 32,000 men for six months to protect the property and lives of the
citizens of the State.
August 30', 1861. General Fremont declared martial law, and
declared that the slaves of all persons who should thereafter take an
active part with the enemies of the Government should be free.
H1STOKY OF MISSOURI. 49
September 2, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation
in response to Fremont's proclamation.
September 7, 1861. Battle at Drywood Creek.
September 11, 1861. President Lincoln modified the clause in Gen.
Fremont's declaration of martial law, in reference to the confiscation
of property and liberation of slaves.
September 12, 1861. General Price begins the attack at Lexing-
ton on Colonel Mulligan's forces.
September 20, 1861. Colonel Mulligan with 2,640 men surren-
dered.
October 25, 1861. Second battle at Springfield.
October 28, 1861. Passage by Governor Jackson's Legislature,
at Neosho, of an ordinance'of secession.
November 2, 1861. General Fremont succeeded by General David
Hunter.
November 7, 1861. General Grant attacked Belmont.
November 9, 1861. General Hunter succeeded by General Halleck,
who took command on the 19th of same month, with headquarters in
St. Louis.
November 27, 1861. General Price issued proclamation calling for
50,000 men, at Neosho, Missouri.
December 12, 1861. General Hunter issued his order of assess-
ment upon certain wealthy citizens in St. Louis, for feeding and cloth-
ing Union refugees.
December 23-25. Declared martial law in St. Louis and the
country adjacent, and covering all the railroad lines.
March 6, 1862. Battle at Pea Eidge between the forces under Gen-
erals Curtis and Van Dorn.
January 8, 1862. Provost Marshal Farrar, of St. Louis, issued the
following order in reference to newspapers :
Office of the Provost Marshal, \
General Department of Missouri, >
St. Louis, January 8, 1862. )
(General Order No. 10.)
It is hereby ordered that from and after this date the publishers of
newspapers in the State of Missouri (St. Louis City papers excepted),
furnish to this office, immediately upon publication, one copy of each
issue, for inspection. A failure to comply with this order will render
the newspaper liable to suppression.
50 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Local Provost Marshals will furnish the proprietors with copies of
this order, and attend to its immediate enforcement.
Bernard G. Farrar,
Provost Marshal General.
January 26, 1862. General Halleck issued order (No. 18) which
forbade, among other things, the display of Secession flags in the
hands of women or on carriages, in the vicinity of the military prison
in McDowell's College, the carriages to be confiscated and the offend-
ing women to be arrested.
February 4, 1862. General Halleck issued another order similar to
Order No. 18, to railroad companies and to the professors and direct-
ors of the State University at Columbia, forbidding the funds of the
institution to be used " to teach treason or to instruct traitors."
February 20, 1862. Special Order No. 120 convened a military
commission, which sat in Columbia, March following, and tried Ed-
mund J. Ellis, of Columbia, editor and proprietor of " The Boone
County Standard," for the publication of information for the benefit
of the enemy, and encouraging resistance to the United States Gov-
ernment. Ellis was found guilty, was banished during the war from
Missouri, and his printing materials confiscated and sold.
April, 1862. General Halleck left for Corinth, Mississippi, leaving
General Schofield in command.
June, 1862. Battle at Cherry Grove between the forces under
Colonel Joseph C. Porter and Colonel H. S. Lipscomb.
June, 1862. Battle at Pierce's Mill between the forces under Major
John Y. Clopper and Colonel Porter.
July 22, 1862. Battle at Florida.
July 28, 1862. Battle at Moore's Mill.
August 6, 1862. Battle near Kirksville.
August 11, 1862. Battle at Independence.
August 16, 1862. Battle at Lone Jack.
September 13, 1862. Battle at Newtouia.
September 25, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners were executed at
Macon, by order of General Merrill.
October 18, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners executed at Palmyra,
by order of General McNeill.
January 8, 1863. Battle at Springfield between the forces of Gen-
eral Marmaduke and General E. B. Brown.
April 26, 1863. Battle at Cape Girardeau.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 51
August — , 1863. General Jeff. Thompson captured at Pocahontas,
Arkansas, with his staff.
August 25, 1863. General Thomas Ewing issued his celebrated
Order No. 11, at Kansas City, Missouri, which is as follows : —
Headquarters District of the Border, )
Kansas City, Mo., August 25, 1863. 5
(General Order No. 11.)
First. — All persons living in Cass, Jackson and Bates Counties,
Missouri, and in that part of Vernon included in this district, except
those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's
Mills, Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville, and except those in that part
of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west
of the Big Blue, embracing Kansas City and Westport, are hereby
ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen
days from the date hereof.
Those who, within that time, establish their loyalty to the satisfac-
tion of the commanding officer of the military station nearest their
present place of residence, will receive from him certificates stating
the fact of their loyalty, and the names of the witnesses by whom it
can be shown. All who receive such certificate will be permitted to
remove to any military station in this district, or to any part of the
State of Kansas, except the counties on the eastern borders of the
State. All others shall remove out of this district. Officers com-
manding companies and detachments serving in the counties named,
will see that this paragraph is promptly obeyed.
Second. — All grain and hay in the field, or under shelter, in the
district from which the inhabitants are required to remove within reach
of military stations, after the 9th day of September next, will be
taken to such stations and turned over to the proper officer there, and
report of the amount so turned over made to district headquarters,
specifying the names of all loyal owners and the amount of such
produce taken from them. All grain and hay found in such district
after the 9th day of September next, not convenient to such stations,
will be destroyed.
Third. — The provisions of General Order No. 10, from these
headquarters, will at once be vigorously executed by officers com-
manding in the parts of the district, and at the stations not subject to
the operations of paragraph First of this Order — and especially in
the towns of Independence. Westport and Kansas City.
52
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Fourth. — Paragraph 3, General Order No. 10, is revoked as to all
who have borne arms against the Government in the district since
August 20, 1863.
By order of Brigadier-General Ewing :
H. Hannahs, Adjutant.
October 13. Battle of Marshall.
January, 1864. General Eosecrans takes command of the Depart-
ment.
September, 1864. Battle at Pilot Knob, Harrison and Little Mo-
reau River.
October 5, 1864.
farm.
October 8, 1864.
October 20, 1864.
September 27, 1864.
derson.
October 27, 1864. Captain Bill Anderson killed.
December — , 1864. General Eosecrans relieved
Dodge appointed to succeed him.
Nothing occurred specially, of a military character, in the State after
December, 1864. We have, in the main, given the facts as they
occurred without comment or entering into details. Many of the
minor incidents and skirmishes of the war have been omitted because
of our limited space.
It is utterly impossible, at this date, to give the names and dates of
all the battles fought in Missouri during the Civil War. It will be
found, however, that the list given below, which has been arranged for
convenience, contains the prominent battles and skirmishes which took
place within the State : —
Battle at Prince's Ford and James Gordon's
Battle at Glasgow.
Battle at Little Blue Creek.
Massacre at Centralia, by Captain Bill An-
and General
Potosi, May 14, 1661.
Boonville, June 17, 1861.
Carthage, July 5, 1861.
Monroe Station, July 10, 1861.
Overton's Run, July 17, 1861.
Dug Spring, August 2, 1861.
Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861.
Athens, August 5, 1861.
Moreton, August 20, 1861.
Bennett's Mills, September — , 1861.
Drywood Creek, September 7, 1861.
Norfolk, September 10, 1861.
Lexington, September 12-20, 1861.
Blue Mills Landing, September 17, 1861.
Glasgow Mistake, September 20, 1861.
Osceola, September 25, 1861.
Shanghai, October 13, 1861.
Lebanon, October 13, 1861.
Linn Creek, October 16, 1861.
Big River Bridge, October 15, 1861.
Fredericktown, October 21, 1861.
Springfield, October 25, 1861.
Belmont, November 7, 1861.
Piketon, November 8, 1861.
Little Blue, November 10, 1861.
Clark's Station, November 11, 1861.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
53
Mt. Zion Church, December 28, 1861.
Silver Creek, January 15, 1862.
New Madrid, February 28, 1862.
Pea Eidge, March 6, 1862.
Neosho, April 22, 1862.
Rose Hill, July 10, 1862.
Chariton River, July 30, 1862.
Cherry Grove, June — , 1862.
Pierce's Mill, June — , 1862.
Florida, July 22, 1862.
Moore's Mill, July 28, 1862.
Kirksville, August 6, 1862.
Compton's Ferry, August 8, 1862.
Yellow Creek, August 13, 1862.
Independence, August 11, 1862.
Lone Jack, August 16, 1862.
Newtonia, September 13, 1862.
Springfield, January 8, 1863.
Cape Girardeau, April 29, 1863.
Marshall, October 13, 1863.
Pilot Knob, September — , 1864.
Harrison, September — , 1864.
Moreau River, October 7, 1864.
Prince's Ford, October 5, 1864.
Glasgow, October 8, 1864.
Little Blue Creek, October 20, 1864.
Albany, October 27, 1864.
Near Rocheport, September 23, 1864.
Centralia, September 27, 1864.
CHAPTEK IX.
EARLY MILITARY RECORD.
Black Hawk War — Mormon Difficulties — Florida War — Mexican War.
On the fourteenth day of May, 1832, a bloody engagement took
place between the regular forces of the United States, and a part of
the Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebago Indians, commanded by Black
Hawk and Keokuk, near Dixon's Ferry in Illinois.
The Governor (John Miller) of Missouri, fearing these savages
would invade the soil of his State, ordered Major-General Richard
Gentry to raise one thousand volunteers for the defence of the fron-
tier. Five companies were at once raised in Boone county, and in
Callaway, Montgomery, St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike, Marion, Ralls,
Clay and Monroe other companies were raised.
Two of these companies, commanded respectively by Captain John
Jamison of Callaway, and Captain David M. Hickman of Boone
county, were mustered into service in Jnly for thirty days, and put
under command of Major Thomas W. Conyers.
This detachment, accompanied by General Gentry, arrived at Fort
Pike on the 15th of July, 1832. Finding that the Indians had not
crossed the Mississippi into Missouri, General Gentry returned to
Columbia, leaving the fort in charge of Major Conyers. Thirty days
having expired, the command under Major Conyers was relieved by two
54 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
other companies under Captains Sinclair Kirtley, of Boone, and Patrick
Ewing, of Callaway. This detachment was marched to Fort Pike by
Col. Austin A. King, who conducted the two companies under Major
Conyers home. Major Conyers was left in charge of the fort, where
he remained till September following, at which time the Indian troub-
les, so far as Missouri was concerned, having all subsided, the frontier
forces were mustered out of service.
Black Hawk continued the war in Iowa and Illinois, and was finally
defeated and captured in 1833.
MORMON DIFFICULTIES.
In 1832, Joseph Smith, the leader of the Mormons, and the chosen
prophet and apostle, as he claimed, of the Most High, came with
many followers to Jackson county, Missouri, where they located and
entered several thousand acres of land.
The object of his coming so far West — upon the very outskirts of.
civilization at that time — was to more securely establish his church,
and the more effectively to instruct his followers in its peculiar tenets
and practices.
Upon the present town site of Independence the Mormons located
their "Zion," and gave it the name of "The New Jerusalem."
They published here the Evening Star, and made themselves gener-
ally obnoxious to the Gentiles, who were then in a minority, by their
denunciatory articles through their paper, their clanuishness and their
polygamous practices.
Dreading the demoralizing influence of a paper which seemed to be
inspired only with hatred and malice toward them, the Gentiles
threw the press and type into the Missouri Kiver, tarred and feathered
one of their bishops, and otherwise gave the Mormons and their lead-
ers to understand that they must conduct themselves in an entirely
different manner if they wished to be let alone.
After the destruction of their paper and press, they became fu-
riously incensed, and sought many opportunities for retaliation. Mat-
ters continued in an uncertain condition until the 31st of October,
1833, when a deadly conflict occurred near Westport, in which two
Gentiles and one Mormon were killed.
On the 2d of October following the Mormons were overpowered,
and compelled to lay down their arms and agree to leave the county
with their families by January 1st on the condition that the owner
would be paid for his printing press.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 55
Leaving Jackson county, they crossed the Missouri and located in
Clay, Carroll, Caldwell and other counties, and selected in Caldwell
county a town site, which they called " Far West," and where they
entered more land for their future homes.
Through the influence of their missionaries, who were exerting
themselves in the East and in different portions of Europe, converts
had constantly flocked to their standard, and " Far West," and other
Mormon settlements, rapidly prospered.
In 1837 they commenced the erection of a magnificent temple, but
never finished it. As their settlements increased in numbers, they
became bolder in their practices and deeds of lawlessness.
During the summer of 1838 two of their leaders settled in the town
of De Witt, on the Missouri River, having purchased the land from
an Illinois merchant. De Witt was in Carroll county, and a good
point from which to forward goods and immigrants to their town —
Far West.
Upon its being ascertained that these parties were Mormon leaders,
the Gentiles called a public meeting, which was addressed by some of
the prominent citizens of the county. Nothing, however, was done at
this meeting, but at a subsequent meeting, which was held a few days
afterward, a committee of citizens was appointed to notify Col. Hin-
kle (one of the Mormon leaders at De Witt), what they intended to
do.
Col. Hinkle upon being notified by this committee became indig-
nant, and threatened extermination to all who should attempt to molest
him or the Saints.
In anticipation of trouble, and believing that the Gentiles would
attempt to force them from De Witt, Mormon recruits flocked to the
town from every direction, and pitched their tents in and around the
town in great numbers.
The Gentiles, nothing daunted, planned an attack upon this en-
campment, to take place on the 21st day of September, 1838, and,
accordingly, one hundred and fifty men bivouacked near the town ou
that day. A conflict ensued, but nothing serious occurred.'
The Mormons evacuated their works and fled to some log houses,
where they could the more successfully resist the Gentiles, who had
in the meantime returned to their camp to await reinforcements.
Troops from Saline, Ray and other counties came to their assist-
ance, and increased their number to five hundred men.
Congreve Jackson was chosen Brigadier- General ; Ebenezer Price,
56 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
Colonel ; Singleton Vaughan, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Sarshel Woods,
Major. After some days of discipline, this brigade prepared for an
assault, but before the attack was commenced Judge James Earickson
and William F. Dunnica, influential citizens of Howard county, asked
permission of General Jackson to let them try and adjust the difficul-
ties without any bloodshed.
It was finally agreed that Judge Earickson should propose to the
Mormons, that if they would pay for all the cattle they had killed be-
longing to the citizens, and load their wagons during the night and be
ready to move by ten o'clock next morning, and make no further
attempt to settle in Carroll county, the citizens would purchase at
first cost their lots in De Witt and one or two adjoining tracts of
land.
Col. Hinkle, the leader of the Mormons, at first refused all atteixpts
to settle the difficulties in this way, but finally agreed to the proposi-
tion.
In accordance therewith, the Mormons without further delay,
loaded up their wagons for the town of Far West, in Caldwell county.
Whether the terms of the agreement were ever carried out, on the
part of the citizens, is not known.
The Mormons had doubtless suffered much and in many ways — the
result of their own acts — but their trials and sufferings were not at
an end.
In 1838 the discord between the citizens and Mormons became so
great that Governor Boggs issued a proclamation ordering Major-
General David R. Atchison to call the militia of his division to enforce
the laws. He called out a part of the first brigade of the Missouri
State Militia, under command of Gen. A. W. Doniphan, who pro-
ceeded to the seat of war. Gen. John B. Clark, of Howard county,
was placed in command of the militia.
The Mormon forces numbered about 1,000 men, and were led by
G. W. Hiulde. The first engagement occurred at Crooked river,
where one Mormon was killed. The principal fight took place at
Haughn's Mills, where eighteen Mormons were killed and the balance
captured, some of them being killed after they had surrendered;
Only one militiaman was wounded.
In the month of October, 1838, Joe Smith surrendered the town of
Far West to Gen. Doniphan, agreeing to his conditions, viz. : That
they should deliver up their arms, surrender their prominent leaders
for trial, and the remainder of the Mormons should, with their
HISTORY OF MISlSOURI. 57
families, leave the State. Indictments were found against a number
of these leaders, including Joe Smith, who, while being taken to
Boone county for trial, made his escape, and was afterward, in 1844,
killed at Carthage, Illinois, with his brother Hiram.
FLORIDA WAR.
In September, 1837, the Secretary of War issued a requisition on
Governor Boggs, of Missouri, for six hundred volunteers for service
in Florida against the Seminole Indians, with whom the Creek nation
had made common cause under Osceola.
The first regiment was chiefly raised in Boone county by Colonel
Eichard Gentry, of which he was elected Colonel ; John W. Price, of
Howard county, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Harrison H. Hughes, also of
Howard, Major. Four companies of the second regiment were raised
and attached to the first. Two of these companies Were composed of
Delaware and Osage Indians.
October 6, 1837, Col. Gentry's regiment left Columbia for the seat
of war, stopping on the way at Jefferson barracks, where they, were
mustered into service.
Arriving at Jackson barracks, New Orleans, they were from thence
transported in brigs across the Gulf to Tampa Bay, Florida. Gen-
eral Za chary Taylor, who then commanded in Florida, ordered Col.
Gentry to inarch to Okee-cho-bee Lake, one hundred and thirty-five
miles inland by the route traveled. Having reached the Kissemmee
river, seventy miles distant, a bloody battle ensued, in which Col.
Gentry was killed. The Missourians, though losing their gallant
leader, continued the fight until the Indians were totally routed, leav-
ing many of their dead and wounded on the field. Thei'e being no
further service required of the Missourians, they returned to their
homes in 1838.
MEXICAN WAR.
Soon after Mexico declared war, against the United States, on the
8th and 9th of May, 1846, the battles of Palo Alto aud Resaca de la
Palm a were fought. Great excitement prevailed throughout the
country. In none of her sister States, however, did the fires of
patriotism burn more intensely than in Missouri. Not waiting for the
call for volunteers, the " St. Louis Legiou " hastened to the field of
conflict. The " Legion " was commanded by Colonel A. R. Easton.
During the month of May, 1846, Governor Edwards, of Missouri,
58 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
called for volunteers to join the "Army of the West," an expedition
to Sante Fe — under command of General Stephen W. Kearney
Fort Leavenworth was the appointed rendezvous for the volunteers.
By the 18th of June, the full complement of companies to compose
the first regiment had arrived from Jackson, Lafayette, Clay, Sa-
line, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway counties. Of this regi-
ment, A. W. Doniphan was made Colonel ; C. F. Ruff, Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Wm. Gilpin, Major. The battalion of light artillery
from St. Louis was commanded by Captains R. A. Weightman and
A. W. Fischer, with Major M. L. Clark as field officer ; battalions of
infantry from Platte and Cole counties commanded by Captains
Murphy and W. Z. Augney respectively, and the " Laclede Rangers,"
from St. Louis, by Captain Thomas B. Hudson, aggregating all told,
from Missouri, 1,658 men. In the summer of 1846 Hon. Sterling
Price resigned his seat in Congress and raised one mounted regiment,
one mounted extra battalion, and one extra battalion of Mormon in-
fantry to reinforce the "Army of the West." Mr. Price was made
Colonel, and D. D. Mitchell Lieutenant-Colonel.
In August, 1847, Governor Edwards made another requisition for
one thousand men, to consist of infantry. The regiment was raised
at once. John Dougherty, of Clay county, was chosen Colonel, but
before the regiment marched the President countermanded the order.
A company of mounted volunteers was raised in Ralls county, com-
manded by Captain Wm. T. Lafland. Conspicuous among the en-
gagements in which the Missouri volunteers participated in Mexico
were the battles of Bracito, Sacramento, Canada, El Embudo, Taos
and Santa Cruz de Rosales. The forces from Missouri were mustered
out in 1848, and will ever be remembered in the history of the Mexi-
can war, for
"A thousand glorious actions that might claim
Triumphant laurels and immortal fame.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 59
CHAPTEE X.
AGRICULTURE AND MATERIAL WEALTH.
Missouri as an Agricultural State — The Different Crops — Live Stock — Horses —
Mules — Milch Cows — Oxen and other Cattle — Sheep — Hogs — Comparisons —
Missouri adapted to Live Stock — Cotton — Broom-Corn and other Products —
Fruits — Berries — Grapes — Railroads — First Neigh of the " Iron Horse " in Mis-
souri— Names of Railroads — Manufactures — Great Bridge at St. Louis.
Agriculture is the greatest among all the arts of man, as it is the
first in supplying his necessities. It favors and strengthens popula-
tion ; it creates and maintains manufactures ; gives employment to
navigation and furnishes materials to commerce. It animates every
species of industry, and opens to nations the safest channels of
wealth. It is the strongest bond of well regulated society, the surest
basis of internal peace, and the natural associate of correct morals.
Among all the occupations and professions of life, there is none more
honorable, none more independent, and none more conducive to health
and happiness.
" In ancient times the sacred plow employ'd
The kings, and awful fathers of mankind ;
And some, with whom compared your insect tribes
Are but the beings of a summer's day.
Have held the scale of empire, ruled the storm
Of mighty war with unwearied hand,
Disdaining little delicacies, seized
The plow and greatly independent lived."
As an agricultural region, Missouri is not surpassed by any State in
the Union. It is indeed the farmer's kingdom, where he always reaps
an abundant harvest. The soil, in many portions of the State, has
an open, flexible' structure, quickly absorbs the most excessive rains,
and retains moisture with great tenacity. This being the case, it is
not so easily affected by drouth. The prairies are covered with sweet,
luxuriant grass, equally good for grazing and hay ; grass not sur-
passed by the Kentucky blue grass — the best of clover and timothy
in growing and fattening cattle. This grass is now as full of life-giv-
ing nutriment as it was when cropped by the buffalo, the elk, the an-
telope, and the deer, and costs the herdsman nothing.
60 HISTORY OP MISSOURI.
No State or territory has a more complete and rapid system of nat-
ural drainage, or a more abundant supply of pure, fresh water than
Missouri. Both man and beast may slake their thirst from a thousand
pereunial fountains, which gush in limpid streams from the hill-sides,
and wend their way through verdant valleys and along smiling prai-
ries, varying in size, as they onward flow, from the diminutive brooklet
to the giant river.
Here, nature has generously bestowed her attractions of climate,
soil and scenery to please and gratify man while earning his bread in
the sweat of his brow. Being thus munificently endowed, Missouri
offers superior inducements to the farmer, and bids him enter her
broad domain and avail himself of her varied resources.
We present here a table showing the product of each principal crop
in Missouri for 1878 : —
Indian Corn 93,062,000 bushels.
Wheat 20,196,000 "
Rye 732,000 "
Oats 19,584,000 "
Buckwheat 4g 4qq «
Potatoes 5,415,000 "
Tobacco 23,023,000 pounds.
Hay •. 1,620,000 tons.
There were 3,552,000 acres in corn; wheat, 1,836,000; rye,
48,800 ; oats, 640,000 ; buckwheat, 2,900 ; potatoes, 72,200 ; to-
bacco, 29,900; hay, 850,000. Value of each crop: corn, $24,196,-
224; wheat, $13,531,320; rye, $300,120; oats, $3,325,120; buck-
wheat, $24,128; potatoes, $2,057,700; tobacco, $1,151,150; hay,
$10,416,600.
Average cash value of crops per acre, $7.69 ; average yield of corn
per acre, 26 bushels ; wheat, 11 bushels.
Next in importance to the corn crop in value is live stock. The fol-
lowing table shows the number of horses, mules, and milch cows in
the different States for 1879 : —
HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
61
States.
Maine ,
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Florida ...
Alabama
Mississippi
Louisiana.
Texas
Arkansas
Tennessee
West Virginia
Kentucky
Ohio
Michigan
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin ,
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouei
Kansas
Nebraska
California
Oregon
Nevada, Colorado, and Territories
Horses.
Males.
81,700
57,100
77,400
131,000
16,200
53,500
898,900
11,800
114,500
14,400
614,500
24,900
19,900
4,000
108,600
11,300
208,700
30,600
144,200
74,000
59,600
51,500
119,200
97,200
22,400
11,900
312,800
111,700
97,200
100,000
79,300
80,700
618,000
180,200
180,500
89,300
323,700
99,700
122,200
2,400
386,900
117,800
772,700
26,700
333,800
4,300
688,800
61,200
1,100,000
138,000
384,400
8,700
247,300
7,000
770,700
43,400
627,300
191,900
275,000
50,000
157,200
13,600
273,000
25,700
109,700
3,500
250,000
25,700
Milch
Cows.
196,100
98,100
217,800
160,700
22,000
116,500
1,446,200
152,200
828,400
23,200
100,500
236,200
232,300
131,300
273,100
70,000
215,200
188,000
110,900
544,500
187,700
245,700
130,500
257,200
714,100
' 416,900
439,200
702,400
477,300
278,900
676,200
516,200
321,900
127,600
495,600
112,400
423,600
It will be seen from the above table, that Missouri is the fifth State
in the number of horses ; fifth in number of milch cows, and the
leading State in number of mules, having 11,700 more than Texas,
which produces the next largest number. Of oxen and other cattle,
Missouri produced in 1879, 1,632,000, which was more than any other
State produced excepting Texas, which had 4,800,00. In 1879 Mis-
souri raised 2,817,600 hogs, which was more than any other State
produced, excepting Iowa. The number of sheep was 1,296,400.
The number of hogs packed in 1879, by the different States, is as
follows : —
States.
No.
States.
No.
Ohio
932,878
622,321
3,214,896
569,763
965,839
472,108
212,412
62
HISTORY OP MISSOURI.
AVERAGE WEIGHT PER
HEAD FOR BACH STATE.
States.
Pounds.
States.
Founds.
Ohio
210.47
193.80
225.71
211.98
211.32
220.81
210.11
From the above it will be seen that Missouri annually packs more
hogs than any other State excepting Illinois, and that she ranks third
in the average weight.
We see no reason why Missouri should not be the foremost stock-
raising State of the Union. In addition to the enormous yield of
corn and oats upon which the stock is largely dependent, the climate
is well adapted to their growth and health. Water is not only inex-
haustible, but everywhere convenient. The ranges of stock are
boundless, affording for nine months of the year, excellent pasturage
of nutritious wild grasses, which grow in great luxuriance upon the
thousand prairies.
Cotton is grown successfully in many counties of the southeastern
portions of the State, especially in Stoddard, Scott, Pemiscot, Butler,
New Madrid, Lawrence and Mississippi.
Sweet potatoes are produced in abundance and are not only sure
but profitable.
Broom corn, sorghum, castor beans, white beans, peas, hops, thrive
well, and ail kinds of garden vegetables, are produced in great abun-
dance and are found in the markets during all seasons of the year.
Fruits of every variety, including the apple, pear, peach, cherries,
apricots and nectarines, are cultivated with great success, as are also,
the strawberry, gooseberry, currant, raspberry and blackberry.
The grape has not been produced with that success that was at first
anticipated, yet the yield of wine for the year 1879, was nearly half a
million gallons. Grapes do well in Kansas, and we see no reason
why they should not be as surely and profitably grown in a similar
climate and soil in Missouri, and particularly in many of the counties
north and east of the Missouri Eiver.
RAILROADS.
^ Twenty-nine years ago, the neigh of the " iron horse " was heard
for the first time, within the broad domain of Missouri. His coming
presaged the dawn of a brighter and grander era in the history of the
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 63
State. Her fertile prairies, and more prolific valleys would soon be
of easy access to the oncoming tide of immigration, and the ores and
minerals of her hills and mountains would be developed, and utilized
in her manufacturing and industrial enterprises.
Additional facilities would be opened to the marts of trade and
commerce ; transportation from the interior of the State would be se-
cured : a fresh impetus would be given to the growth of her towns
and cities, and new hopes and inspirations would be imparted to all
her people.
Since 1852, the initial period of railroad building in Missouri, be-
tween four and five thousand miles of track have been laid ; addi-
tional roads are now being constructed, and many others in contem-
plation. The State is already well supplied with railroads which
thread her surface in all directions, bringing her remotest districts
into close connection with St. Louis, that great center of western
railroads and inland commerce. These roads have k capital stock ag-
gregating more than one hundred millions of dollars, and a funded
debt of about the same amount.
The lines of roads which are operated in the State are the follow-
ing:—
Missouri Pacific — chartered May 10th, 1850; The St. Louis, Iron
Mountain & Southern Railroad, which is a consolidation of the Arkan-
sas Branch ; The Cairo, Arkansas & Texas Railroad ; The Cairo &
Fulton Railroad; The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway ; St.
Louis & San Francisco Railway ; The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis
Railroad ; The Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad : The Missouri, Kan-
sas & Texas Railroad ; The Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs
Railroad ; The Keokuk & Kansas City Railway Company ; Tne St.
Louis, Salem & Little Rock Railroad Company ; The Missouri &
Western ; The St. Louis, Keokuk & Northwestern Railroad ; The St.
Louis, Hannibal & Keokuk Railroad ; The Missouri, Iowa & Nebraska
Railway ; The Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad ; The Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific Railway ; The Burlington & Southwestern
Railroad.
MANUFACTURES.
The natural resources of Missouri especially fit her for a great man-
ufacturing State. She is rich in soil ; rich in all the elements which
supply the furnace, the machine shop and the planing mill ; rich in
the multitude and variety of her gigantic forests ; rich in her marble,
stone and granite quarries ; rich in her mines of iron, coal, lead and
64 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
zinc ; rich in strong arms and willing hands to apply the force ; rich
in water power and river navigation ; and rich in her numerous and
well-built railroads, whose numberless engines thunder along their
multiplied track-ways.
Missouri contains over fourteen thousand manufacturing establish-
ments, 1,965 of which are using steam and give employment to
80,000 hands. The capital employed is about $100,000,000, the
material annually used and worked up, amounts to"over $150,000,-
000, and the value of the products put upon the markets $250,000,000,
while the wages paid are more than $40,000,000.
The leading manufacturing counties of the State, are St. Louis,
Jackson, Buchanan, St. Charles, Marion, Franklin, Greene, Lafay-
ette, Platte, Cape Girardeau, and Boone. Three-fourths, however, of
the manufacturing is done in St. Louis, which is now about the second
manufacturing city in the Union. Flouring mills produce annually
about $38,194,000 ; carpentering $18,763,000 ; meat-packing $16,-
769,000 ; tobacco $12,496,000 ; iron and castings $12,000,000 ; liquors
$11,245,000; clothing $10,022,000; lumber $8,652,000; bagging
and bags $6,914,000, and many other smaller industries in propor-
tion.
GREAT BRIDGE AT ST. LOUIS.
Of the many public improvements which do honor to the State and
reflect great credit upon the genius of their projectors, we have space
only, to mention the great bridge at St. Louis.
This truly wonderful construction is built of tubular steel, total
length of which, with its approaches, is 6,277 feet, at a cost of nearly
$8,000,000. The bridge spans the Mississippi from the Illinois to
the Missouri shore, and has separate railroad tracks, roadways, and
foot paths. In durability, architectural beauty and practical utilitv,
there is, perhaps, n6 similar piece of workmanship that approximates
it.
The structure of Darius upon the Bosphorus ; of Xerxes upon the
Hellespont ; of Csesar upon the Rhine ; and Trajan upon the Danube,
famous in ancient history, were built for military purposes, that over
them might pass invading armies with their munitions of war, to de- 'i
stroy commerce, to lay in waste the provinces, and to slaughter the 5
people.
But the erection of this was for a higher and nobler purpose. Over
it are coming the trade and merchandise of the opulent East, and
thence are passing the untold riches of the West. Over it are crowd-
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 65
ing legions of men, armed not with the weapons of war, but with the
implements of peace and industry ; men who are skilled in all the arts
of agriculture, of manufacture and of mining; men who will hasten
the day when St. Louis shall rank in population and importance, sec-
ond to no city on the continent, and'when Missouri shall proudly fill
the measure of greatness, to which she is naturally so justly entitled.
CHAPTEE XI.
EDUCATION.
Tublic School System — Public School System of Missouri — Lincoln Institute — Offi-
cers of Public School System — Certificates of Teachers — University of Missouri —
Schools — Colleges — Institutions of Learning — Location — Libraries — Newspa-
pers and Periodicals — No. of School Children — Amount expended — Value of
Grounds and Buildings — " The Press."
The first constitution of Missouri provided that "one school or more
shall be established in each township, as soon as practicable and neces-
sary, where the poor shall be taught gratis."
It will be seen that even at that early day (1820) the framers of the
constitution made provision for at least a primary education for the
poorest and the humblest, taking it for granted that those who were
able would avail themselves of educational advantages which were not
gratuitous.
The establishment of the public-school system, in its essential fea-
tures, was not perfected until 1839, during the administration of Gov-
ernor Boggs, and since that period the system has slowly grown into
favor, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States. The
idea of a free or public school for all classes was not at first a popular
one, especially among those who had the means to patronize private
institutions of learning. In upholding and maintaining public schools
the opponents of the system felt that they were not only compromis-
ing their own standing among their more wealthy neighbors, but that
they were, to some extent, bringing opprobrium upon their children.
Entertaining such prejudices, they naturally thought that the training
received at public schools could not be otherwise than defective ; hence
many years of probation passed before the popular mind was prepared
66 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
to appreciate the benefits and blessings which spring from these insti-
tutions.
Every year only adds to their popularity, and commends them the
more earnestly to the fostering care of our State and National Legis-
latures, and to the esteem and favor of all classes of our people.
We can hardly conceive of two grander or more potent promoters of
civilization than the free school and free press. They would indeed
seem to constitute all that was necessary to the attainment of the hap-
piness and intellectual growth of the Eepublic, aud all that was neces-
sary to broaden, to liberalize and instruct.
" Tis education forms the common mind;
******
For noble youth there is nothing so meet
As learning is, to know the good from ill ;
To know the tongues, and perfectly indite,
And of the laws to have a perfect skill,
Things to reform as right and justice will;
For honor is ordained for no cause
But to see right maintained by the laws."
All- the States of the Union have in practical operation the public-
school system, governed in the main by similar laws, and not differing
materially in the manuer and methods by which they are taught : but
none have a wiser, a more liberal and comprehensive machinery of
instruction than Missouri. Her school laws, since 1839, have under-
gone many changes, and always for the better, keeping pace with the
most enlightened and advanced theories of the most experienced edu-
cators in the land. But not until 1875, when the new constitution was
adopted, did her present admirable system of public instruction <*o
into effect.
Provisions were made not only for white, but for children of African
descent, and are a part of the organic law, not subject to the caprices
of unfriendly legislatures, or the whims of political parties. The Lin-
coln Institute, located at Jefferson City, for the education of col-
ored teachers, receives an annual appropriation from the General
Assembly.
For the support of the public schools, in addition to the annual
income derived from the public school fund, which is set apart by law,
not less than twenty-five per cent, of the State revenue, exclusive of
the interest and sinking fund, is annually applied to this purpose.
The officers having in charge the public school interests are the State
" Board of Education," the State Superintendent, County Commission-
68 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
ers, County Clerk and Treasurer, Board of Directors, City and' Town
School Board, and Teacher. The State Board of Education is composed
of the State Superintendent, the Governor, Secretary of State, and the
Attorney-General, the executive officer of this Board being the State Su-
perintendent, who is chosen by the people every four years. His duties
are numerous. He renders decisions concerning the local application of
school law ; keeps a record of the school funds and annually distributes
the same to the counties ; supervises the work of county school officers ;
delivers lectures ; visits schools ; distributes educational information ;
grants certificates of higher qualifications, and makes an annual report
to the General Assembly of the condition of the schools.
The County Commissioners are also elected by the people for two
years. Their work is to examine teachers, to distribute blanks, and
make reports. County clerks receive estimates from the local direct-
ors and extend them upon the tax-books. In addition to this, they
keep the general records of the county and township school funds, and
return an annual report of the financial condition of the schools of
their county to the State Superintendent. School taxes are gathered
with other taxes by the county collector. The custodian of the school
funds belonging to the schools of the counties is the county treasurer,
except in counties adopting the township organization, in which case
the township trustee discharges these duties.
Districts organized under the special law for cities and towns are
governed by a board of six directors, two of whom are selected annu-
ally, on the second Saturday in September, and hold their office for
three years.
One director is elected to serve for three years in each school dis-
trict, at the annual meeting. These directors may levy a tax not
exceeding forty cents on the one hundred dollars' valuation, pro-
vided such annual rates for school purposes may be increased in dis-
tricts formed of cities and towns, to an amount not exceeding one
dollar on the hundred dollars' valuation, and in other districts to an
amount not to exceed sixty-five cents on the one hundred dollars' val-
uation, on the condition that a majority of the voters who are tax-pay-
ers, voting at an election held to decide the question, vote for said
increase. For the purpose of erecting public buildings in school dis-
tricts, the rates of taxation thus limited may be increased when the
rate of such increase and the purpose for which it is intended shall
have been submitted to a vote of the people, and two-thirds of the
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 69
qualified voters of such school district voting at such election shall
vote therefor.
Local directors may direct the management of the school in respect
to the choice of teachers and other details, but in the discharge of
all important business, such as the erection of a school house or the
extension of a term of school beyond the constitutional period, they
simply execute the will of the people. The clerk of this board may
be a director. He keeps a record of the names of all the children and
youth in the district between the ages of five and twenty-one ; records
all business proceedings of the district, and reports to the annual
meeting, to the County Clerk and County Commissioners.
Teachers must hold a certificate from the State Superintendent or
County Commissioner of the county where they teach. State certifi-
cates are granted upon personal written examination in the common
branches, together with the natural sciences and higher mathematics.
The holder of such certificate may teach in any public school of the
State without further examination. Certificates granted by County
Commissioners are of two classes, with two grades in each class. Those
issued for a longer term than one year, belong to the first class and are
susceptible of two grades, differing both as to length of time and attain-
ments. Those issued for one year may represent two grades, marked by
qualification alone. The township school fund arises from a grant of
land by the General Government, consisting of section sixteen in each
congressional township. The annual income of the township fund is ap-
propriated to the various townships, according to their respective
proprietary claims. The support from the permanent funds is supple-
mented by direct taxation laid upon the taxable property of each dis-
trict. The greatest limit of taxation for the current expenses is one
per cent ; the tax permitted for school house building cannot exceed
the same amount.
Among the institutions of learning and ranking, perhaps, the first
in importance, is the State University located at Columbia, JJoone
County. When the State was admitted into the Union, Congress
granted to it one entire township of land (46,080 acres) for the sup-
port of "A Seminary of Learning." The lands secured for this pur-
pose are among the best and most valuable in the State. These
lands were put into the market in 1832 and brought $75,000, which
amount was invested in the stock of the old bank of the State of Mis-
souri, where it remained and increased by accumulation to the sum of
$100,000. In 1839, by an act of the General Assembly, five commis-
70 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
sioners were appointed to select a site for the State University, the
site to contain at least fifty acres of land in a compact form, within
two miles of the county seat of Cole, Cooper, Howard, Boone, Calla-
way or Saline. Bids were let among the counties named, and the
county of Boone having subscribed the sum of $117,921, some
$18,000 more than any other county, the State University was located
in that county, and on the 4th of July, 1840, the corner-stone was
laid with imposing ceremonies.
The present annual income of the University is nearly $65,000.
The donations to the institutions connected therewith amount to
nearly $400,000. This University with its different departments,
is open to both male and female, and both sexes enjoy alike its
rights and privileges. Among the professional schools, which form a
part of the University, are the Normal, or College of Instruction in
Teaching ; Agricultural and Mechanical College ; the School of Mines
and Metallurgy ; the College of Law ; the Medical College ; and the
Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. Other departments
are contemplated and will be added as necessity requires.
The following will show the names and locations of the schools and
institutions of the State, as reported by the Commissioner of Education
in 1875: —
UNIVERSITIES AUD COLLEGES.
Christian University ....Canton.
St. Vincent's College Cape Girardeau
University of Missouri Columbia!
Central College Fayette.
"Westminster College .....Fulton.
Lewis College ZZZZZ.Glasgow.
Pritchett School Institute Glasgow.
Lincoln College .*.l'ZZZZZZ"Greenwoo&
Hannibal College Hannibal.
Woodland College Independence.
Thayer College Kidder.
La Grange College La Grange.
William Jewell College Liberty.
Baptist College .Z.".\!"ZZZZZZ'.Loukiana!
St. Joseph College st joseph.
College of Christian Brothers gk Louis.
St. Louis University St. Louis.
Washington University gt Louis.
Drury College Springfield.
Central Wesleyan College Warrenton.
FOR SUPERIOR INSTRUCTION OF WOMKN.
St. Joseph Female Seminary St josepb.
Christian College Columbia.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 71
Stephens' College Columbia.
Howard College .Fayette.
Independence Female College Independence.
Central Female College Lexington.
Clay Seminaiy. Liberty.
Ingleside Female College Palmyra.
Lindenwood College for Young Ladies St. Charles.
Mary Institute (Washington University) St. Louis.
St. Louis Seminary St. Louis.
Ursuline Academy St. Louis.
TOR SECONDARY INSTBTTCTION.
Arcadia College Arcadia.
St Vincent's Academy Gape Girardeau.
Chillicothe Academy Chillicothe.
Grand Eiver College Edinburgh.
Marionville Collegiate Institute '. Marionville.
Palmyra Seminary Palmyra.
St. Paul's College Palmyra.
Van Rensselaer Academy Rensselaer.
Shelby High School Shelbyville.
StewartsviUe Male and Female Seminary Stewartsville.
SCHOOLS OF SCIENCE.
Missouri Agricultural and Mechanical College (University of Missouri) Columbia.
Schools of Mines and Metallurgy (University of Missouri) Rolla.
Polytechnic Institute (Washington University) St. Louis.
SCHOOLS OF THEOLOGY.
St. Vincent's College (Theological Department) Cape Girardeau.
Westminster College (Theological School) Fulton.
Vardeman School of Theology (William Jewell College) Liberty.
Concordia College St. Louis.
SCHOOLS OP LAW.
Law School of the University of Missouri Columbia.
Law School of the Washington University. St. Louis.
'SCHOOLS OP MEDICINE.
Medical College, University of Missouri Columbia
College of Physicians and Surgeons St. Joseph.
Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons Kansas City.
Hospital Medical College St. Joseph.
Missouri Medical College St. Louis.
Northwestern Medical College St. Joseph.
St. Louis Medical College St. Louis.
Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri St. Louis.
Missouri School of Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children St. Louis.
Missouri Central College St. Louis.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy St. Louis.
72
HISTOBY OF MISSOUKI.
LARGEST PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
Name.
St Vincent's College
Southeast Missouri State Normal School
University of Missouri
Athenian Society
Union Literary Society
Law College,
Westminster College
Lewis College
Mercantile Library
Library Association
Pruitland Normal Institute
State Library
Fetterman's Circulating Library
Law Library.
Whittemore's Circulating Library
North Missouri State Normal School
William Jewell College
St. Paul's College ,
Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy
St. Charles Catholic Library
Carl Prielling's Library
Law Library
Public School Library ,
Walworth & Colt's Circulating Library
Academy of Science
Academy of Visitation
College of the Christian Brothers
Deutsche Institute
German Evangelical Lutheran, Concordia Colle^i ■
Law Library Association
Missouri Medical College
Mrs. Cuthbert's Seminary (Young Ladies)
Odd Fellow's Library
Public School Library
St Louis Medical College
St. Louis Mercantile Library
. St. Louis Seminary
St. Louis Turn Verein r.
St. Louis University
St. Louis University Society Libraries
Ursuline Academy
Washington University
St. Louis Law School."
Young Men's Sodality
Library Association
Public School Library
Drury College
Location.
Cape Girardeau.
Cape Girardeau.
Columbia
Columbia
Columbia
Columbia
Fulton
Glasgow
Hannibal ,
Independeni ■■
Jackson
Jefferson Cily. ...
Kansas City
Kansas Cuy
Kansas City
Kirksville
Liberty
Palmyra
Holla
St. Charlie
St. Joseph
St. Joseph
St. Joseph
St. Joseph
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Loui*
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St Louis
St Louis..
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis
St Louis
Sedalia
Sedalia
Springfield
Volumes.
6,60*,'
1,225.
10,000'
1,200-
1,200:
1,000
6,000
8,000
2,219
1,100
1,000
13,000
1,300
3,000
1,000
1,050
4,000
2,000
1,478
1,716
6,000
2,000
2,500
1,500
2,744
4,000
22,000
1,000
4,800
8,000
1,000
1,500
4,000
40,ny7
1,100
45,000
2,000
2,000
' 17,000
8,000
2,000
4,500
8,000
1,327
1,500
1,015
2,000
in 1880.
Newspapers and Periodicals 481
CHARITIES.
State Asylum for Deaf and Dumb
St. Bridget's Institution for Deaf and Dumb
Institution for the Education of the Bliml
State Asylum for Insane
State Asylum for the Insane
Fulton.
..St. Louis.
..St Louis.
Fulton.
.St Louis.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 73
NORMAL SCHOOLS.
Normal Institute , Bolivar.
Southeast Missouri State Normal School Cape Girardeau.
Normal School (University of Missouri) Columbia.
Fruitland Normal Institute Jackson.
Lincoln Institute (for colored) Jefferson City.
City Normal School St. Louis.
Missouri State Normal School Warrensburg.
in 1880.
Number of school children
in 1878.
Estimated value of school property $8,321,399
Total receipts for public schools.....*. 4,207,617
Total expenditures 2,406,139
NtTMBKB OF TEACHKKS.
Male teachers 6.239; average monthly pny $36.36
Female teachers 5,060; average monthly pay 28.09
The fact that Missouri supports and maintains four hundred and
seventy-one newspapers and periodicals, shows that her inhabitants
are not only a reading and reflecting people, but that they appreciate
" The Press," and its wonderful influence as an educator. The poet
has well said : —
But mightiest of the mighty means,
On which the arm of progress leans,
Man's noblest mission to advance,
His woes assuage, his weal enhance,
His rights enforce, his wrongs redress —
Mightiest of mighty is the Press.
CHAPTEK XII.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
Baptist Church — Its History — Congregational — When Founded — Its History —
Christian Church — Its History — Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Its History —
Methodist Episcopal Church — Its History — Presbyterian Church — Its History —
Protestant Episcopal Church — Its History — United Presbyterian Church — Its
History — Unitarian Church — Its History — Roman Catholic Church — Its History.
The first representatives of religious thought and training, who
penetrated the Missouri and Mississippi Valleys, were Pere Marquette,
La Salle, and others of Catholic persuasion, who performed missionary
74 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
labor among the Indians. A century afterward came the Protestants.
At that early period
" A church In every grove that spread
Its living roof above their heads,"
constituted for a time their only house of worship, and yet to them
" No Temple built with hands could vie
In glory with its majesty."
In the course of time, the seeds of Protestantism were scattered
along the shores of the two great rivers which form the eastern and
western boundaries of the State, and still a" little later they were sown
upon her hill-sides and broad prairies, where they have since bloomed
and blossomed as the rose.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The earliest anti-Catholic religious denomination, of which there is
any record, was organized in Cape Girardeau county in 1806, through
the efforts of Rev. David Green, a Baptist, and a native of Virginia.
In 1816, the first association of Missouri Baptists was formed, which
was composed of seven churches, all of which were located in the
southeastern part of the State. In 1817 a second association of
churches was formed, called the Missouri Association, the name being
afterwards changed to St. Louis Association. In 1834 a general con-
vention of all the churches of this denomination, was held in Howard
county, for the purpose of effecting a central organization, at which
time was commenced what is now known as the " General Association •
of Missouri Baptists."
To this body is committed the State mission work, denominational
education, foreign missions and the circulation of religious literature.
The Baptist Church has under its control a number of schools and
colleges, the most important of which is William Jewell College,
located at Liberty, Clay county. As shown by the annual report for
1875, there were in Missouri, at that date, sixty-one associations, one
thousand four hundred churches, eight hundred and twenty-four min-
isters and eighty-nine thousand six hundred and fifty church members.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregationalists inaugurated their missionary labors in the
State in 1814. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, of Torringford, Connecticut,
and Eev. Daniel Smith, of Bennington, Vermont, were sent west by
the Massachusetts Congregational Home Missionary Society during
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 75
that year, and in November, 1814, they preached the first regular
Protestant sermons in St. Louis. Rev. Samuel Giddings, sent out
under the auspices of the Connecticut Congregational Missionary
Society, organized the first Protestant church in the city, consisting
of ten members, constituted Presbyterian. The churches organized
by Mr. Giddings were all Presbyterian in their order.
No exclusively Congregational Church was founded until 1852,
when the " First Trinitarian Congregational Church of St. Louis "
was organized. The next church of this denomination was organized
at Hannibal in 1859. Then followed a Welsh church in New Cambria
in 1864, and after the close of the war, fifteen churches of the same
order were formed in different parts of the State. In 1866, Pilgrim
Church, St. Louis> was organized. The General Conference of
Churches of Missouri was formed in 1865, which was changed in 1868,
to General Association. In 1866, Hannibal, Kidder, and St. Louis
District Associations were formed, and following these were the Kan-
sas City and Springfield District Associations. This denomination in
1875, had 70 churches, 41 ministers, 3,363 church members, and had
also several schools and colleges and one monthly newspaper.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The earliest churches of this denomination were organized in Cal-
laway, Boone and Howard Counties, some time previously to 1829.
The first church was formed in St. Louis in 1836 by Elder R. B.
Fife. The first State Sunday School Convention of the Christian
Church, was held in Mexico in 1876. Besides a number of private
institutions, this denomination has three State Institutions, all of
which have an able corps of professors and have a good attendance o'f
pupils. It has one religious paper published in St. Louis, " Tlie Chris-
tian," which is a weekly publication and well patronized. The mem-
bership of this church now numbers nearly one hundred thousand in
the State and is increasing rapidly. It has more than five hundred
organized churches, the greater portion of which are north of the
Missouri River.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In the spring of 1820, the first Presbytery of this denomination
west of the Mississippi, was organized in Pike County. This Pres-
bytery included all the territory of Missouri, western Illinois and
Arkansas and numbered only four ministers, two of whom resided at
76 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
that time in Missouri. There are now in the State, twelve Presby-
teries, three Synods, nearly three hundred ministers and over twenty
thousand members. The Board of Missions is located at St. Louis.
They have a number of High Schools and two monthly papers pub-
lished at St. Louis.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1806, Rev. John Travis, a young Methodist minister, was sent
out to the " Western Conference," which then embraced the Missis-
sippi Valley, from Green County, Tennessee. During that year Mr.
Travis organized a number of small churches. At the close of his
conference year, he reported the result of his labors to the Western
Conference, which was held at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1870, and showed
an aggregate of one hundred and six members and two circuits, one
called Missouri and the other Meramec. In 1808, two circuits had
been formed, and at each succeeding year the number of circuits and
members constantly increased, until 1812, when what was called the
Western Conference was divided into the Ohio and Tennessee Confer-
ences, Missouri falling into the Tennessee Conference. In 1816,
there was another division when the Missouri Annual Conference was
formed. In 1810, there were four traveling preachers and in 1820, fif-
teen travelling preachers, with over 2,000 members. In 1836, the terri-
tory of the Missouri Conference was again divided when the Missouri
Conference included only the State. In 1840 there were 72 traveling
preachers, 177 local ministers and 13,992 church members. Between
1840 and 1850, the church was divided by the organization of the
Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1850, the membership of the
M. E. Church was over 25,000, and during the succeeding ten years
the church prospered rapidly. In 1875, the M. E. Church reported
274 church edifices and 34,156 members ; the M. E. Church South,
reported 443 church edifices and 49,588 members. This denomina-
tion has under its control several schools and colleges and two weekly
newspapers.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church dates the beginning of its missionary
efforts in the State as far back as 1814, but the first Presbyterian
Church was not organized until 1816 at Bellevue settlement, eight
miles from St. Louis. The next churches were formed in 1816 and
1817 at Bonhomme, Pike County. The First Presbyterian Church
was organized in St. Louis in 1817, by Rev. Salmon Gidding. The
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 77
first Presbytery was organized in 1817 by the Synod of Tennessee
with four ministers and four churches. The first Presbyterian house
of worship (which was the first Protestant) was commenced in 1819
and completed in 1826. In 1820 a mission was formed among the
Osage Indians. In 1831, the Presbytery was divided into three:
Missouri, St. Louis, and St. Charles. These were erected with a
Synod comprising eighteen ministers and twenty-three churches.
The church was divided in 1838, throughout the United States. In
1860 the rolls of the Old and New School Synod together showed 109
ministers and 146 churches. In 1866 the Old School Synod was di-
vided on political questions springing out of the war — a part form-
ing the Old School, or Independent Synod of Missouri, who are con-
nected with the General Assembly South. In 1870, the Old and New
School Presbyterians united, since which time this Synod has steadily
increased until it now numbers more than 12,000 members with more
than 220 churches and 150 ministers.
This Synod is composed of six Presbyteries and has under its con-
trol one or two institutions of learning and one or two newspapers.
That part of the original Synod which withdrew from the Geueral
Assembly remained an independent body until 1874 when it united
with the Southern Presbyterian Church. The Synod in 1875 num-
bered 80 ministers, 140 churches and 9,000 members. It has under
its control several male and female institutions of a high order. The
St. Louis Presbyterian, a weekly paper, is the recognized organ of
the Synod.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The missionary enterprises of this church began in the State in
1819, when a parish was organized in the City of St. Louis. In 1828,
an agent of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, visited the
city, who reported the condition of things so favorably that Eev.
Thomas Horrell was sent out as a missionary and in 1825, he began
his labors in St. Louis. A church edifice was completed in 1830. In
1836, there were five clergymen of this denomination in Missouri,
who had organized congregations in Boonville, Fayette, St. Charles,
Hannibal, and other places. In 1840, the clergy and laity met in
convention, a diocese was formed, a constitution, and canons adopted,
and in 1844 a Bishop was chosen, he being the Rev. Cicero S.
Hawks. Through the efforts of Bishop Kemper, Kemper College was
founded near St. Louis, but was afterward given up on account of
78 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
pecuniary troubles. In 1847, the Clark Mission began and in 1849
the Orphans' Home, a charitable institution, was founded. In 1865,
St. Luke's Hospital was established. In 1875, there were in the city
of St. Louis, twelve parishes and missions and twelve clergymen.
This denoinuation has several schools and colleges, and one newspaper.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This denomination is made up of the members of the Associate and
Associate Reformed churches of the Northern States, which two
bodies united in 1858, taking the name of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America. Its members were generally bitterly
opposed to the institution of slavery. The first congregation was
organized at Warrensburg, Johnson County, in 1867. It rapidly
increased in numbers, and had, in 1875, ten ministers and five hundred
members.
UNITARIAN CHURCH.
This church was formed in 1834, by the Rev. W. G. Eliot, in St.
Louis. The churches are few in number throughout the State, the
membership being probably less than 300, all told. It has a mission
house and free school, for poor children, supported by donations.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The earliest written record of the Catholic Church in Missouri snows
that Father Watrin performed ministerial services in Ste. Genevieve,
in 1760, and in St. Louis in 1766. In 1770, Father Menrin erected a
small log church in St. Louis. In 1818, there were in the State four
chapels, and for Upper Louisiana seven priests. A college and semi-
nary were opened in Perry County about this period, for the
education of the young, being the first college west of the Mississippi
River. In 1824, a college was opened in St. Louis, which is now
known as the St. Louis University. In 1826, Father Rosatti was
appointed Bishop of St. Louis, and through his instrumentality the
Sisters of Charity, Sisters of St. Joseph and of the Visitation were
founded, besides other benevolent and charitable institutions. In
1834 he completed the present Cathedral Church. Churches were
built in different portions of the State. In 1847 St. Louis was created
an arch-diocese, with Bishop Kenrick, Archbishop.
In Kansas City there were five parish churches, a hospital, a con-
vent and several parish schools. In 1868 the northwestern portion of
the State was erected into a separate diocese, with its seat at St.Joseph,
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 79
and Right-Reverend John J. Hogan appointed Bishop. There were,
in 1875, in the city of St. Louis, 34 churches, 27 schools, 5 hospitals,
3 colleges, 7 orphan asylums and 3 female protectorates. There were
also 105 priests, 7 male and 13 female orders, and 20 conferences of
St. Vincent de Paul, numbering 1,100 members. In the diocese, out-
side of St. Louis, there is a college, a male protectorate, 9 convents,
about 120 priests, 150 churches and 30 stations. In the diocese of
St. Joseph there were, in 1875, 21 priests, 29 churches, 24 stations,
1 college, 1 monastery, 5 convents and 14 parish schools :
Number of Sunday Schools in 1S78 . . 2,067
Number of Teachers in 1878 ... .v . . 18,010
Number of Pupils in 1878 . 139,578
THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS.
Instruction preparatory to ministerial work is given in connection
with collegiate study, or in special theological courses, at:
Central College (M. E. South) . Fayette.
Central Wesleyan College (M. E. Church) . Warrenton.
Christian University (Christian) . . Canton.
Concordia College Seminary CEvangelical Lutheran) ... .St. Louis.
Lewis College (M. E. Church) Glasgow.
St. Vincent College (Roman Catholic) Cape Girardeau.
Vardeman School of Theology (Baptist) . Liberty.
The last is connected with William Jewell College.
CHAPTBE Xin.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN.
Nomination and election of Thomas T. Crittenden — Personal Mention^Marmaduke's
candidacy — Stirring events — Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — Death of Jesse
James — The Fords — Pardon of the Gamblers.
It is the purpose in this chapter to outline the more important
events of Governor Crittenden's unfinished administration, stating
briefly the facts in the case, leaving comment and criticism entirely to
the reader, the historian having no judgment to express or prejudice
to vent.
Thomas T. Crittenden, of Johnson county, received the Demo-
cratic nomination for Governor of Missouri at the convention at Jeffer-
80 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
son City, July 22d, 1880. Democratic nomination for a State office in
Missouri is always equivalent to election, and the entire State ticket
was duly elected in November. Crittenden's competitors before the
convention were Gen. John S. Marmaduke, of St. Louis, and John
A. Hockaday, of Callaway county. Before the assembling of the
convention many persons who favored Marmaduke, both personally
and politically, thought the nomination of an ex-Confederate might
prejudice the prospects of the National Democracy, and therefore, as
a matter of policy, supported Crittenden.
His name, and the fame of his family in Kentucky — Thomas T.
being a scion of the Crittendens of that State, caused the Democracy
of Missouri to expect great things from their new Governor. This,
together with the important events which followed his inauguration,
caused some people to overrate him, while it prejudiced others against
him. The measures advocated by the Governor in his inaugural
address were such as, perhaps, the entire Democracy could endorse,
especially that of refunding, at a low interest, all that part of the State
debt that can be so refunded ; the adoption of measures to relieve the
Supreme Court docket ; a compromise of the indebtedness of some of
the counties, and his views concerning repudiation, which he con-
temned.
HANNIBAL & ST. JOE RAILROAD CONTROVERSY.
By a series of legislative acts, beginning with the act approved
February 22, 1851, and ending with that of March 26, 1881, the
State of Missouri aided with great liberality in the construction of a
system of railroads in this State.
Among the enterprises thus largely assisted was the Hannibal and
St. Joseph Kailroad, for the construction of which the bonds of the
State, to the amount of $3,000,000, bearing interest at 6 per cent per
annum, payable semi-annually, were issued. One half of this amount
was issued under the act of 1851, and the remainder under the act of
1855. The bonds issued under the former act were to run twenty
years, and those under the latter act were to run thirty years. Some
of the bonds have since been funded and renewed. Coupons for the
interest of the entire $3,000,000 were executed and made payable in
New York. These acts contain numerous provisions intended to
secure the State against loss and to require the railroad company to
pay the interest and principal at maturity. It was made the duty of
the railroad company to save and keep the State from all loss on
account of said bonds and coupons. The Treasurer of the State was
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 81
to be exonerated from any advance of money to meet either principal
or interest. The State contracted with the railroad company for com-
plete indemnity. She was required to assign her statutory mortgage
lien only upon payment into the treasury of a sum of money equal to
all indebtedness due or owing by said company to the State by reason
of having issued her bonds and loaned them to the company.
In June, 1881, the railroad, through its attorney, Geo. W. Easley,
Esq., paid to Phil. E. Chappell, State Treasurer, the sum of $3,000,-
000, and asked for a receipt in full of all dues of the road to the
State. The Treasurer refused to give such a receipt, but instead gave
a receipt for the sum " on account." The debt was not yet due, but
the authorities of the road sought to discharge their obligation pre-
maturely, in order to save interest and other expenses. The railroad
company then demanded its bonds of the State, which demand the
State refused. The company then demanded that the $3,000,000 be
paid back, and this demand was also refused.
The railroad company then brought suit in the United States Court
for an equitable adjustment of the matters in controversy. The $3,
000,000 had been deposited by the State in one of the banks, and was
drawing interest only at the rate of one-fourth of one per cent. It
was demanded that this sum should be so invested that a larger rate
of interest might be obtained, which sum of interest should be allowed
to the company as a credit in case any sum should be found due from
it to the State. Justice Miller, of the United States Supreme Court,
who heard the case upon preliminary injunction in the spring of 1882,
decided that the unpaid and unmatured coupons constituted a liability
of the State and a debt owing, though not due, and until these were
provided for the State was not bound to assign her lien upon the road.
Another question which was mooted, but not decided, was this:
That, if any, what account is the State to render for the use of the
$3,000,000 paid into the treasury by the complainants on the 20th of
June? Can she hold that large sum of money, refusing to make any
account of it, and still insist upon full payment by the railroad
company of all outstanding coupons?
Upon this subject Mr. Justice Miller, in the course of his opinion,
said : "lam of the opinion that the State,, having accepted or got this
money into her possession, is under a moral obligation (and I do not
pretend to commit anybody as to how far its legal obligation goes) to
so use that money as, so far as possible, to protect the parties who
have paid it against the loss of the interest which it might accumulate,
82 HISTORY OF MISSOURI.
and which would go to extinguish the interest on the State's obliga-
tions."
March 26, 1881, the Legislature, in response to a special message of
Gov. Crittenden, dated February 25, 1881, in which he informed
the Legislature of the purpose of the Hannibal and St. Joseph com-
pany to discharge the full amount of what it claims is its present
indebtedness as to the State, and advised that provision be made
for the " profitable disposal" of the sum when paid, passed an act,
the second section of which provided.
" Sec. 2. Whenever there is sufficient money in the sinkiug fund to
redeem or purchase one or more of the bonds of the State of Missouri,
such sum is hereby appropriated for such purpose, and the Fund
Commissioners shall immediately call in for payment a like amount
of the option bonds of the State, known as the " 5-20 bonds,"
provided, that if there are no option bonds which can be called in for
payment, they may invest such money in the purchase of any of the
bonds of the State, or bonds of the United States, the Hannibal and
St. Joseph railroad bonds excepted."
On the 1st of January, 1882, the regular semi-annual payment of
interest on the railroad bonds became due, but the road refused to
pay, claiming that it had already discharged the principal, and of
course was not liable for the interest. Thereupon, according to the
provisions of the aiding act of 1855, Gov. Crittenden advertised the
road for sale in default of the payment of interest. The company
then brought suit before U. S. Circuit Judge McCrary at Keokuk,
Iowa, to enjoin the State from selling the road, and for such other
and further relief as the court might see fit and proper to orant.
August 8, 1882, Judge McCrary delivered his opinion and judgment,
as follows :
"First. That the payment by complainants into the treasury of the
State of the sum of $3,000,000 on the 26th of June, 1881, did not
satisfy the claim of the State in full, nor entitle complainants to an
assignment of the State's statutory mortgage.
"Second. That the State was bound to invest the principal sum
of $3,000,000 so paid by the complainants without unnecessary delay
in the securities named iu the act of March 26, 1881, or some of
them, and so as to save to the State as large a sum as possible,
which sum so saved would have constituted as between the State and
complainants a credit pro tanto upon the unmatured coupons now in
controversy.
HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 83
"Third. That the rights and equity of the parties are to be deter-
mined upon the foregoing principles, and the State must stand
charged with what would have been realized if the act of March,
1881, had been complied with. It only remains to consider what the
rights of the parties are upon the principles here stated.
" In order to save the State from loss on account of the default of
the railroad company, a further sum must be paid. In order to deter-
mine what that further sum is an accounting must be had. The ques-
tion to be settled by the accounting is, how much would the State
have lost if the provisions of the act of March, 1881, had been
complied with ? * * * * I think a perfectly fair basis of settle-
ment would be to hold the State liable for whatever could have been
saved by the prompt execution of said act by taking up such 5-20
option bonds of the State as were subject to call when the money was
paid to the State, and investing the remainder of the fund in the
bonds of the United States at the market rates.
" Upon this basis a calculation can be made and the exact sum still to
be paid by the complainant ill order to fully indemnify and protect the
State can be ascertained. For the purpose of stating an account
upon this basis and of determining the sum to be paid by the com-
plainants to the State, the cause will be referred to John K. Cravens,
oue of the masters of this court. In determining the time when the
investment should have been made under the act of March, 1881, the
master will allow a reasonable period for the time of the receipt of the
said sum of $3,000,000 by the Treasurer of the State — that is to say,
such time as would have been required for that purpose had the offi-
cers charged with the duty of making said investment used reason-
able diligence in its discharge.
" The Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad is advertised for sale for the
amount of the instalment of interest due January 1, 1882, which
instalment amounts to less than the sum which the company must pay
in order to discbarge its liabilities to the State upon the theory of this
opinion. The order will, therefore, be that an injunction be granted
to enjoin the sale of the road upon the payment of the said instal-
ment of interest, due January 1, 1882, and if such payment is made
the master will take it into account in making the computation above
mentioned."
KILLING OF JESSE JAMES.
The occurrence during the present Governor's administration which,
did most to place his name in everybody's mouth, and even to herald
84 HISTOEY OF MISSOURI.
it abroad, causing the European press to teem with leaders announcing
the fact to the continental world, was the " removal" of the famous
Missouri brigand, Jesse W. James. The career of the James boys,
and the banditti of whom they were the acknowledged leaders, is too
well-known and too fully set forth in works of a more sensational
character, to deserve further detail in these pages ; and the " removal "
of Jesse will be dealt with only in its relation to the Governor.
It had been long conceded that neither of the Jameses would ever be
taken alive. That experiment had been frequently and vainly tried,
to the sorrow of good citizens of this and other States. It seems to
have been one of the purposes of Gov. Crittenden to break up this
band at any cost, by cutting off its leaders. Soon after the Winston
train robbery, on July 15, 1881, the railroads combined in empower-
ing the Governor, by placing the money at his disposal, to offer heavy
rewards for the capture of the two James brothers. This was ac-
cordingly done by proclamation, and, naturally, many persons were
on the lookout to secure the large rewards. Gov. Crittenden worked
quietly, but determinedly, after offering the rewards, and by some
means learned of the availability of the two Ford boys, young men
from Ray county, who had been tutored as juvenile robbers by the
skillful Jesse. An understanding was had, when the Fords declared
they could find Jesse — that they were to "turn him in." Robert
Ford and brother seem to have been thoroughly in the confidence of
James, who then (startling as it was to the entire State) resided in
the city of St. Joseph, with "his wife and two children ! The Fords
went there, and when the robber's back was turned, Robert shot him
dead in the back of the head! The Fords told their story to the
authorities of the city, who at once arrested them on a charge of mur-
der, and they, when arraigned , plead guilty to the charge. Promptly,
however, came a full, free and unconditional pardon from Gov. Crit-
tenden, and the Fords were released. In regard to the Governor's
course in ridding the State of this notorious outlaw, people were
divided in sentiment, some placing him in the category with the Ford
boys and bitterly condemning his action, while others — the majority
of law-abiding people, indeed,— though deprecating the harsh meas-
ures which James' course had rendered necessary, still upheld the
Governor for the part he played. As it was, the » Terror of Mis-
souri " was effectually and finally " removed," and people were glad
that he was dead. Robert Ford, the pupil of the dead Jesse, had
HISTORY OJF MISSOURI. 85
been selected, and of all was the most fit tool to use in the extermina-
tion of his preceptor in crime.
The killing of James would never have made Crittenden many ene-
mies among the better class bf citizens of this State ; but, when it
came to his
PARDON OF THE GAMBLERS.
The case was different. Under the new law making gaminghouse-
keeping a felony, several St. Louis gamblers, with Eobert C. Pate at
their head, were convicted and sentenced to prison. The Governor,
much to the surprise of the more rigid moral element of the State,
soon granted the gamblers a pardon. This was followed by other
pardons to similar offenders, which began to render the Governor quite
unpopular which one element of citizens, and to call forth from some
of them the most bitter denunciations. The worst feature of the case,
perhaps, is the lack of explanation, or the setting forth of sufficient
reasons, as is customary in issuing pardons, This, at least, is the bur-
den of complaint with the faction that opposes him. However, it
must be borne in mind that his term of office, at this writing, is but
half expired, and that a full record can not, therefore, be given. Like
all mere men, Gov. Crittenden has his good and his bad, is liked by
some and disliked by others. The purpose of history is to set forth
the facts and leave others to sit in judgment ; this the historian has
tried faithfully to do, le,aving all comments to those who may see fit to
make them.
HISTORY
OF
HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CHAPTEE I.
The Pioneer — Introduction — Early Adventurers — First Settlements — When and where
made — Daniel Boone and others — Lewis and Clark — Col. Benjamin Cooper —
Names of Pioneers who came in 1810 — Preparation for Living — Wild Game — Emi-
gration of 181 1 and 1812 — Old Settlers Erect Forts — Organizing Military Companies —
Number of Men Bearing Arms — Number of Men and Boys in Each Fort — Popula-
lation of Boone's Lick Country in 1812 — Settlers came to Stay.
"THE PIONEER."
"In the heart of the grand old forest,
A thousand miles to the west.
Where a stream gushed out from the hill-side,
They halted at last for rest :
And the silence of ages listened,
To the ax-stroke loud and clear,
Divining a kingly presence
In the tread of the pioneer.
" He formed of the prostrate branches
A home that was strong and good ;
The roof1 was of reeds from the streamlet,
The chimney he built of wood.
And there by the winter fireside,
While the flame up the chimney roared,
He spoke of the good time coming,
When plenty should crown his board : —
" When the forest should fade like a vision,
And over the hillside and plain,
The orchard would spring in its beauty,
And the fields of golden grain.
And to-night he sits by the fireside,
In a mansion quaint and old,
With his children's children round him.
Having reaped a thousand fold."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
INTRODUCTION.
History, we are told, " is but a record of the life and career of
peoples and nations." The historian, in rescuing from oblivion the
life of a nation, or a particular people, should "nothing extenuate,
nor set down aught in malice." Myths, however beautiful, are but
fanciful ; traditions, however pleasing, are uncertain, and legends,
though the very essence of poesy and song, are unauthentic. The
novelist will take the most fragile thread of romance, and from it
weave a fabric of surpassing beauty. But the historian should put
his feet upon the solid rock of truth, and turning a deaf ear to the
allurements of fancy, he should sift with careful scrutiny, the evidence
brought before him, from which he is to give the record of what has
been.
Standing down the stream of time, far removed from its source,
he must retrace with patience and care, its meanderings, guided by
the relics of the past which lie upon its shores, growing fainter, and
still more faint and uncertain as he nears its fountain, oftimes con-
cealed in the debris of ages, and the mists of impenetrable darkness.
Written records grow less and less explicit, and finally fail altogether
as he approaches the beginning of the community, whose lives he is
seeking to rescue from the gloom of a rapidly receding past.
Memory, wonderful as are its powers, is yet frequently at fault,
and only by a comparison of its many aggregations, can he be satis-
fied that he is pursuing stable-footed truth in his researches amid the
early paths of his subject. It cannot then be unimportant
or uninteresting to trace the progress of Howard and Cooper
counties, from their crude beginnings to their present proud position
among their sister counties. To this end, therefore, we have en-
deavored to gather the scattered and loosening threads of the past
into a compact web of the present, trusting that the harmony and
perfectness of the work may speak with no uncertain sound to the
future. Eecords have been traced as far as they have yielded infor-
mation sought for; the memories of the pioneers have been laid
under tribute, and every available source has been called into requi-
sition from which we could obtain reliable material, out of which
we could construct a truthful and faithful history of these counties.
The French settled Canada and the northwestern part of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 89
United States, as well as the country about the mouths of the Missis-
sippi river. They came into the upper Mississippi and Missouri
valleys in 1764, under the lead of Pierre Laclede Liguest, who held
a charter from the French government, giving him the exclusive right
of trade with the Indians in all the country as far north as St. Peter's
river. Laclede established his colony in St. Louis in 1764, and from
this point they immediately began their trading and trapping excur-
sions into the unbroken wilderness. Their method of proceeding was
to penetrate into the interior and establish small local posts for trad-
ing with the Indians, whence the trappers and hunters were outfitted
and sent out into the adjacent woods. In this way, the country west
and northwest of St. Louis was traversed and explored at a very
early day, as far west as the Rocky mountains. But of the extent of
their operations, but little has been recorded ; hence, but little is
known of the posts established by them.
That these daring Frenchmen had explored that portion of Howard
county lying contiguous to the Missouri river, even prior to the year
1800, there can be no doubt ; that there existed within the present
limits of the county a trading post, for several years before its settle-
ment proper, there can be no doubt. The names of the streams, such
as Bonne Femme, Moniteau, etc., attest the fact that they were of
French origin, and had been seen and named by the French pioneers.
Levens and Drake, in their condensed but carefully prepared his-
tory of Cooper county, say : " While Nash and his companions were
iu Howard county (1804), they visited Barclay's and Boone's Licks,
also a trading post situated about two miles northwest of Old Frank-
lin, kept by a white man by the name of Prewitt. The existence of
this trading post, and the fact that 'Barclay's and Boone's Licks'
had already received their names from the white persons who visited
them, show conclusively that this portion of the country had been
explored, even before this, by Americans. But no history mentions
this trading post, nor does any give the name of Prewitt ; hence, we
are unable to determine when he came to the Boone's Lick country,
how long he remained, and where he went ; he evidently left before
the year 1808, as Benjamin Cooper, who moved to Howard county in
that year, said there was then no settlement in this part of the state."
Boone's Lick, from which this region of country took its name, is sit-
uated about eight miles northwest of New Franklin, iu Boone's Lick
township, on section 4, T. 49, R. 17, on land owned by William N.
Marshall. This place was visited by Daniel Boone at an early date, —
90 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the time not known. Here he found several salt springs, and as such
places were frequented by deer aiid other game, he not only often
hunted in the neighborhood, but, according to John M. Peck, who
visited the old hunter at his home in St. Charles county, a few years
prior to his death, pitched his camp there for one winter and put up
a cabin. Mr. Peck does not give the date. The presumption is that
he got his information from the lips of the old hunter himself, and
we would further suppose that he camped there between the years
1795 and 1807 ; nearer the former than the latter date, for the reason
that he was at that time younger and more robust, and more inclined
to enjoy sylvan sports. The first authentic record we have upon
the subject of a settlement, in what is now known as Howard county,
dates back to the year 1800 (see first deed, chap. Ill, this book),
when Joseph Marie deeded a tract of laud described by survey to Asa
Morgan. Joseph Marie settled upon said land in the year 1800,
where he made improvements. This land was situated near what is
known as " Eagle's Nest," about one mile southwest of where Fort
Kincaid was afterwards erected, in what is now Franklin township.
In 1800, Charles Dehault Delassus, lieutenant-governor of Upper
Louisiana, granted Ira P. Nash a large tract of land in the present
limits of Howard county. This land was surveyed on the 26th of
January, 1804, and certified to on the 15th day of February, of that
year.
The next Americans, of whom we have any definite knowledge,
as to the date of their coming to Howard county, were Ira P. Nash,
above named, a deputy United States surveyor, Stephen Hancock
and Stephen Jackson, who came up the Missouri river in the month
of February, 1804. These men located a claim on the public lauds
of Howard county, nearly opposite to the mouth of the La Mine river.
They remained there until the month of March, in the same year,
employing their time in surveying, hunting, and fishing ; and during
that month they returned to their homes, which were situated on the
Missouri river, about twenty-five miles above St. Charles.
In July, 1804, Ira P. Nash, in company with William Nash,
James H. Whitesides, William Clark, and Daniel Hubbard, again
came into what is now Howard county, and surveyed a tract of land
near the present site of Old Franklin. On this second trip, Mr. Nash
claimed, when he came up the river the February before, he had left
a compass in a certain hollow tree, and started out with two compan-
ions to find it, agreeing to meet the remainder of the company the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 91
next day at Barclay's Lick, which he did, bringing the compass with
him, thus proving, beyond a doubt, that he had visited the country
before.
Lewis and Clarke, on their exploring expedition across the Rock}'
mountains, and down the Columbia river to the Pacific ocean, arrived
at the mouth of the Bonne Femme, in Howard county, on the 7th
day of June, 1804, and camped for the night. When they arrived at
the mouth of the " Big Moniteau creek," they found a point of rocks
covered with hieroglyphic paintings, but the large number of rattle-
snakes, which they found there, prevented a close examination of the
place. Continuing their way up the river, they arrived at the mouth
of the Lamine on the 8th of the same month, and on the 9th at
Arrow Rock.
When they returned from their journey in 1806, after having
successfully accomplished all the objects for which they were sent out,
they passed down the Missouri river, and camped, on the 18th of
September, in Howard county, opposite to the mouth of the La Mine
river. And, as they journeyed down the river on that day, they
must have passed the present site of Boonville and Franklin early on
the morning of the 19th of September, 1806.
The next evidence we have of any white persons being in the
Boone's Lick country, is the following : —
In 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of old Daniel Boone,
who lived with their father in what is now St. Charles county, about
twenty-five miles west of the city of St. Charles, on the Femme Osage
creek, came up the Missouri river and manufactured salt at Boone's
Lick, in Howard county. After they had manufactured a considera-
ble amount, they shipped it down the river to St. Louis, where they
sold it. It is thought by many that this was the first instance of salt
being manufactured in what was at that time a part of the territory
of Louisiana, now the state of Missouri. Though soon after, salt was
manufactured in large quantities — "salt licks" being discovered in
many parts of the state. Although these were the first white persons
who remained for any length of time in the Boone's Lick country,
they were not permanent settlers, as they only came to make salt,
and left as soon as they had finished.
Previous to the year 1808, every white American who came to
the Boone's Lick country, came with the intention of only remaining
there a short time. Three parties had entered it while on exploring
and surveying expeditions ; two parties had been to its fine salt licks
92 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
to make salt ; and, no doubt, many of the adventurous settlers living
in the eastern part of this state, had often, on their hunting expedi-
tions, pierced the trackless forest to the Boone's Lick country ; but,
of course, there is no record of these, hence, those expeditions of
which there is a record, are placed as being the first to this part of
the country, when, in reality, they may not be.
But in 1808, in the spring, one adventurous spirit determined to
forsake what appeared to him to be the too thickly settled portion of
the state, and move farther west to the more pleasant solitudes of the
uninhabited forest. In the spring of that year, Colonel Benjamin
Cooper and his family, consisting of his wife and five sons, moved to
the Boone's Lick country, and located in what is now Howard county,
about two miles south west of Boone's Lick, in the Missouri river
bottom. Here he built him a cabin, cleared a piece of ground, and
commenced arrangements to make a permanent settlement at that
place. But he was not permitted to remain long at his new home.
Governor Merriwether Lewis, at that time governor of the territory,
issued an order directing him to return below the mouth of the Gas-
conade river, as he was so far advanced into the Indian countay, and
so far away from protection, that in case of an Indian war he would
be unable to protect him. So he returned to Loutre island, about
four miles south of the Gasconade river, where he remained until the
year 1810.
The rich territory, however, was not destined to be left forever
to the reign of wild beasts and savage Indians. Aside from the fact
that the character of the men of the early days caused them contin-
ually to revolt against living in thickly settled communities, the
Boone's Lick country presented advantages, which those seeking a
home where they could find the richest of lands and the most health-
ful of climate, could not, and did not, fail to perceive. Its fertile soil
promised, with little labor, the most abundant harvests. Its forests
were filled with every variety of game, and its streams with all kinds
of fish. Is it a wonder, then, that those seeking homes where these
things could be found, should select and settle first the rich lands of
Cooper and Howard counties, risking all the dangers from the
Indians, who lived in great numbers close around them? Two years
after the settlement of Benjamin Cooper, and his removal to Loutre
island, the first lasting settlement was made in the Boone's Lick
country, and this party was but the forerunner of many others, who
soon followed, and in little more than one-half of a century, have
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
93
thickly settled one of the richest and most attractive parts of the state
of Missouri.
The names of the parties who settled north of the river, in How-
ard county, were :
From Madison County, Ky. : —
Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Cooper
Francis Cooper.
William Cooper.
Daniel Cooper.
John Cooper.
Capt. Sarshall Cooper.
Braxton Cooper, Sr.
Joseph Cooper.
Stephen Cooper.
Braxton Cooper, Jr.
Robert Cooper.
James Hancock.
Albert Hancock.
William Berry.
From Estill County, Ky,
Amos Ashcraft.
Otho Ashcraft.
From Tennessee : —
John Ferrell.
Henrv Ferrell.
John Berry.
Robert Erwin.
Robert Brown.
Joseph Wolfskill.
William Thorp.
John Thorp.
Josiah Thorp.
James Thorp.
Gilead Rupe.
James Jones.
John Peak.
WTilliam Wolfskill.
Adam W'oods.
Jesse Ashcraft.
James Alexander.
Robert Hancock.
From Virginia : — James Kile.
From South Carolina: — Gray Bynum.
From Georgia: — Stephen Jackson.
From Ste. Genevieve : — Peter Popineau.
Previous Residence Unknown : —
John Busby. Middletown Anderson.
James Anderson. William Anderson.
The women belonging to these families did not arrive until the
following July or August. We do not pretend to say these men
were all of the early settlers who came in 1810. There were, per-
liaps, a few others, but the names we have given embrace nearly the
94 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
entire number who emigrated in the colony with Colonel Benjamin
Cooper, in the spring of that year. After their arrival in this " land
of promise," they immediately began the erection of their houses, all
of which were single or double log cabins, and to prepare for farming
by clearing and fencing small "patches" of ground. As a general
thing, they settled in and near the Missouri river bottom. They
knew that the country was full of Indians, and that these were liable
at any time to begin their murderous assaults upon the whites, hence,
they located in neighborhoods, where, in case of danger, they could
render each other timely aid. That portion of Howard county, which
is now embraced in Franklin and Boone's Lick townships, was the
first settled.
When the settlers first came to this county, wild game of all
kinds was very abundant, and so tame as not to be easily frightened
at the approach of white men. This game furnished the settlers with
all their meat, and, in fact, with all the provisions they used, for
most of the time, they had but little else than meat. There were
large numbers of deer, turkeys, elk, and other large animals, and, to
use the expression of an old settler, " they could be killed as easily
as sheep are now killed in our pastures." The settlers spent most of
their time in hunting and fishing, as it was no use to plant crops to
be destroyed by wild game. Small game, such as squirrels, rabbits,
partridges, etc., swarmed around the homes of the frontiersmen in
such numbers that when they did attempt to raise a crop of any
kind, in order to save a part of it, they were forced to kill them in
large numbers.
Not only were the settlers and their families thus well provided with
food by nature, but also their animals were furnished with everything
necessary to their well being. The range was so good during the
whole year, that their stock lived without being fed by their owners.
Even when the ground was covered with snow, the animals, taught
by instinct, would in a few minutes paw from under the snow enough
grass to last them all day. Their only use of corn, of which they
planted very little, was to make bread, and bread made of corn was
the only kind they ever had.
During the two succeeding years (1811 and 1812), quite a number
of emigrants had taken up their line of march for the Boone's Lick
country. Many of these included families of wealth, culture, and re-
finement, who left their well furnished homes and life-long friends in
the east, to take up their abode among the savages and wild beasts of
the western wilderness. Scarcely, however, had they reached their
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 95
destination, when they heard the dim mutterings which foreshadowed
a long and bloody conflict with the Indians, who had been induced by
the emissaries of the British government to unite with Great Britain
in her attempt to defeat the United States of America.
OLD SETTLERS ERECT FORTS.
Being fully convinced that the Indians were making preparations
to attack the settlements along the Missouri river, they determined to
be ready to receive them properly when they did appear, and to this
end, began the erection of three forts in Howard county, bearing the
names respectively, of Fort Cooper, Fort Hempstead, and Fort Kin-
caid. Fort Cooper was located about two miles southwest of Boone's
Lick. Fort Kincaid was east southeast, about nine miles distant,
and about one mile north of the present Boouville railroad bridge.
Fort Hempstead was about one and a half miles north of Fort Kin-
caid. Each fort was a series of log houses, built together around an
enclosure. In each house lived a family, and the stock was corraled,
and the property of the settlers secured at night in the enclosure.
There were other smaller forts, but the above were the most important.
Immediately after the erection of these forts, the pioneers organized
themselves into a military company, with Sarshall Cooper as captain ;
first lieutenant, William McMahon ; second lieutenant, John Monroe ;
ensign, Benjamin Cooper, Jr.
SERGEANTS.
1st.
John McMurray. 4th.
Davis Todd.
2d.
Samuel McMahan. 5th.
John Mathis.
3d.
Adam Woods.
CORPORALS.
1st.
Andrew Smith. 4th.
John Busby.
2d.
Thomas Vaughan. 5th.
James Barnes.
3d.
James McMahan. 6th.
Jesse Ashcraft.
The above were the officers chosen by their comrades and neigh-
bors, to command the company, which consisted of 112 men, who
were able to bear arms. The following list comprises all the men.
and boys who were in the different forts : —
FORT COOPER.
James Alexander. Frederick Hyatt.
James Anderson. Robert Irvine.
Middleton Anderson. David Jones.
96
HISTORY OF HOWAED AND COOPEK COUNTIES.
William Anderson.
Gray Bynum.
John Busby.
Bobert Brown.
Samuel Brown.
Benjamin Cooper.
Sarshall Cooper.
Frank Cooper.
William Cooper.
David Cooper.
John Cooper.
Braxton Cooper.
Joseph Cooper.
Stephen Cooper.
Robert Cooper.
Henly Cooper.
Patrick Cooper.
Jesse Cox.
Solomon Cox.
John Ferrill.
Henry Ferrill.
Edward Good.
Harmon Gregg.
William Gregg.
David Gregg.
Robert Heath.
Robert Hancock.
Abbott Hancock.
Josiah Higgins.
George Alcorn.
James Alcorn.
William Allen.
John Arnold.
Price Arnold.
Joseph Austin.
John Austin.
Robert Austin.
William Baxter.
Big Berry.
John Jones.
Jesse Jones.
George Jackson.
Stephen Jackson.
James Jackson.
Samuel McMahan.
Thomas McMahan.
James McMahan.
William McMahan.
John O'Bannon.
Thomas O'Bannon.
Judiah Osmond.
Samuel Perry.
William Read.
Beuoni Sappington.
John Sappington.
James Sappington.
Daniel Tillman.
John Thorp.
William Thorp.
Samuel Turley.
Stephen Turley.
Ezekiel Williams.
Thomas Wasson.
Joseph Wasson.
Adam Woods.
William Wolfskill.
Joseph Wolfskill.
William Wolfskill, Jr.
FOliT HKMPSTEAI).
William Grooms.
Alfred Head.
Moses Head.
Robert Hinkson.
John James.
James Jones.
Abner Johnson.
Noah Katew.
Joseph McLane.
William McLane.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
97
John Berry.
William Berry.
David Boggs.
Joseph Boggs.
Muke Box.
Joseph Boyers.
Robert Brown.
Samuel Brown.
William Brown.
Townsend Brown.
Christopher Brown.
Christopher Burckhartt.
Nicholas S. Burckhartt.
Andrew Carson.
Lindsay Carson (father of Kit
Carson ) .
Moses Carson.
Charles Cauole.
William Canole.
Isaac Clark.
Joseph Cooley.
James Cooley.
Ferrin Cooley.
Braxton Cooper, Jr.
James Cockrell.
Thomas Chandler.
James Creason.
John Creason.
Peter Creason.
William Creason.
Daniel Crump.
Harper Davis.
James Douglas.
Dauiel Durbin.
John Elliott.
Braxton Fugate.
Hiram Fugate.
Reuben Fugate.-
Sarshall Fugate.
Simeon Fugate.
Reuben Gentry.
Ewing McLane.
David McQuitly.
William Monroe (called Long
Gun).
Joseph Moody.
Susan Mullens.
Thompson Mullens.
John Peak.
William Pipes.
Michael Poage.
Robert Poage.
Joseph Poage.
Christopher Richardson.
Jesse Richardson.
James Richardson.
Silas Richardson.
John Rupe.
Henry Simmons.
Reuben Smith.
Andrew Smith.
Thomas Smith .
John Snethan.
James Snethan.
Joseph Still.
John Stinson.
Nathan Teague.
Solomon Teters.
David Teters.
John Teters.
Isaac Thornton.
John Thornton.
Davis Todd.
Elisha Todd.
Jonathan Todd.
Levi Todd.
James Turner.
Philip Turner.
Jesse Turner.
Thomas Vaughan.
Robert Wilds.
William Wadkins.
98
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Samuel Gibbs.
Abner Grooms.
John Grooms.
Amos Ashcraft.
Jesse Ashcraft.
Otho Ashcraft.
Amos Barnes.
Aquilla Barnes.
Abraham Barnes.
James Barnes.
John Barnes.
Shadrach Barnes.
Robert Barclay.
Francis Berry.
Campbell Bolen.
Delany Bolen.
William Brazil.
David Burris.
Henry Burris.
Eeuben Cornelius.
Pryor Duncan.
Stephen Fields.
John Fields.
Cornelius Gooch.
Thomas Gray.
John Hines.
Daniel Hubbard.
Asaph Hubbard.
James Whitley.
Benjamin Young.
John Yarnell.
FORT KINCAID.
Eusebius Hubbard.
Joseph Jolly.
David Kincaid.
Matthew Kincaid.
John Kincaid.
John McMurray.
Adam McCord.
Daniel Monroe.
John Monroe.
John Mathis.
William Nash .
John Pursley.
William Eidgeway.
William Robertson.
Edward Robertson.
Gilead Rupe.
Enoch Taylor.
Isaac Taylor.
William Taylor.
Enoch Turner.
Giles Williams.
Britton Williams.
Francis Wood.
Henry Weeden.
Life in the forts was not one of idleness and ease. It was one of
vigilance and activity for two or three years. The settlers were de-
prived of many of the comforts and pleasures which are enjoyed by
the people of to-day. They had but little labor-saving machinery,
and what they had was imperfect and inefficient. School was taught,
and religious services were held in the forts. The forts were also
supplied with mills and looms. The first cog-wheel horse-mill
erected in the county was at Fort Kincaid in 1815 ; the next one was
put up at Fort Hempstead. After the Indian troubles were over,
people came twenty miles to these mills. The first cloth made in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
99
the county (in the forts) was manufactured from a poisonous plant,
which was indigenous to the country, and known as the nettle, which
was covered with sharp, brittle hairs. This cloth was used for pants
and shirts for summer wear. In the winter, buckskin hunting-shirts
and pants were worn.
The low flats along the river, creeks and branches were covered
with a thick growth of nettles about three feet high, sometimes stand-
ing in patches of twenty acres or more. These were permitted to
remain standing until they became decayed in the winter, when they
were gathered. They were then broken up, spun into long strings,
and woven into cloth, from which the garments were made. This
would be a very tedious job at the present day, when a lady's dress
requires from twenty to thirty yards of cloth ; but in those old times
five or six yards was as much as was ever put into a dress. Little
children usually wore a long leathern shirt over their tow shirt. For
several years during the early settlement of this country, the men
and women wore garments made out of the same kind^of material.
The first dry goods were sold by.Eobert Morris, at the forts, in 1815.
The number of men, as we have already stated, able to bear arms,
was 112, which represented a population of between 500 and 600, who
were then living within the present limits of Howard county. A few,
perhaps, had returned to their former homes, or had moved further
down the river in the direction of Loutre island and St. Louis, upon
the eve of the anticipated Indian hostilities, but the great majority of
the pioneers, had come to stay, and not a few of these attested their
devotion to their new found homes by the sacrifice of their property
and their lives to the cupidity and ferocity of savage foes.
CHAPTEE II.
What Treated of in Preceding Chapter — This Chapter — The War Clouds — Indians —
First Victims— James Cole and James Davis Sent on Scouting Expedition— Summer
of 1812 — Campbell Killed by Indians — Colonel Benjamin Cooper and General
Dodge — Spring of 1813 — Killing of Braxton Cooper — Joseph Still — William
McLane — Captain Sarshall Cooper — Joe — Peace.
In the preceding chapter, we attempted to trace the early history
of that portion of the Boone's Lick country, now known as Howard
county. We began with the date of the coming of the earliest adven-
turer of whom any history makes mention ; we spoke of the first
settlements, giving the names of the earliest pioneers, and their
former residences ; of their attempt to prepare for living in the west-
ern wilds, during the two years that followed their arrival ; of their
building forts, and of their taking possession of these with their fam-
ilies, their goods, and their chattels.
It is now our province, as a historian, to relate in chronological
order as nearly as we can, the events that followed, which, if I mis-
take not, will constitute one of the saddest, yet brightest chapters in
the history of Howard county. It will be the saddest, because it will
tell of arson, of plunder, of butchery, and of that merciless mode of
warfare to which the cunning savage was so well adapted, and in
which he was so well skilled. It will be the brightest, because it will
tell of deeds of noble daring, of fidelity to duty, and the final
triumph of those who were immured for three long years within the
narrow limits of their beleaguered forts.
In the spring of 1812, the war clouds which had hitherto given
every indication of the coming storm, had at length unfurled their
black banners in every part of the political sky. Great Britain had
again " loosed her dogs of war," and with gigantic strides, was at-
tempting to trample upon the most sacred rights of a free people.
Calling to her aid, in the war against the American colonies, the hire-
ling Hessian, she now inspired the blood-thirsty savage to espouse her
cause against the unprotected whites, who were then dwelling upon
the extreme frontier of the great west. These hostile Indians began
their work of death in the spring of 1812, and were mostly Sacs and
Foxes, Kickapoos and Pottawatomies.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 101
Their first victims in the Boone's Lick country, were Jonathan
Todd and Thomas Smith, who were living at the time in Fort Hemp-
stead, but had gone down the river to hunt a stray horse, which had
escaped from the fort. While upon their errand the Indians attacked
them, not far from the present line between Howard and Boone
counties, near Thrall's prairie, and after a long struggle, in which
several Indians were killed, Todd and Smith were slain. The savages,
after killing them, cut off their heads and cut out their hearts, and
placed them by the side of the road on poles .
As soon as the news of the killing of Todd and Smith was
brought to the fort, a party of men started out to get their bodies.
After they had gone several miles, they captured an Indian warrior,
who seemed to be watching their movements, and started to take him
to the fort alive, in order to get information from him. As they
returned after finding the bodies of the settlers, and when they
arrived within two miles of the fort, the Indian prisoner suddenly
broke away from them and attempted to escape. The settlers pur-
sued him about one-half of a mile, when, finding they could not over-
take him and capture him alive, they shot him, killing him instantly.
Immediately after the killing of Todd and Smith, the settlers
living on both sides of the Missouri river, being desirous of finding
out the true state of affairs, sent out James Cole and James Davis on
a scouting expedition, to see whether or not the Indians were really
upon the warpath. After looking around for sometime, and not being
able to hear anything of the plans of the savages, they were prepar-
ing to return to the fort, when they discovered a large band of In-
dians in pursuit of them, and directly between them and the fort, in
which were their families and their friends, unconscious of their
danger.
As retreat to the fort was cut off, and they could not withstand
the attack of the large body of Indians in the open woods, they
started for what was then called Johnson's factory, a trading post
kept by a man named Johnson ; it was situated on the Moniteau
creek, in what is now Moniteau county, about two hundred yards
from the Missouri river. They reached the factory that afternoon,
and the Indians immediately surrounded the place. As Cole and
Davis knew their friends at the different forts would fall an easy prey
to the savages, if not warned of their danger in time to prepare for
the attack, which they seemed certain to make upon the fort, the
hardy rangers determined, at all hazards, to escape and bear the
tidings to them. But here the main difficulty presented itself. As
102 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND GOOPER COUNTIES.
long as they remained at the trading post, they were safe from the
shots of the enemy ; but as soon as they left that protection, they
believed they would be slain.
But knowing the imminent danger of their families and friends,
they resolved to make a desperate effort to reach them. So at 12
o'clock that night, they took up a plank from the floor of the "fac-
tory," reached the creek, and finding a canoe, floated down to the
river. Just as they reached the river, an unlucky stroke of the
paddle against the side of the canoe, discovered them to the Indians,
who started in pursuit of them in canoes. They pursued the settlers
to Big Lick, now in Cooper county, where, being closely pressed,
Cole and Davis turned, and each killed an Indian. The Indians then
left off pursuit, and the two men reached Cole's fort in safety, to
announce to the settlers that they were indeed on thS verge of a long
and bloody war. From there the melancholy tidings were conveyed
to the other forts, and filled the hearts of the settlers with dismay, as
they considered how few of them there were, to withstand the attacks
of the whole of the Indian nations living around them.
In July, 1812, some Quapa Indians, disguised as Sauks and
Foxes, killed a man named Campbell — commonly called "Potter,"
from his trade — about five miles northwest of Boonville, in
Howard county, under the following circumstances : He and a man
named Adam McCord, went from Kincaid's fort to Campbell's
home, at the above mentioned place, to tie some flax, which they had
been forced to leave longer than they wished, through fear of an
attack by the Indians. While they were at work they discovered
moccasin tracks around the farm, as though a party of Indians were
watching them and seeking a favorable opportunity to slay them. So
they started around to see if they had injured anything. While they
were seai-ching for them, the savages, who were concealed in some
underbrush, fired upon the party, and shot Campbell through the
body, killing him almost instantly, but he ran about one hundred
yards, climbed a fence, and fell into the top of a tree which had
blown down, and the Indians, though they hunted for his body, never
succeeded in finding it. Adam McCord escaped without injury, and
going to the fort, reported the death of Campbell, and the circum-
stances under which he was killed.
Immediately upon his arrival, Colonel Benjamin Cooper and
General Dodge, with a company of about five hundred men, composed
of frontiersmen and regular soldiers, started in pursuit of the Indians,
who numbered one hundred and eighty. The Indians, not being able
£ HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 103
I
to re-cross the river, threw up breastworks in order to repel the
attack of the soldiers. When Cooper and Dodge appeared before the
intrenchments, the Indians, after some parley, surrendered themselves
as prisoners of war.
After the Indians had surrendered, Colonel Cooper and General
Dodge had their memorable quarrel in regard to the disposal of the
prisoners. Colonel Cooper insisted, that although they had surren-
dered as prisoners of war, they, as the murderers of Campbell, were
not entitled to protection, and, in accordance with a long established
custom of the western country, they should all be hung. But Gen-
eral Dodge insisted that as they had surrendered to him, he, being
the superior officer, they were entitled to his protection. So fiercely
did they quarrel, that at one time the two forces (Cooper commanded
the frontiersmen and Dodge the regulars) came very near having a
fight in order to settle the controversy. Finally a peaceful disposi-
tion of .the matter was made, by General Dodge being permitted to
take the prisoners to St. Louis.
In the spring of 1813, not having seen any signs of Indians for
about three months, and being desirous of raising crops during that
year, as they had failed the year before, many of the settlers returned
to their farms, but in order to be advised of the approach of an en-
emy, they stationed a guard at each corner of the field in which they
were at work.
During the following two or three years they were kept continu-
ally on the watch against the savages, for every month or two, some
, small band of Indians would suddenly attack and slay some unsus-
pecting settler, who had for the moment forgotten his usual caution,
or who, feeling secure from attack because the Indians had not ap-
peared for some time, suffered this severe penalty for his negligence.
The Indians, never after this, marched a large band against these set-
t tlements, but came in small scouting parties, the members of which
had only sufficient courage to shoot down some unsuspecting man, or
murder unprotected women and children. They never, except in
overwhelming numbers, and then very seldom, made an open attack
upon even a lone farm-house, but stealing up in the darkness of the
night, they would set fire to the house, and slay the inmates as they
rushed from their burning dwelling ; or as in the case of the killing
ot Sarshall Cooper, shoot the dreaded enemy of their race as he sat
in the midst of his family.
Is it any wonder, in view of these facts, that when an Indian was
captured, it was not many minutes before his lifeless body would be
104 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
hanging from the nearest bough ? After all their treachery, woe to
the savage who fell into the vengeful hands of the settlers, for they
would make short work of him ; and they knew they were justified in
doing this, for they acted only in self-defence.
Braxton Cooper, Jr., was killed two miles northeast of the pres-
ent site of New Franklin, in September, 1813. The Indians attacked
him as he was cutting logs to build a house. As he was well armed
and a very courageous man, they had a long struggle before the In-
dians succeeded in killing him. The broken bushes and marks upon
the ground showed that the struggle had been very fierce. The set-
tlers who first arrived to take away the body of Cooper, found an In-
dian's shirt which had two bullet holes in the breast of it, but whether
the Indian died they never knew. They followed the trail of the In-
dians for a short distance, but soon lost it, and were forced to abandon
the pursuit.
Joseph Still was killed on the Chariton river, in October, 1813,
but the circumstances attending his killing are unknown.
William McLane was killed by the Indians near the present site
of Fayette, in October, 1813, under the following circumstances:
He, Ewing McLane, and four other men, went from McLane' s fort to
select a piece of land on which some one of them expected to settle.
When they arrived at a short distance southwest of the present site
of Fayette they were attacked by a band of about one hundred and
fifty Indians. As soon as McLane and his companions saw them,
they retreated towards the fort, and just as they were ascending a
slant from a long, deep ravine leading to Moniteau creek, the In-
dians fired a volley at them. One shot struck William McLane in the
back of the head, and he dropped dead from his horse. After satisfying
themselves that he was dead, his remaining companions left his body
and continued their retreat to the fort, which they reached in safety.
The Indians scalped McLane, cut out his heart, and literally hacked
him to pieces. As soon as possible a large party of settlers started
out to recover his body, and, if possible, to avenge his death; but
they found that the Indians had retreated, and left no trace of the di-
rection which they had taken. From the cleared place around the
body, and the beaten appearance of the earth near, it was supposed
that the Indians had, in accordance with their custom, danced their
"war dance" there to celebrate their victory. After getting the
body they returned sorrowfully to the fort.
Of the many murders committed during the war, none excited so
much feeling or caused such a cry of vengeance in the hearts of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 105
frontiersmen as the tragic death of Captain Sarshall Cooper, who was
the acknowledged leader of the settlers north of the Missouri river.
On a dark and stormy night on the 14th day of April, 1814, as Cap-
tain Cooper was sitting by his fireside with his family, his youngest
child upon his lap, the others playing at different games around the
room, and his wife sitting by his side sewing, an Indian warrior crept
up to the side of his cabin and picked a hole between the logs just
sufficient to admit the muzzle of his gun, the noise of his work being
drowned by the storm without. He shot Captain Cooper, who fell
from his chair to the floor, among his horror stricken family, a lifeless
corpse. His powers and skill were well known to the Indians whom
he had often foiled. He was kind and generous to his neighbors,
whom he was always ready to assist in any of their undertakings.
Therefore, his loss was deeply felt by the settlers, whose homes he
had defended and whose prosperity was due largely to his advice and
counsel. Joseph Cooper, in his letter to Colonel Newton G. Elliott,
' in January, 1874, in speaking of the death of Captain Cooper, his
father, said: "We had taken a keel boat from some Frenchmen,
who were attempting to take it up the river loaded with whiskey,
powder and lead for the Indians. We first stopped them and ordered
them back ; keeping watch the next night and the night following,
we caught them in a second attempt to pass up the river, and took
the boat from them. I think one of this party killed my father. We
kept the keel boat and its cargo untouched for two or three years,
until peace had been made, and no one applied for it."
A negro man named Joe, belonging to Samuel Brown, of Howard
county, was killed by the Indians near Mr. Burckhartt's farm , about
three-fourths of a mile east of Estill station, on the Missouri, Kansas
. and Texas railroad.
The above embraces all the names of the men, of whom we have
any record, who were killed in the Boone's Lick country during the
f Indian war from 1812 to 1815. The peculiar atrocities attending the
.killing of some of them, make the stoutest shudder. But these
I atrocities were so common in those days that the settlers did not fear
to remain here, although they knew these things might happen to
them at any time.
PEACE.
For three long years, had the settler's lives been a constant
vigil. Their savage foes were crafty and heartless, and they knew
I that any remissness of duty upon their part would result in the in-
106 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
stantaneous slaughter of themselves, their wives, and their little ones.
This beautiful country to which, they had come, was soon, however,'
to be put under tribute to the plow and the harrow, and the soft
wings of peace were to again overshadow it. Indeed, peace had al-
ready been declared, and they had entered upon the enjoyment of
that delightful era of which the poet speaks —
The trumpets sleep, while cheerful horns are blown,
And arms employed on birds and beasts alone.
CHAPTER III.
Territorial Laws — Districts and Counties — Organization of Howard County —
Boundary — Counties which have been taken from Howard — Its Original Area —
Gen. Benj. Howard — Settlers Executed their own Laws — First Circuit Court —
Grand Jury — Attorneys — First Licensed Ferry — First Licensed Tavern — First
Road — Indictments — Elections — Incidents — Kate of Taxation — Early Suit —
First Recorded Deed — First Marriages — Old Franklin — -Location of County
Seat — Land Office — Memoirs of Dr. Peck — The First Newspaper — Arrival of
the First Steamboat — Newspaper Comments — Dinner and Toasts — First
County Court.
TERRITORIAL LAWS.
The territorial laws were not extended over this part of the country
until the year 1816. Until this time, they had no government or
laws except such as they themselves made for their own protection,
and which, of course, had no effect outside of the boundaries of their
narrow territory. With them, the single distinction was between
right and wrong, and they had no medium ground. As the result
shows, they really needed no laws or executive officers, for it is a
well known fact, that during the early period of this settlement there
were no serious crimes committed within its limits. As the men each
depended upon the other, and knew that in time of attack by the
Indians their only safety lay in union, each endeavored to preserve the
good will of his neighbor, and, as the best way to obtain the good
wishes and assistance of a man, is to act honestly and friendly with
him, each did this, and in this way they needed no law, except their
own judgments. During the early period of the colony they never
had any occasion to punish any one under their law, which was an
unwritten one. Although 'tis true, some few crimes were committed,
(the nature of man has not entirely changed since then), yet they
were uniformly of such a trivial character, as hardly to be worthy to
be classed as crimes.
Another reason of the almost entire freedom from crime, was the
certainty of punishment. Then there were no " legal technicalities "
by which a prisoner could escape. No sooner was the criminal caught
and his guilt established — no matter what his crime — than the law-
makers took the matter into their own hands, and hung him to the
nearest tree.
108 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
DISTRICTS AND COUNTIES ORGANIZATION OF HOWARD COUNTY.
t
From 1804, until October 1, 1812, the territory of Missouri was
divided into four districts. At that date (October 1, 1812) Governor
Clark issued a proclamation, in accordance with an act of Congress
requiring him to do so, reorganizing the four districts into the five
following counties : St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Genevieve, Cape
Girardeau and New Madrid. In 1813, the county of Washington
was created', from a part of St. Genevieve. In 1814, the county of
Arkansas was formed, and during the winter of 1814 and 1815, the
county of Lawrence was organized from the western portion of New
Madrid. Under an act of tne general assembly, approved January 13,
1816, the county of Howard was created, being the ninth organized
county in the territory, and was taken out of the counties of St.
Louis and St. Charles.
Its boundaries when created, were established as follows: " Be-
ginning at the mouth of the Osage river, which is about ten miles
below the city of Jefferson and opposite to the village of Barkesrville
in Callawajr county ; the boundary pursued the circuitous course of
said stream to the Osage boundary line, meaning thereby the eastern
boundary of the Osage Indian territory, or to the northeast corner
of Vernon county, where the Osage river, two miles east of the
present town of Schell City, runs near said corner ; thence north
(along the western line of St. Clair, Henry, Johnson and Lafayette
counties), to the Missouri river, striking that stream west of and
very near Napoleon ; thence up said river to the mouth of the Kansas
river (where Kansas City is now located), thence with the Indian
boundary line (as desribed in the proclamation of Gov. William Clark
issued the 9th day of March, 1815,) northwardly along the eastern
boundary of the " Platte purchase " 140 miles, or to a point about
thirty-six miles north and within the present county of Adams,
in the state of Iowa, near the town of Corning in said county,
on thfc Burlington and Missouri river railroad ; thence eastward with
the said line to the main dividing ridge of high ground, to the main
fork of the river Cedar (which is the line between Boone and Calla-
way counties in Missouri) ; thence down said river to the Missouri;
thence down the river Missouri and in the middle of the main channel
thereof, to the mouth of the Great Osage river, the place of begin-
ning:."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 109
Iii order that the reader may have a more definite idea of the area
of Howard county when originally organized, we will name the
counties which have since been taken from its territoiy, and which
were at first a part of Howard : — Boone, Cole, north part of Miller,
Morgan, north parts of Benton and St. Clair, Henry, Johnson,
Lafayette, Pettis, Cooper, Moniteau, Saline, Clay, Clinton, DeKalb.,
Gentry, Worth, Harrison, Daviess, Caldwell, Kay, Carroll, Livingston,
Grundy, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan, Linn, Chariton, Randolph, Macon,
Adair, and possibly parts of Shelby, Monroe and Audrain; also the
following counties in Iowa : parts of Taylor and Adams, Union, Ring-
gold, Clarke, Decatur and Wayne, and probably parts of Lucas,
Monroe and Appanoose.
Although we have named the counties and parts of counties,
which originally constituted Howard county, yet a still more perfect
idea of its extent, may be formed, when we say that it was an em-
pire, presenting an area of nearly 22,000 square miles. It was one
third as large as the present State of Missouri and larger than Ver-
mont, Massachusetts, Delaware and Rhode Island. Missouri, at that
time, had not been admitted into the sisterhood of states. The most
prominent denizens who inhabited this vast empire, out of which
Howard county was erected, were the buffalo, the antelope, the elk,
the deer, and the scarcely less wild Indian, who continued to occupy
some portions of it for many years thereafter.
By an act of the legislature, approved Februaryl6, 1825, Howard
county was reduced to its present limits, its boundary being defined
as follows : " Beginning in the middle of the main channel of the
Missouri river, opposite the mouth of Monitau creek ; thence up said
creek to the line between townships 48 and 49 ; thence
in a direct line to the northeast corner of township 51, of range
14, west ; thence in a direct line to a point one and a half miles
west of the northeast corner of township 52, of range 17,
west; thence in a direct line to a point in the middle of the
main channel of the Missouri river, where the line between sections
17, and 20, township 51, range 17, west, intersects the
same, and thence down the same, in the middle of the
main channel thereof (varying, however, if necessary, so as to include
the first island below the city of Boonville) to place of beginning.
The area of the county having been reduced from 22,000 to 463
square miles, it would seem to the casual reader that it had been
shorn of much of its power and influence, and that its preseut limits
were too insignificant to furnish materials for the compilation of an
9
110 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
important history. It must be remembered, however, that the most
noted events in ancient or modern times transpired within the smallest
territorial compass. It must also be borne in mind, that sixty-seven
years have passed since Howard county began its political existence,
affording, therefore, ample time in which to make a history and leave
to busy chroniclers an abundant harvest of facts and incidents.
SETTLERS EXECUTED THEIR OWN LAWS.
Previous to January 23, 1816, the settlers of this part of the coun-
try had made their own laws and executed them rigorously when oc-
casion demanded, which was very seldom. Although the eastern
portion of the State had been organized into counties, and the terri-
torial laws, by means of the territorial courts, had been extended over
them, still the "Boone's Lick country" had not been sufficiently
settled to justify its organization and the expense of holding terms of
court within its limits.
But even during the war with the Indians the country adjacent to
the forts was settled very rapidly, although few ventured to locate, ex-
cept near enough to reach the fort at the first approach of danger.
So that, at the time of the organization of Howard county, it con-
tained a considerable number of settlers, although they lived in what
was then called " neighborhoods," so as to be of protection to one
another in times of danger from their savage foes.
FIRST CIRCUIT COURT.
The first circuit court of Howard county was held at the house of
Joseph Jolly, in Hannah Cole's fort, in what is now known as Cooper
county, on the 8th day of July, 1816. Hon. David Barton was the
presiding judge, Nicholas T. Burckhartt the sheriff, and Gray Bynum.
clerk. The following named persons composed the first
GRAND JURY.
Stephen Jackson, foreman, George Tompkins,
Adam Woods, Sr. , Isaac Drake,
Asaph Hubbard, Wm. Anderson,
John Pusley, Samuel Brown,
Robert Wilds, Ezekiel Williams,
Davis Todd, Wm. Monroe, Jr.,
Wm. Brown, John O'Banon,
Robert Brown, James Alexander,
John Snethan, Muke Box.
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. Ill
The attorneys in attendance were Edward Bates, Chas. Lucas,
Joshua Barton and Lucius Easton.
FIRST LICENSED FERRY.
The first regularly established ferry by law in the county was
kept by Hannah Cole, who obtained a license at this term of the
court. The charges fixed by the court as ferriage were as follows : —
For man and horse . . . . . $ .50
Foot passengers, each . . . ... .25
Single horse and cattle, per head . . . . .25
Each hog, sheep, goat or other four-footed animal . . .12 Vi
All other articles, per 100 pounds .... .06 Vi
Each loaded wagon and team of four horses or more, deduct-
ing 25c for each horse under four .... 4.00
For each empty wagon and team of four horses, deducting
25c for each horse under four ..... 3.00
Each loaded cart and team . . . . . .2.00
Empty cart and team . . . . . . .1.00
Sleds, sleighs and two-wheeled pleasure carriages, exclusive
of horse . . . . , . . . . .75
Four-wheel pleasure carriage, exclusive of horse . . 1.00
The first licensed tavern was kept by Harper C. Davis, in Kin-
caid fort.
FIRST ROAD.
The first road laid out by authority of the court in the county
was a route from Cole's fort, on the Missouri river, to intersect the
road from Potosi, in Washington county, at the Osage river. Stephen
Cole, James Cole and Humphrey Gibson were appointed viewers to
make this road.
INDICTMENTS.
The two first bills (criminal actions) returned by the grand jury
were " United States vs. Samuel Herrall," " United States vs. James
Cockrell," indorsed " A true bill."
ELECTIONS.
The first elections held in the county were held at Head's fortr
McLain's fort, Fort Cooper and Cole's fort. The first civil action
was styled " Davis Todd vs. Joseph Boggs."
INCIDENT.
During this term of court Maj. Stephen Cole was fined by Judge
112 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Barton for profane swearing in the presence of the court. Cole
objected to paying the fine, but, supposing that he would be able to
retaliate sometime in the future, at last paid it. And his time for
retaliation came sooner than he expected. That afternoon Cole, who
was a jnstice of the peace, organized his court on a log in front of
the fort. As Judge Barton was returning from dinner, he stopped in
front of Cole and leaned against a tree, watching the proceedings of
the justice, and smoking his pipe. Cole looked up and, assuming
the stern look of insulted dignity, said : " Judge Barton, I fine you
one dollar for contempt of my court, for smoking in its presence."
Judge Barton smilingly paid his fine and went to open his own court,
acknowledging that he had been beaten at his own game.
RATE OF TAXATION.
The following order made by the circuit court in 1816, shows
the rate of taxation at that time : —
" Ordered by the court that the following rates of taxation for
county purposes for the year 1816 be established in the county of
Howard, to wit :
On each horse, mare, mule or ass above 3 years old . . . .25
On all neat cattle above 3 years old 06 V4
On each and every stud-horse, the sum for which he stands the
season 06 V4
On every negro or mulatto slave between the ages of 16 and
45 years 50
For each billiard-table ' $25.00
On every able-bodied single man of 21 years old or upwards
not being possessed of property of the value of $200 . .50
On water, grist-mills, and saw-mills, horse-mills, tan-yards and
distilleries in actual operation 40 cents on every $100 valuation."
EARLY SUIT.
Among the early suits we find the following, which we copy, be-
cause of the peculiar and ancient contract upon which the suit was
instituted : —
Wesley G. Martin }
vs. C In debt.
Ezekiel Williams, Braxton Cooper and Morris May. }
The defendant, by M. McGirk, their attorney, comes into court
and defends the wrong and injury, and craves oyer of the said writ-
ing obligatory mentioned in the said plaintiff's declaration, which was
read to them in the following words, to- wit:
"July 24th, 1814.
"On our arrival at the post of Arkansas, we, or either of us,
" promise to pay, or cause to be paid unto Fraceway Licklier or his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 113
" assigns, the just and full sum of three hundred dollars, it being for
" his services to the above place, as witness our hands and seals.
Ezekiel Williams, [seal.]
Braxton Cooper, [seal.]
Morris May." [seal.]
first deed recorded.
The following was the first deed placed on record in Howard
county : —
Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Marie, of the
county and town of St. Charles, and territory of Missouri, have this
day given, granted, bargained, sold and possession delivered unto
Asa Morgan, of the county of Howard, and territory aforesaid, all
the right, title, claim, interest, and property that I the said Joseph
Marie have or may possess or am in anywise legally or equitably en-
titled to in a certain settlement right on the north side of the Mis-
souri river, in the aforesaid county of Howard, near a certain place
known and called by the name of Eagle's Nest, and lying about one
mile, a little west of south from Kincaid's Fort, in the said county of
Howard, which said settlement was made by me sometime in the year
1800, for and consideration of value by me received, the receipt
whereof, is hereby acknowledged, and him the said Asa Morgan for-
ever discharged and acquitted. And I do by these presents, sell,
transfer, convey and quit-claim to the aforesaid Asa Morgan all the
claims and interest which I might be entitled to either in law or
equity from the aforesaid improvement or settlement right, together
with all and singular, all the appurtenances unto the same belonging,
or in anywise appertaining to have and to hold free from me, or any
person claiming by or through me.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the
13th day of April, 1816. Jh. Marie, [seal.]
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Urh. I. Devore, A.
Wilson.
•second deed.
" To all to whom these presence shall come greeting : — Know ye
that we, Risdon H. Price, and Mar}r, his wife, both of the town and
county of St. Louis, and territory of Missouri, for and in considera-
tion of the sum of four thousand eight hundred dollars, lawful money
of the United States to us in hand before the delivery of these presents
well and fully paid by Elias Eector, of the same place, the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged and thereof, we do hereby acquit and
discharge the said Elias Eector, his heirs and assigns forever. Have
given, granted, bargained, and sold, and do hereby give, grant, bar-
gain, and sell unto the said Elias Rector, his heirs and assigns forever,
subject to the conditions hereinafter expressed, one certain tract and
parcel of land, containing one thousand six hundred arpens, situate in
the county of Howard, in the territory of Missouri, granted origin-
114 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ally by the late Lieutenant-Governor Charles Dehault Delassus.to one
Ira Nash, on the 18th day of January, 1800, surveyed the 26th day of
January, 1804, and certified on the 15th day of February, of the same
year, reference being had to the record of said claim in the office of
the recorder of land titles for the territory of Missouri, for the con-
cession and forthe boundaries thereof as set forth in and upon the said
certificate or plat of survey thereof will more fully, certainly and at
large appear, and which said survey is hereto annexed and makes part
and parcel of this deed, and being the same tract of land which the
said Eisdon H. Price claims as assigned of the sheriff of the county
of St. Charles, who sold the same as the property of said Ira Nash, as
by deed thereof dated the 5th day of October, 1815, reference thereto
being had will more fully and at large appear.
To have the said granted aud bargained premises with the appur-
tenances and privileges thereon, and thereunto belonging unto him,
the said Elias Rector, his heirs aud assigns forever. And it is hereby
declared to be the agreement, understanding and intention of the
parties aforesaid, that should the said tract of laud be finally rejected
by the United States within three 3rears from this date, or should the
same not be sanctioned and confirmed by the government of the
United States, at or before the period last mentioned, or in case the
said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns shall
by due process and judgment at law, be evicted, dispossessed and
definitely deprived of said tract of land, then and in that case, the said
Risdon H. Price, his heirs, executors, or administrators, shall only pay
or cause to be paid to the said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors, adminis-
trators or assigns, the said sum of four thousand eight hundred dollars,
lawful money of the United States, with the lawful interest thereon,
at the rate of six per centum per annum, from the date of this deed,
until the time of such rejection, not being sanctioned as aforesaid, or
until such eviction as aforesaid, with the legal costs upon such suit or
suits at law, and which shall be in full of all damages under any cov-
enants in this dead, and if such claim shall be rejected as aforesaid or
not confirmed as aforesaid, or in case the said Elias Rector, his heirs,
executors, or assigns, shall be evicted therefrom as aforesaid, that
then, and in either of these cases, the said Elias Rector, his heirs,
executors or assigns, shall by proper deed of release and quit-claim,
transfer to said Risdon H, Price, his heirs, executors, administrators
and assigns, the claim of said Elias Rector, his heirs, executors and
assigns to the said premises at the time of receiving the said consid-
eration money, interest, and costs aforesaid.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals,
this 22d day of June, 1816.
Risdon H. Price, [seal.]
MaryG. Price, [seal.]
Elias Rector. [seal.]
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Jerh. Connor, M. P-
Leduc."
The above deed was acknowledged before Mary Philip Leduc,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 115
clerk of the circuit court within and for the county of St. Louis. It
is quite an ancient deed and quite a lengthy one, and the old Spanish
phraseology is used — the wordarpents in the description of the laud.
FIRST MARRIAGES.
Below will be found verbatim copies of some of the earliest cer-
tificates of marriages that occurred in Howard county. In the names
of the parties assuming the marital relations, some one or more of our
readers, may recognize their maternal or paternal ancestors: —
Territory of Missouri, ) , ..
County of Howard. S
Be it remembered to all whom it may concern, that on the 10th
day of May, 1816, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me
by law, a preacher of the gospel, etc., I joined in the holy state of
matrimony Judiah Osmon and Rosella Busby, of the said territory
and county, as man and wife. Witness my hand, this 3d day of July
1816. William Thorp.
I hereby certify, that on the second day of June last passed, I
celebrated the rights of matrimony between John Cooley and Eliza-
beth White, both of the county of Howard and territory of Missouri.
Given under my hand, this tenth day of June, 1816.
James Alcorn. J. P.
I do hereby certify, than on the 27th day of March last, I cele-
brated the rights of matrimony between Elijah Creason and Elizabeth
Lowell, both of the county of Howard and territory of Missouri.
Given under my hand, this 12th day of April, 1816.
James Alcorn, J. P.
Territory of Missouri, > . ..
Howard County. 5
Be it known, to whom it may concern, that on the 26th of April,
1816, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by law, a
preacher of the Gospel, I joined in the holy state of matrimony Abra-
ham Barnes, and Gracy Jones of the said territory and county, as
man and wife, satisfactory proof having been given of the legal notice
as requested by law and parents' consent obtained.
Witness my hand, the 2 2d of April 1816.
David McClain.
The marriages above mentioned occurred sixty-seven years ago.
In those primitive days, among the early settlers, marriages were
the result of love. There was not only a union of hands, but a union
116 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of hearts. The pioneer maiden made the faithful wife, and the sturdy
backwoodsman the fond and trusted husband.
Prom that day forth, in peace and joyous bliss,
They lived together long without debate ;
Nor private jars, nor spite of enemies,
Could shake the safe assurance of their state.
Eleven marriage certificates were recorded in the year 1816.
One hundered and sixty-two marriages were recorded in 1882.
OLD FRANKLIN LOCATION OF COUNTY SEAT.
The town of Old Franklin was laid off opposite the present site
of Boonville, in " Cooper's bottom," in the fall of 1816. It was lo-
cated on a tract containing 100 acres. Benjamin Estill, David Jones,
David Kincaid, William Head, aud Stephen Cole were appointed com-
missioners to locate the county seat, which was first located at Hannah
Cole's fort, as stated above. On June 16, 1817, the commissioners
settled upon Old Franklin as the most suitable place for the location
of the county seat, and to that place the records, documents, etc.,
were removed on the second Monday in November, 1817, the court
being opened by the sheriff on that day at 2 o'clock p. m.
The land office for the district of Missouri was located at Old
Franklin in 1818. Gen. Thomas A. Smith was appointed receiver
and Charles Carroll register. The land sales occurred in the same
year, November 18, 1818. The crowd in attendance upon these sales
was said to have numbered thousands of well-dressed and intelligent
men from all parts of the east and south.
MEMOIRS OF DR. PECK.
Wishing to give our readers the benefit of all the facts we have
collated, in reference to that early period (1818 and 1819) in the his-
tory of Howard county, we here insert some extracts from the memoirs
of James M. Peck, D. D., a pioneer Baptist minister who visited
this portion of the Missouri territory at the period mentioned. What
he says was written from his personal observation, and is therefore
not only reliable but deeply interesting : —
* * * On Monday, December 22, 1818, I rode through the coun-
try to Franklin, found a Baptist family by the name of Wiseman,
where I had been directed to call. A hasty "appointment was circu-
lated, and I preached to a roomful of people.
Franklin is a village of seventy families. It is situated on the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 117
left bank of the Missouri, and on the border of an extensive tract of
rich, alluvial bottom land, covered with a heavy forest, except where
the axe and fires had destroyed the undergrowth, "deadened" the
timber, and prepared the fields for the largest crops of corn.
If any one wishes to find the site of this flourishing towu, as it
then appeared to promise, he must examine the bed of the river di-
rectly opposite Boonville. Repeated floods, many years since, drove
the inhabitants to the bluff, with such of their houses as could be re-
moved, where New Franklin now stands. At the period of our
visit no town west of St. Louis gave better promise for rapid
growth than Franklin. There was no church formed in the village,
but I found fourteen Baptists there.
The country on the north side of the Missouri, above the
Cedar, a small stream on the western border of the present county
of Callaway, was known as Boone's Lick from an early period.
Also under the same cognomen was the county designated on the
south side and west of the Osage river. The particular salt-
lick to which this appellation was first given was ten ,or twelve
miles above Old Franklin, and about two miles back from the river.
Tradition told that this spot, in a secluded place among the bluffs,
was occupied by the old pioneer, the veritable Daniel Boone, for
his hunting camp. But the name came from the late Maj. Nathan
Boone, who in company with the Messrs. Morrisons, of St. Charles,
manufactured salt at the spring in 1806-7. About the same time
a settlement was made on the Loutre and on Loutre Island. This
settlement, except Gate Sans Dessein, was the veritable " far west "
until 1810.
During the spring of 1810 several families from Loutre settle-
ment, and a large number then recently from Kentucky, moved
westward and planted themselves in the Boone's Lick country,
then reported as the El Dorado of all new counties. Off from
the river bottoms the land was undulating, the prairies small, the
soil rich, and the timber in variety and of a fine quality. Deer,
bears, elk, and other game were in abundance, and furnished pro-
visions, and, in many instances, clothing, until the people could
raise crops.
There were in all about one hundred and fifty families that came
into the Boone's Lick country in 1810-11, when the Indian war stopped
further immigration until 1815 or 1816. Twelve families settled on
the south side of the river, not far from the present site of Boonville,
and several more formed a settlement south of the Missouri, some
ten or fifteen miles above Old Franklin.
Amongst the emigrants, both from Loutre and Kentucky, were
not afew Baptist families and two or three preachers. A church had
been organized in the Loutre settlement, a majority of which, with
their, church records, were amongst the emigrants, and became re-
organized, and I think took the name of Mount Zion.
Soon the hostile Indians broke into these remote frontier settle-
ments. It was in July, 1810, that a hostile band of Pottawatomies
118 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEE COUNTIES.
came stealthily into the settlement on the Loutre, nearly opposite the
mouth of the Gasconade river, and stole a number of horses. A
volunteer company was raised, consisting of Stephen Cole, ffm. T.
Cole, Messrs. Brown, Gooch, Patton and one other person,
to follow them. They followed the trail across Grand prairie
to Boone Lick, a branch of Salt river, where they discovered
eight Indians who threw off their packs of plunder and scattered in
the woods. Night coming on, the party disregarded the advice of
their leader, Stephen Cole, an experienced man with Indians. He
advised setting a guard, but the majority exclaimed against it, and
cried " cowardice." About midnight the Indian yell and the death-
dealing bullet aroused them from sleep. Stephen Cole had taken his
station at the foot of a tree, and if he slept it was with one eye open.
He killed four Indians and wounded the fifth, though severely
wounded himself. Wm. T. Cole, his brother, was killed at the com-
mencement of the fight, with two other persons. Next morning the
survivors reached the settlement and told the dreadful tidings, and a
party returned to the spot, buried the dead, but found the Indians
gone.
This was the first of a series of depredations, murders and robber-
ies in these remote settlements that continued five years. The dis-
trict of St. Charles had the Cedar for its western boundary. The
Boone's Lick country was not recognized as within the organized ter-
ritory of Missouri. The people were " a law unto themselves." and
had to do their own fighting. Every male inhabitant of the settle-
ment, who was capable of bearing arms, enrolled and equipped him-
self for defence. Each one pledged himself to fight, to labor on the
forts, to go on scouting expeditions, or to raise corn for the commu-
nity, as danger or necessity required. By the common consent of
all these volunteer parties, Col. Benjamin Cooper, a Baptist from
Madison county, Ky., was chosen commander-in-chief.
Col. Cooper was one ofKentucky's noblest pioneers. He had also
been a prominent man in the war with Indians in that district, pos-
sessed real courage, cool and deliberate, with great skill and sagacity
in judgment. He had also been an efficient man in the affairs of
civil and political life, and a man of firmness and correctness as a
member of the church.
Among the principal officers who occupied subaltern positions as
the commanders of forts and partisan leaders for detached field ser-
vice, were Capt. Sarshall Cooper (a brother of the colonel), William
Head and Stephen Cole.
To guard against surprise, the people, under the direction of
their leader, erected five stockade forts :
1. Cooper's fort was at the residence of the colonel, on a bot-
tom prairie.
2. McLain's fort (called Ft. Hempstead afterward) was on the
bluff, about one mile from New Franklin.
3. Kincaid's fort was near the river, and about one and a half
miles above the site of Old Franklin.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 119
4. Head's fort was on the Moniteau, near the old Boone's Lick
trace from St. Charles.
5. Cole's fort was on the south side of the Missouri, about a
mile below Boonville. Here the widow of W. T. Cole, who was slain
by the Indians on Boone's Lick, with her children, settled soon after
the murder of her husband.
These forts were a refuge to the families when danger threatened,
but the defenders of the country did not reside in them only as
threatened danger required. Scouting parties were almost constantly
engaged in scouting the woods, in the rear of the settlements, watch-
ing for Indian signs, and protecting their stock from depredations.
With all their vigilance during the war, about three hundred
horses were stolen, many cattle and nearly all their hogs were killed.
Bear meat and raccoon bacon became a substitute, and even were en-
gaged in contracts for trade. They cultivated the fields nearest to the
stockade forts, which could be cultivated in corn with comparative se-
curity, but not enough to supply the amount necessary for consump-
tion.
Parties were detailed to cultivate fields more distant. These
were divided into plowmen and sentinels. The one party followed
the plows, and the other, with rifles loaded and ready, scouted
around the field on every side, stealthily watching lest the wily foe
should form an ambuscade. Often the plowman walked over the
field, guiding his horses and pulverizing the earth, with his loaded
rifle slung at his back.
With all these precautions, few men but would tread stealthily
along the furrows. As he approached the end of the corn-rows,
where the adjacent woodland might conceal an enemy, his anxiety was
at its height. When these detachments were in the cornfield, if the
enemy threatened the fort, the sound of the horn gave the alarm,
and all rushed to the rescue.
It was in the autumnal season of corn-gathering that a party of
these farming soldiers were hard pressed by a party of savages. A
negro servant drove the team with a load of corn. He knew nothing
of chariot races among the ancients, but he put the lash on the horses,
and drove through the large double gateway without touching either
post as had been too often his unlucky habit. The Indians were on
the opposite side of the clearing, saw their prey had escaped, raised
their accustomed yell, and disappeared in the woods. " Oh, Sam !"
said the captain, whose servant he was, "you've saved your scalp
this time by accurate and energetic driving."
" Yes, massa, I tink so, " at the same time scratching his wool
as if he would make sure that the useful appendage was not missing.
" De way I done miss dose gate-posts was no red man's business. I
never drove trew afore without I hit one side, and sometimes bose of
dem,"
These pioneer Boone's Lick settlers deserve to be known and
held in remembrance by the present generation in that populous and
120 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
rich district of the State. I regret exceedingly, now it is too late,
that I did not gather many more facts, and record the names of the
principal families. They suffered as many privations as any frontier
settlement in western history. The men were all heroes and the
women heroines, and successfully and skillfully defended their families
and the country about three years without the least aid from the na-
tional or territorial government. Throughout the war but ten per-
sons were killed by Indians in all the settlements about Boone's Lick.
Several other persons, besides those already mentioned, were killed
in the Loutre settlements and below.
Those killed in the Boone's Lick country were Sarshall Cooper,
Jonathan Todd, Wm. Campbell, Thomas Smith, Samuel McMahan,
Wm. Gregg, John Smith, James Busby, Joseph W. Still, and a negro
man. Capt. Sarshall Cooper came to his tragic end at Cooper's fort,
where his family resided. It was a dark night ; the wind howled through
the forest, and the rain fell in fitful gusts, and the watchful sentinel
could not discern an object six feet from the stockade. Capt. Cooper's
residence formed one of the angles of the fort. He had previously
run up a long account with the red-skins. They dreaded both his
strategy and his prowess in Indian warfare. A single brave crept
stealthily in the darkness and. storm to the logs of the cabin, and made
an opening in the clay between the logs barely sufficient to admit the
muzzle of his gun, which he discharged with fatal effect. The assas-
sin escaped and left the family and every settler in mourning. Among
a large circle of relatives and friends, the impressions of their loss
were vivid at the period of our first visit.
After nearly three years of hard fighting and severe suffering,
congress made provision for raising several companies of'4 rangers " —
men who furnished their own horses, equipments, forage and provi-
sions, and received one dollar per day for guarding the frontier set-
tlements— when a detachment was sent to the relief of the people of
Boone's Lick, under command of Gen. Henry S. Dodge, then major
of the battalion. The mounted rangers included the" companies of
Capt. John Thompsou, of St. Louis; Capt. Daugherty, of Cape Gir-
ardeau, and Capt. Cooper, of the Boone's Lick. An expedition under
command of Capt. Edward Hempstead, was sent in boats up the
Missouri. In the companies were fifty Delawares and Shawnees,
and two hundred and fifty Americans. On the south bank of the
Missouri, at a place now known as Miami, was an Indian town of four
hundred, including women and children, who had migrated from the
Wabash country a few years previous. They were friendly and
peaceable ; but bad Indians would report bad tales of them, and
Maj. Dodge under instructions, guarded them back to the Wabash
country.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER.
Scarcely had the pioneers emerged from their forts, wherein they
had been immured for three years, before they began in earnest to
establish schools and to set up in their midst the printing press.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 121
On the 23d of April, 1819, Nathaniel Patten and Benjamin Holli-
day, two enterprising citizens, issued the first number of the Missouri
Intelligencer in Franklin. This was the first newspaper published
west of St. Louis. A full account of this paper is given in the
chapter entitled "The Press."
ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST STEAMBOAT.
Perhaps one of the greatest events that occurred in the year
1819, in the then brief history of Howard county, was the arrival of
the steamer Independence, Capt. John Nelson — the first steamboat
that had ever attempted the navigation of the Missouri river. The
Independence had been chartered by Col. Elias Hector and others of
St. Louis, to ascend the Missouri as high as Chariton, two miles above
Glasgow. She left St. Louis, May 15, 1819, and reached Franklin,
in Howard county, on May 28. Among the passengers were Col.
Elias Eector, Stephen Eector, Capt. Desha, J. C. Mitchell, Dr.
Stewart, J. Wanton and Major J. D. Wilcox.
Upon the arrival of the Independence, a public dinner was given
the passengers and officers. A public meeting was held, of which Asa
Morgan, was chosen president and Dr. N. Hutchinson, vice-presi-
dent.
The Franklin Intelligencer, May 28, 1819, in speaking of that event
said : —
ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMBOAT.
With no ordinary sensations of pride and pleasure, we announce
the arrival this morning, at this place, of the elegant steamboat
Independence, Captain Nelson, in seven sailing days, (but thirteen
from the time of her departure) from St. Louis, with passengers and
a cargo of flour, whiskey, sugar, iron, castings, etc., being the first
steamboat that ever attempted ascending the Missouri. She was
joyfully met by the inhabitants of Franklin, and saluted by the firing
of cannon, which was returned by the Independence.
The grand desideratum, the important fact, is now ascertained
that steamboats can safely navigate the Missouri river.
A respectable gentleman, a passenger in the Independence, who
has for a number of years traveled the great western waters, informs
us that it is his opinion, that with a little precaution in keeping clear
ofsandbars, the Missouri may be navigated with as much facility as the
Mississippi or Ohio.
Missourians may hail this era, from which to date the growing
importance of this section of country ; when they view with what
facility (by the aid of steam) boats may ascend the turbulent waters
of the Missouri, to bring to this part of the country the articles requi-
122 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
site to its supply, and return laden with the various products of this
fertile region. At no distant period may we see the industrious
cultivator making his way as high as the Yellowstone, and offering
to the enterprising merchant and trader a surplus worthy of the fertile
banks of the Missouri, yielding wealth to industry and enterprise.
f From the Franklin Intelligencer, June 4, 1819.~\
ARRIVAL OF THE INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC DINNER, SPEECHES AND
TOASTS.
On Friday last, the 28th ult., the citizens of Franklin, with the
most lively emotions of pleasure, witnessed the arrival of this beauti-
ful boat, owned and commanded by Capt. Nelson, of Louisville. Her
approach to the landing was greeted by a Federal salute, accompanied
with the acclamations of au admiring crowd, who had assembled
on the bank of the river for the purpose of viewing this novel
and interesting sight. We may truly regard this event as highly
important, not only to the commercial but agricultural interests of
the country. The practicability of steamboat navigation, being now
clearly demonstrated by experiment, we shall be brought nearer to
the Atlantic, West India and European markets, and the abundant
resources of our fertile and extensive region will be quickly devel-
oped. This interesting section of country, so highly favored by
nature, will at no distant period, with the aid of science and en-
terprise assume a dignified station amongst the great agricultural
states of the west.
The enterprise of Capt. Nelson cannot be too highly appreci-
ated by the citizens of Missouri. He is the first individual who
has attempted the navigation of the Missouri by steam power, a
river that has hitherto borne the character of being very difficult
and eminently dangerous in its navigation, but we are happy to
state that his progress thus far has not been impeded by any acci-
dent. Among the passengers were Col. Elias Rector, Mr. Stephen
Rector, Capt. Desha, J. C. Mitchell, Esq., Dr. Stewart, Mr. J.,
Wanton, Maj. J. D. Wilcox.
THE DINNER AND TOASTS.
The clay after the arrival of the Independence, Capt. Nel-
son and the passengers partook of a dinner, given by the citizens
of Franklin, in honor of the occasion. After the cloth was re-
moved, Capt. Asa Morgan was called to the chair, and Dr. N.
Hutchinson acted as vice-president, when the following toasts were
drank : —
1st. The Missouri River. — Its last wave will roll the abundant
tribute of our region to the Mexican gulf in reference to the auspices
of this day.
2d. The- Memory of Robert Fulton. — One of the, most distin-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 123
guished artists of his age'. The Missouri river now bears upon her
bosom the first effect of his geuius for steam navigation.
3d. The Memory of Franklin, the Philosopher and States-
man.— In anticipation of his country's greatness, he never imagined
that a boat at this time would be propelled by steam so far westward,
to a town bearing his name, on the Missouri.
4th. Capt. ISTelson. — The proprietor of the steamboat Inde-
pendence. The imaginary dangers of the Missouri vanished before
his enterprising genius.
5th. Louisville, Franklin and Chariton. — They became neigh-
bors by steam navigation.
6th. The Republican Government of the United States. — By
facilitating the intercourse between distant points, its benign influ-
ence may be diffused over the continent of North America.
7th. The' Policy. — Resulting in the expedition to the Yellowstone.
8th. South America. — May an early day witness the navigation
of the Amazon and LaPlata by steam power, under the auspices of an
independent government.
9th. International Improvement. — The New York canal, an im-
perishable monument of the patriotism and genius of its projector.
10th. The Missouri Territory. — Desirous to be numbered with
states on constitutional principles, but determined never to submit
to Congressional usurpation.
11th. James Monroe. — President of the United States.
12th. The Purchase of the Floridas. — A hard bargain.
13th. The American Fair.
VOLUNTEERS .
By Col. Elias Rector. — The memory of my departed friend, Gen.
Benjamin Howard ; he was a man of worth.
By Gen. Duff Green. — The Union — It is dear to us, but liberty
is dearer.
By Capt. Nelson — I will ever bear in grateful remembrance the
liberality and hospitality of the citizens of Franklin.
By Dr. James H.Benson — The territory of Missouri — May
she emerge from her present degraded condition.
By J. C. Mitchell, Esq. — Gen. T. A. Smith, the Cincinnatus of
Missouri.
By Major Thompson Douglas. — The citizens of Franklin.
Characterized by hospitality and generosity.
By Stephen Rector, Esq. — May the Missourians defend their
rights, if necessary, even at the expense of blood, against the unprec-
edented restriction which was attempted to be imposed on them by
the congress of the United States.
By L. W. Boggs, Esq. — Major-Gen. Andrew Jackson.
By John W. Scudder, Esq. — Our Guests — The passengers who
iiucended the Missouri in the Independence ; they have the honor to
124 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
be the first to witness the successful experiment of steam navigation
on our noble river.
By Benjamin Holliday — The 28th of May, 1819. Franklin will
long remember it, and the Independence and her commander will be
immortalized in history.
By Dr. Dawson — The next Congress — May they be men con-
sistent in their construction of the Constitution ; and when they admit
new states into the union, be actuated less by a spirit of compromise,
than the just rights of the people.
By Augustus Storrs, Esq. — The memory of Captain Lawrence,
late of the navy — by the conduct of such men, may our national
character be formed.'
By N. Patton, Jr. — The Missouri territory — Its future pros-
perity and greatness cannot be checked by the caprice of a few men
in congress, while it possesses a soil of inexhaustible fertility, abun-
dant resources, and a body of intelligent, enterprising, independent
freemen.
By Maj. J. D. Wilcox — The citizens of Missouri — May they
never become a member of the union, under the restriction relative
to slavery.
By Mr. L. W. Jordan — The towns on the Missouri river — May
they flourish in commerce, and, like those on the Ohio and Missis-
sippi, witness the daily arrival or departure of some steamboat,
ascending or descending this majestic stream.
By Mr. J. B. Howard — Robert Fulton — May his name and the
effects of his genius, be transmitted to the latest posterity.
By Dr. J. J. Lowry — (After the president had retired) — The
president of the day.
By Maj. R. Gentry — (After the vice-president had retired)
The vice-president of the day.
The Independence continued her voyage to Chariton.
THE SECO±\JL> STEAMBOAT.
The government of the United States projected the celebrated
Yellowstone expedition in 1818, the objects of which were to ascer-
tain whether the Missouri river was navigable by steamboats, and to
establish a line of forts from its .mouth to the Yellowstone. This
expedition started from Plattsburg, New York, in 1818, under com-
mand of Colonel Henry Atkinson. General Nathan Ranney, a well
known citizen of St. Louis, was an attache of this expedition, also
Captain Win. D. Hnbbell now a citizen of Columbia. It arrived :it
Pittsburg in the spring of 1819, where Colonel Stephen H. Long, of
the topographical engineers of the United States army, had con-
structed the Western Engineer, a small steamboat to be used by
him and his scientific corps in pioneering the expedition to the mouth
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 125
of the Yellowstone. The vessel reached St. Louis, June 9, 1819, and
proceeding on the voyage, arrived at Franklin, July 13, same year.
The following gentlemen were on board: Major S. H. Long, com-
mander; Major Thomas Biddle (who was killed August 27, 1831, in
a duel with Spencer Pettis, on Bloody Island, and after whom,
Biddle street, St. Louis, was named) ; Lieutenants Graham and Swift,
Major Benj. O'Fallon, Indian agent; Mr. Daugherty, assistant agent
and interpreter ; Dr. Wm. Baldwin, botanist;* Thomas Say, zoolo-
gist; Mr. Jessup, geologist; Mr. Seymore, landscape painter; and
Mr. Peale, assistant naturalist.
On Monday, July 19, the vessel proceeded on its voyage up the
Missouri and reached Council Bluffs on the 17th of September, where
it remained for the winter.
Owing to the peculiar construction of the Western Engineer,
as well as to the fact that a water craft of any kind, and especially one
propelled by steam, was a novel spectacle, its progress up the river
excited the greatest wonder among the Indians, many of whom nocked
to the river banks to see it, while others fled in fear to the forests or
prairies, thinking it an evil spirit, a very devil with serpent's head,
and breath of fire and steam. The St. Louis Enquirer, of June 16,
1819, contains this description of it : —
THE STEAMER WESTERN ENGINEER.
The bow of the vessel exhibits the form of a huge serpent, black
and scaly, rising out of the water from under the boat, his head as
high as the deck, darted forward, his mouth open, vomiting smoke,
and apparently carrying the boat on his back. From under the boat,
at its stern issues a stream of foaming water, dashing violently along.
All the machinery is hid. Three small brass field pieces, mounted on
wheel carriages, stand on the deck ; the boat is ascending the rapid
stream at the rate of three miles an hour. Neither wind, nor human
hands are seen to help her ; and to the eye of ignorance the illusion
is complete, that a monster of the deep carries her on his back
smoking with fatigue, and lashing the waves with violent exertion.
ADDITIONAL MAIL FACILITIES.
During the first ten years of the settlement of the Boone's
Lick country, there were scarcely any mail facilities and in fact,
there was not a post-oflice within the present limits of Howard
county, until in 1821. The news was carried by the traveller or
* Owing to illness Dr. Baldwin abandoned the expedition at Franklin, and died,
there, September 1, 1819.
10
126 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
special courier, from one settlement to another, but sometimes weeks
and months would intervene before the pioneers could hear from
their former homes or from their more immediate neighbors. It was
with great pleasure, that the Intelligencer, of April 23, 1819, announced
the following hit of news : —
It is contemplated, we understand, shortly to commence running
a stage from St. Louis to Franklin. Such an undertaking, would,
no doubt, liberally renumerate the enterprising and meritorious indi-
viduals engaged, and be of immense benefit to the public, who would,
doubtless, prefer this to any other mode of travelling. A stage has
been running from St. Louis to St. Charles three times a week for
several months past. Another from the town of Illinois (now East
St. Louis), to Edwardsville ; a line from Edwardsville to Vincennes,
we understand is in contemplation. It will then only remain to have
it continued from Vincennes to Louisville. When .these lines shall
have gone into operation, a direct communication by stage will then
be opened from the Atlantic States to Boone's Lick, on the Missouri.
IMMIGRATION.
In 1819, immigrants began to come in large numbers. They
came in wagons, in carriages, in pirogues, and finally on every puffing
steamer that ascended the turbid waters of the Missouri. Embryo
settlements had been made along the banks of the mighty river from
St. Charles to Glasgow. This portion of Missouri, had already been
seen by the immigrant. Favorable reports had been made of its
great beauty, its fertile hills and valleys, its bountiful supply of
timber, its perennial springs and numerous water courses. It was
not only a new country, but its forests abounded with game, and its
streams teemed with choicest fishes. Here were found :
The bright eyed perch, with fins of various dye ;
The silver eel, in shining volumes roll'd;
The yellow carp, in scales bedropt with gold ;
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains,
And pikes, the tyrants of the watery plains.
The Franklin Intelligencer of November 19, 1819, in speaking of
the subject of immigration said : —
The immigration to this territory, and particularly to this county,
during the present season, almost exceeds belief. Those who have
arrived in this quarter are principally from Kentucky, Tennessee,
etc. Immense numbers of wagons, carriages, carts, etc. , with families,
have for some time past, been daily arriving. During the month of
October, it is stated, that no less than 271 wagons and four-wheeled
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 127
carriages, and fifty-five two-wheeled carriages and carts passed near
St. Charles, bound principally for Boone's Lick. It is calculated
that the number of persons accompanying these wagons, etc., could
not be less than 3,000. It is stated in the St. Louis Enquirer, of the
10th inst., that about twenty wagons, etc., per week, had passed
through St. Charles for the last nine or ten weeks, with wealthy and
respectable immigrants from various states, whose united numbers are
supposed to amount to 12,000. The county of Howard, already
respectable in number, will soon possess a vast population, and no
section of our country presents a fairer prospect to the immigrant.
FIRST COUNTY COURT.
Although the county was organized in 1816, there was no inde-
pendent tribunal known as the county court held in the county till
February 26, 1821. This court met and organized at Old Franklin.
The judges were Henry V. Bingham, David E. Drake and Thomas
Conway. Hampton L. Boone was appointed county clerk pro tern.
Among the proceedings of the court the first day was the appoint-
ment of Robert Cooper guardian of the minor son of Sidney Carson, de-
ceased. The minor son's name was Robert Sidney Carson, who was the
father of Kit Carson, the brave scout. Elias Bancroft was appointed
county surveyor, Nicholas S. Burckhartt, county assessor and Joseph
Patterson, collector.
The circuit court, sitting as a county court in 1816, had divided
the county into four townships, to-wit: Moniteau, Bonne Femme,
Chariton and La Mine. The county court at its first term, five years
later (the term of which I am now speaking) again divided the
county into seven townships, named as follows: Franklin, Boone's
Lick, Chariton, Richmond, Prairie, Bonne Femme, and Moni-
teau. Since then a new township called Burton, was created out
of territory taken from Bonne Femme, Prairie and Richmond
townships. With this exception the townships remain about as they
were when first erected.
CHAPTEE IV.
PIONEER LIFE.
The Pioneers' Peculiarities — Conveniences and Inconveniences — The Historical Log
Cabin — Agricultural Implements — Household Furniture — Pioneer Corn-bread —
Hand Mills and Hominy Blocks — Going to Mill — Trading Points— Bee Trees —
Shooting Matches and Quiltings.
The people in the early history of Howard county took no care to
preserve history — they were too busily engaged in making it.
Historically speaking, those were the most important years of the
county, for it was then the foundation and corner - stones of all the
county's history and prosperity were laid. Yet, this history was not
remarkable for stirring events. It was, however, a time of self-re-
liance and brave, persevering toil ; of privations cheerfully endured
through faith in a good time coming. The experience of one settler
was just about the same as that of others. Nearly all of the settler*
were poor ; they faced the same hardships and stood generally on
an equal footing.
All the experience of the early pioneers of this county goes far
to confirm the theory that, after all, happiness is pretty evenly
balanced in this world. They had their privations and hardships, but
they had also their own peculiar joys. If they were poor, they were
free from the burden of pride and vanity ; free also from the anxiety
and care that always attends the possession of wealth . Other peo-
ple's eyes cost them nothing. If they had few neighbors, they were
on the best of terms with those they had. Envy, jealousy and strife
had not crept in. A common interest and a common sympathy
bound them together with the strongest ties. They were a little
world to themselves, and the good feeling that prevailed was all the
stronger because they were so far removed from the great world of
the east.
Among these pioneers there was realized such a community of
interest that there existed a community of feeling. There were no
castes, except an aristocracy of benevolence, and no nobility, except
a nobility of generosity. They were bound together with such a
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 129
strong bond of sympathy, inspired by the consciousness of common
hardship, that they were practically communists.
Neighbors did not even wait for an invitation or request to help
one another. Was a settler's cabin burned or blown down? No
sooner was the fact known throughout the neighborhood than the set-
tiers assembled to assist the unfortunate one to rebuild his home.
They came with as little hesitation, and with as much alacrity as
though they were all members of the same family and bound to-
gether by ties of blood. One man's interest was every other man's
interest. • Now, this general state of feeling among the pioneers was
by no means peculiar to these counties, although it was strongly illus-
trated here. It prevailed generally throughout the west during the
time of the early settlement. The very nature of things taught the
settlers the necessity of dwelling together in this spirit. It was their
only protection. They had come far away from the well established
reign of law, and entered a new country , where civil authority was still
feeble, and totally unable to afford protection and redress grievances.
Here the settlers lived some little time before there was an officer
of the law in the county. Each man's protection was in the good
will and friendship of those about him, and the thing any man
might well dread was the ill will of the community. It was more
terrible than the law. It was no uncommon thing in the early times
for hardened men, who had no fears of jails or penitentiaries, to stand
in great fear of the indignation of a pioneer community. Such were
some of the characteristics of Howard county.
HOUSE AND HOME COMFORTS.
The first buildings in the county were not just like the log cabins
that immediately succeeded them. The latter required some help and
a great deal of labor to build. The very first buildings constructed
were a cross between " hoop cabins " and Indian bark huts. As soon
as enough men could be got together for a " cabin raising," then log
cabins were in style. Many a pioneer can remember the happiest
time of his life as that when he lived in one of these homely but
comfortable old cabins.
A window with sash and glass was a rarity, and was an evidence
of wealth and aristocracy which but few could support. They were
often made with greased paper put over the window, which admitted
a little light, but more often there was nothing whatever over it, or
the cracks between the logs, without either chinking or daubing, were
130 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the dependence for light and air. The doors were fastened with old-
fashioned wooden latches, and for a friend, or neighbor, or traveller,
the string always hung out, for the pioneers of the west were hospita-
ble and entertained visitors to the best of their ability . It is notice-
able with what affection the pioneers speak of their old log cabins.
It may be doubted whether palaces ever sheltered happier hearts than
those homely cabins. The following is a good description of those
old landmarks, but few of which now remain : —
" These were of round logs, notched together at the corners, rib-
bed with poles and covered with boards split from a tree. A puncheon
floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney
runup. A clapboard door is made, a window is opened by cutting
out a hole in the side or end two feet square, and finished without
glass or transparency. The house is then ' chinked ' and * daubed '
with mud. The cabin is now ready to go into. The, household and
kitchen furniture is adjusted, and life on the frontier is begun in
earnest.
" The one-legged bedstead, now a piece of furniture of the past,
was made by cutting a stick the proper length, boring holes at one
end one and a half inches in diameter, at right angles, and the same
sized holes corresponding with those in the logs of the cabin the
length and breadth desired for the bed, in which are inserted poles.
" Upon these poles the clapboards are laid, or linn bark is inter-
woven consecutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure
the bed is laid. The convenience of a cook stove was not thought of.
i e '
but instead, the cooking was done by the faithful housewife in pots,
kettles, and skillets, on and about the big fire-place, and very frequent-
ly over and around, too, the distended pedal extremities of the legal
sovereign of the household, while the latter was indulging in the
luxuries of a cob-pipe and discussing the probable results of a con-
templated deer hunt on the Missouri river or some one of its small
tributaries."
These log cabins were really not so bad after all.
The people of to-day, familiarized with " Charter Oak " cooking
stoves and ranges, would be ill at home were they compelled to pre-
pare a meal with no other conveniences than those provided in a
pioneer cabin. Kude fire-places were built in chimneys composed of
mud and sticks, or, at best, undressed stone. These fire-places
served for heating and cooking purposes ; also for ventilation. Around
the cheerful blaze of this fire the meal was prepared, and these meals
were not so bad, either. As elsewhere remarked, they were not such
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 131
as would tempt an epicure, but such as afforded the most healthful
nourishment for a race of people who were driven to the exposure
and hardships which were their lot. We hear of few dyspeptics in
those days. Another advantage of these cooking arrangements was
that the stove-pipe never fell down, and the pioneer was spared being
subjected to the most trying of ordeals, and one probably more pro-
ductive of profanity than any other.
Before the country became supplied with mills which were of
easy access, and even in some instances afterward, hominy-blocks
were used. They exist now only in the memory of the oldest settlers,
but as relics of the "long ago" a description of them will not be
uninteresting : —
A tree of suitable size, say from eighteen inches to two feet in
diameter, was selected in the forest and felled to the ground. If a
cross-cut saw happened to be convenient, the tree was " butted," that
is, the kerf end was sawed off so that it would stand steady when
ready for use. If there were no cross-cut saw in the neighborhood,
strong arms and sharp axes were ready to do the work. Then the
proper length, from four to five feet, was measured off and sawed or
cut square. When this was done the block was raised on end and
the work of cutting out a hollow in one of the ends was commenced.
This was generally done with a common chopping ax. Sometimes a
smaller one was used. When the cavity was judged to be large
enough, a fire was built in it and carefully watched till the ragged
edges were burned away. When completed the hominy-block some-
what resembled a druggist's mortar. Then a pestle, or something
to crush the corn, was necessary. This was usually made from a
suitably sized piece of timber, with an iron wedge attached, the large
end down. This completed the machinery, and the block was ready
for use. Sometimes one hominy-block accommodated an entire
neighborhood and was the means of staying the hunger of many
mouths.
In giving the bill of fare above we should have added meat, for of
this they had plenty. Deer would be seen daily trooping over the
prairie in droves of from twelve to twenty, and sometimes as many as
fifty would be seen grazing together. Elk were also found, and wild
turkeys and prairie chickens without number. Bears were not un-
known. Music of the natural order was not wanting, and every night
the pioneers were lulled to rest by the screeching of panthers* and the
howling of wolves. When the dogs ventured too far out from the
cabins at night, they would be driven back by the wolves chasing
132 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
them up to the very cabin doors. Trapping wolves became a very
profitable business after the state began to pay a bounty for wolf
scalps.
All the streams of water also abounded in fish, and a good supply
of these could be procured by the expense of a little time and labor.
Those who years ago improved the fishing advantages of the country
never tire telling of the dainty meals which the streams afforded.
Sometimes large parties would get together, and, having been provided
with cooking utensils and facilities for camping out, would go off some
distance and spend weeks together. No danger then of being ordered
off a man's premises or arrested for trespass. One of the peculiar
circumstances that surrounded the early life of the pioneers was a
strange loneliness. The solitude seemed almost to oppress them.
Months would pass during which they would scarcely see a human
face outside their own families.
On occasions of special interest, such as election, holiday celebra-
tions, or camp-meetings, it was nothing unusual for a few settlers
who lived in the immediate neighborhood of the meeting to entertain
scores of those who had come from a distance.
Rough and rude though the surroundings may have been, the
pioneers were none the less honest, sincere, hospitable and kind in
their relations. It is true, as a rule, and of universal application, that
there is a greater degree of real humanity among the pioneers of any
country than there is when the country becomes old and rich. If
there is an absence of refinement, that absence is more than compen-
sated in the presence of generous hearts and truthful lives. They are
bold, industrious and enterprising. Generally speaking, they are
earnest thinkers, and possessed of a diversified fund of useful, practical
information. As a rule they do not arrive at a conclusion by means
of a course of rational reasoning, but, nevertheless, have a queer way
of getting at the facts. They hate cowards and shams of every kind,
and above all things, falsehoods and deception, and cultivate an
integrity which seldom permits them to prostitute themselves to a
narrow policy of imposture. Such were the characteristics of the men
and women who pioneered the way to the country of the Sacs, Foxes,
Kickapoos and Pottawatomie Indians. A few of them yet remain,
and although some of their descendants are among the wealthy and
most substantial of the people of the county, they have not forgotten
their old time hospitality and free and easy ways. In contrasting the
present social affairs with pioneer times, one has well said :
" Then, if a house was to be raised, every man ' turned out,' and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 133
often the women, too, and while the men piled up the logs that fash-
ioned the primitive dwelling-place, the women prepared the dinner.
Sometimes it was cooked by big log fires near the site where the
cabin was building ; in other cases it was prepared at the nearest
cabin, and at the proper hour was carried to where the men were at
work. If one man in the neighborhood killed a beef, a pig or a deer,
every other family in the neighborhood was sure to receive a piece.
" We were all on an equality. Aristocratic feelings were
unknown and would not have been tolerated. What one had we all
had, and that was the happiest period of my life. But to-day, if you
lean against a neighbor's shade tree, he will charge you for it. If
you are poor and fall sick, you may lie and suffer almost unnoticed
and unattended, and probably go to the poor-house ; and just as like
as not the man who would report you to the authorities as a subject
of county care would charge the county for making the report."
Of the old settlers, some are still living in the county, in the
enjoyment of the fortunes they founded in early times, " having
reaped an hundred fold." Nearly all, however, have passed away.
A few of them have gone to the far west, and are still playing the
part of pioneers. But wherever they may be, whatever fate may
betide them, it is but truth to say that they were excellent men, as a
class, and have left a deep and enduring impression upon the county
and the state. " They builded better than they knew." They were,
of course, men of activity and energy, or they would never have
decided to face the trials of pioneer life. The great majority of them
were poor, but the lessons taught them in the early days were of such
a character that few of them have remained so. They made their
mistakes in business pursuits like, other men. Scarcely one of them
but allowed golden opportunities, for pecuniary profit, at least, to pass
by unheeded. What are now some of the choicest farms in Howard
county were not taken up by the pioneers, who preferred land of very
much less value. They have seen many of their prophesies fulfilled,
and others come to naught. Whether they have attained the success
they desired, their own hearts can tell.
To one looking over the situation then, from the standpoint now,
it certainly does not seem very cheering, and yet, from the testimony
of some old pioneers, it was a most enjoyable time, and we of the
present live in degenerate days.
At that time it certainly would have been much more difficult
for those old settlers to understand how it could be possible that sixty-
five years hence, the citizens at the present age of the county's pro-
134 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEE COUNTIES.
gress would be complaining of hard times and destitution, and that
they themselves, perhaps, would be among that number, than it is
now for us to appreciate how they could feel so cheerful and contented
with their meagre means and humble lot of hardships and depriva-
tions during those early pioneer days.
The secret was, doubtless, that they lived within their means,
however limited, not coveting more of luxury and comfort than their
income would afford, and the natural result was prosperity and con-
tentment, with always room for one more stranger at the fireside, and
a cordial welcome to a place at their table for even the most hungry
guest.
Humanity, with all its ills, is, nevertheless, fortunately _ charac-
terized with remarkable flexibility, which enables it to accommodate
itself to circumstances. After all, the secret of happiness lies in
one's ability to accommodate himself to his surroundings.
It is sometimes remarked that there were no places for public en-
tertainment till later years. The fact is, there were many such places ;
in fact, every cabin was a place of entertainment, and these hotels
were sometimes crowded to their utmost capacity. On such occasions,
when bedtime came, the first family would take the back part of the
cabin, and so continue filling up by families until the limit was
reached. The young men slept in the wagon outside. In the morn-
ing, those nearest the door arose first and went outside to dress.
Meals were served on the end of a wagon, and consisted of corn
bread, buttermilk and fat pork, and occasionally coffee, to take away
the morning chill. On Sundays, for a change, they had bread made
of wheat " tramped out " on the ground by horses, cleaned with a
sheet and pounded by hand. This was the best, the most fastidious
they could obtain, and this only one day in seven. Not a moment of
time was lost. It was necessary that they should raise enough sod
corn to take them through the coming winter, and also get as much
breaking done as possible. They brought with them enough corn to
give the horses an occasional feed, in order to keep them able for hard
work, but in the main they had to live on prairie grass. The cattle
got nothing else than grass.
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
An interesting comparison might be drawn between the conven-
iences which now make the life of a farmer a. comparatively easy one,
and the almost total lack of such conveniences in early days. A brief j
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 135
description of the accommodations possessed by the tillers of the soil
will now be given.
Let the children of such illustrious sires draw their own compar-
isons, and may the results of these comparisons silence the voice of
complaint which so often is heard in the land.
The only plpws they had at first were what they styled "bull
plows." The mould-boards were generally of wood, but in some
cases they were half wood and half iron. The man who had one of
the latter description was looked upon as something of an aristocrat.
But these old " bull plows " did good service, and they must be
awarded the honor of first stirring the soil of Howai-d county, as well
as that of all the oldest counties of this state.
The amount of money which some farmers annually invest in
agricultural implements would have kept the pioneer farmer in farm-
ing utensils during a whole lifetime. The pioneer farmer invested
little money in such things, because he had little money to spare, and
then again because the expensive machinery now used would not have
been at all adapted to the requirements of pioneer farming. The
" bull plow " was probably better adapted to the fields abounding in
stumps and roots than would the modern sulky plow have been, and
the old-fashioned wheat cradle did better execution than would a
modern harvester under like circumstances. The prairies were seldom
settled till after the pioneer period, and that portion of the country
which was the hardest to put under cultivation, and the most difficult
to cultivate after it was improved, first was cultivated ; it was well for
the country that such was the case, for the present generation, famil-
iarized as it is with farming machinery of such complicated pattern,
would scarcely undertake the clearing off of dense forests and culti-
vating the ground with the kind of implements their fathers used, and
which they would have to use for some kinds of work.
MILLS AND TRADING POINTS.
Notwithstanding the fact that some of the early settlers were en-
ergetic millwrights, who employed all their energy, and what means
they possessed, in erecting mills at a few of the many favorite mill-
sites which abound in the county ; yet going to mill in those days,
when there were no roads, no bridges, no ferry boats, and scarcely
any conveniences for travelling, was no small task, where so many riv-
ers and treacherous streams were to be crossed, and such a trip was
often attended with great danger to the traveller when these streams
136 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were swollen beyond their banks. But even under these circumstances,
some of the more adventurous and ingenious ones, in case of
emergency, found the ways and means by which to cross the swollen
streams, and succeed in making the trip. At other times again, all
attempts failed them, and they were, compelled to remain at home un-
til the waters subsided, and depend on the generosity of their fortun-
ate neighbors.
Some stories are related with regard to the danger, perils and
hardships of forced travels to mills, and for provisions, which remind
one of forced marches in military campaigns, and when we hear of
the heroic and daring conduct of the hardy pioneers in procuring
bread for their loved ones, we think that here were heroes more val-
iant than any of the renowned soldiers of ancient or modern times.
During the first two years, and perhaps not until some time af-
terward, there was not a public highway established and worked on
which they could travel ; and as the settlers were generally far apart,
and mills and trading points were at great distances, going from place
to place was not only very tedious, but attended sometimes with great
danger. Not a railroad had yet entered the state, and there was
scarcely a thought in the minds of the people here of such a thing
ever reaching the wild west ; and, if thought of, people had no con-
ception of what a revolution a railroad and telegraph line through the
county would cause in its progress. Then there was no railroad in
the United States ; not a mile of track on the continent, while now
there are over 100,000 miles of railroad extending their trunks and
branches in every direction over our land.
Supplies in those days were obtained at St. Charles and St.
Louis. Mail was carried by horses and wagon transportation, and
telegraph dispatches were transmitted by the memory and lips of
emigrants coming in, or strangers passing through.
The first mills were built in the forts. These were small affairs.
The first grist and saw mill combined was erected at Old Franklin, in
1819, by Shadrack Barnes, and the buhrs were set on the saw-frame.
At first the mill only ground corn which had to be sifted after it was
ground, as there were no bolts in the mill. There was only one run
of buhrs which, as well as the mill irons, were brought from St. Louis.
They were shipped up the Missouri river. The mill cost about $50.
The mill had no gearing, the buhrs being located over the wheel, and
running with the same velocity as the wheel. It was a frame mill,
one story high, and had a capacity of fifty bushels a day. People came
from far and near, attracted by the reports of the completion of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 137
mill, with their grists, so that, for days before it was ready for work,
the river bottom was dotted over with hungry and patient men, wait-
ing until it was ready to do their work, so that they might return
with their meal and flour to supply their families and those of their
neighbors, thus enduring the hardships of camp life in those early
days in order that they might be able to secure the simple necessaries
of life, devoid of all luxuries.
HUNTIJNG AND TRAPPING.
The sports and means of recreation were not so numerous and
varied among the early settlers as at present, but they were more
enjoyable and invigorating than now.
Hunters now-a-days would be only too glad to be able to find
and enjoy their favorable opportunity for hunting and fishing, and
even travel many miles, counting it rare pleasure to spend a few weeks
on the water courses and wild prairies, in hunt arfd chase and fishing
frolics. There were a good many excellent hunters here at an early
day, who enjoyed the sport as well as any can at the present time.
Wild animals of almost every species known in the wilds of the
west were found in great abundance. The prairies, and woods, and
streams, and various bodies of water, were all thickly inhabited be-
fore the white man came and for some time afterward. Although the
Indians slew many of them, yet the natural law prevailed here as well
as elsewhere — " wild man and wild beast thrive together."
Serpents were to be found in such large numbers, and of such
immense size that some stories told by the early settlers would be
incredible were it not for the large array of concurrent testimony,
which is to be had from the most authentic sources. Deer, turkeys,
ducks, geese, squirrels, and various other kinds of choice game were
plentiful and to be had at the expense of killing only. The fur
animals were abundant ; such as the otter, beaver, mink, muskrat,
raccoon, panther, fox, wolf, wild-cat and bear.
An old resident of the county told us, that in 1809, while he was
travelling a distance of six miles, he saw as many as seventy-three
deer, in herds of from six to ten.
p«. HUNTING BEE TREES.
Another source of profitable recreation among the old settlers was
that of hunting bees. The forests along the water courses were es-
pecially prolific of bee trees. They were found in great numbers on
138 HISTORY OF, HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the Missouri river, and in fact, on all the important streams in the
county. Many of the early settlers, during the late summer, would
go into camp for days at a time, for the purpose of hunting and
securing the honey of the wild bees, which was not only extremely
rich, and found in great abundance, but always commanded a good
price in the home market.
The Indians have ever regarded the honey bee as the forerunner
of the white man, while it is a conceded fact that the quail always
follows the footprints of civilization.
The following passage is found in the "Eeport of the Exploring
Expedition to the Eocky Mountains, in the year 1842, by Captain John
C. Fremont," page 69.
"Hereon the summit, where the stillness was absolute; un-
broken by any sound, and the solitude complete, we thought ourselves
beyond the regions of animated life ; but while we were sitting on the
rocks, a solitary bee came winging his flight from the eastern valley,
and lit on the knee of one of the men. We pleased ourselves with
the idea that he was the first of his species to cross the mountain
barrier, a solitary pioneer to foretell the advance of civilization."
Gregg, in his " Commerce of the Prairies," page 178, vol. I.,-
says : ' ' The honey bee appears to have emigrated exclusively from
the east, as its march has been observed westward. The bee, among
western pioneers, is the proverbial precursor of the Anglo-American
population. In fact, the aborigines of the frontier have generally cor-
roborated this statement, for they used to say that they knew the white
man was not far behind when the bees appeared among them."
There were other recreations, such as shooting matches and quilt-
ing parties, which obtained in those days, and which were enjoyed
to the fullest' extent. The quilting parties were especially pleasant
and agreeable to those who attended. The established rule in
those days at these parties was to pay either one dollar in money or
split one hundred rails during the course of the day. The men would
generally split the rails and the women would remain in the house and
do the quilting. After the day's work was done the night would be
passed in dancing.
All the swains that there abide,
With jigs and rural dance resort.
When daylight came the music and dancing would cease, and the gal-
lant young men would escort the fair ladies to their respective homes.
WOLVES.
One of the oldest pioneers tells us that for several years after he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 139
came to what is now known as Howard county the wolves were very
numerous, and that he paid his taxes for many years in wolf scalps.
His cabin was in the edge of the timber, that skirted Sulphur creek,
and at night the howls of these animals were so loud and incessant
that to sleep, at times, was almost impossible.
Often, at midnight, all
At once there rose so wild a yell,
Within that ■dark and narrow dell,
As all the fiends from heaven that fell
Had pealed the banner-cry of hell.
At such times the whole air seemed to be filled with the vibra-
tions of their most infernal and diabolical music. The wolf was not
only a midnight prowler here, but was seen in the daytime, singly or
in packs, warily skulking upon the outskirts of a thicket, or sallying
cautiously along the open path, with a sneaking look of mingled cow-
ardice and cruelty.
CHAPTEE V.
County and Township Systems — Government Surveys — Organization of Townships.
Before proceeding any further, we deem it proper, since we are
about to enter upon the history of the townships, to give some expla-
nations of the county and township systems, and government surveys,
as much depends in business and civil transactions, upon county limits
and county organizations.
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP SYSTEMS.
With regard to the origin of dividing individual states into county
and township organizations, which, in an important measure, should
have the power and opportunity of transacting their own business and
governing themselves, under the approval of, and subject to, the
state and general government, of which they both form a part, we
quote from Elijah M. Haines, who is considered good authority on the
subject.
In his "Laws of Illinois, Kelative to Township Organizations,"
he says : —
The county system originated with Virginia, whose early set-
tlers soon became large landed proprietors, aristocratic in feeling, living
apart in almost baronial magnificence, on their own estates, and own-
ing the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a
town were not at hand ; the voters being thinly distributed over a
great area.
The county organization, where a few influential men managed
the wholesale business of a community, retaining their places almost
at their pleasure, scarcely responsible at all, except in name, and per-
mitted to conduct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might
direct, was moreover consonant with their recollections or traditions
of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of
England, in descent from whom, the Virginia gentleman felt so much
pride. In 1834, eight counties were organized in Virginia, and the
system extending throughout the state, spread into all the southern
states, and some of the northern states ; unless we except the nearly
similar division into "districts," in South Carolina, and that into
" parishes " in Louisiana, from the French laws.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 141
Illinois, which, with its vast additional territory, became a
county of Virginia, on its conquest by General George Rogers Clark,
retained the county organization, which was formerly extended over
the state by the constitution of 1818y, and continued in exclusive use,
until the constitution of 1848. Under this system, as in other states
adopting it, much local business was transacted by the commissioners
in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly ses-
sions.
During the period ending with the constitution of 1847, a large
portion of the state had become filled up with a population of New
England birth or character, daily growing more and more compact and
dissatisfied with the comparatively arbitrary and inefficient county
system. It was maintained by the people that the heavy populated
districts would always control the election of the commissioners to the
disadvantage of the more thinly populated sections — in short, that
under that system " equal and exact justice " to all parts of the county
could not be secured.
The township system had its origin in Massachusetts, and dates
back to 16.35.
The first legal enactment concerning the system, provided that,
whereas, " particular townships have many things which concern only
themselves and the ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of
business in their own town," therefore, the "freemen of every town-
ship, or a majority part of them, shall only have power to dispose of
their own lands and woods, with all the appurtenances of said town, to
grant lots, and to make such orders as may concern the well ordering
of their own towns not repugnant to the laws and orders established
by the general court."
They might also (says Mr. Haines) impose fines of not more than
twenty shilings, and " choose their own particular officers, as consta-
bles, surveyors for the highway and the like."
Evidently this' enactment relieved the general court of a mass
of municipal details, without any danger to the power of that body in
controlling general measures of public policy.
Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns was
felt for the control of their own home concerns.
The New England colonies were first governed by a general
court or legislature, composed of a governor and a small council,
which court consisted of the most influential inhabitants and possessed
and exercised both legislative and judicial powers, which were limited
only by the wisdom of the holders.
They made laws, ordered their execution by officers, tried and
decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal
regulations, and, in fact, did all the public business of the colony.
Similar provisions for the incorporation of towns were made in
the first constitution of Connecticut, adopted in 1639, and the plan of
township organization, as experience proved its remarkable economy,
11
142 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
efficiency and adaption to the requirements of a free and intelligent
people, became universal throughout New England, and went west-
ward with the immigrants from New England into New York, Ohio, and
other western states.
Thus we find that the valuable system of county, township and
town organizations had been thoroughly tried and proven long before
there was need of adopting it in Missouri or any of the broad region
west of the Mississippi river. But as the new country began to be
opened, and as eastern people began to move westward across the
mighty river, and form thick settlements along its western bank, the
territory and state, and county and township organizations soon fol-
lowed in quick succession, and those different systems became more
or less improved, according as deemed necessary by the experience
and judgment and demands of the people, until they have arrived at
the present stage of advancement and efficiency. In the settlement of
the territory of Missouri, the legislature began by organizing counties
on the Mississippi river. As each new county was formed, it was
made to include under legal jurisdiction all the country bordering
west of it, and required to grant to the actual settlers electoral
privileges and an equal share of the county government, with those
who properly lived in the geographical limits of the county.
The counties first organized along the eastern borders of the state
were given for a short time jurisdiction over the lands and settlements
adjoining each on the west, until these localities became sufficiently
settled to support organizations of their own.
GOVERNMENT SURVEYS.
No person can intelligently understand the history of a country
without at the same time knowing its geography, and in order that a
clear and correct idea of the geography of Howard county may be
obtained from the language already used in defining different localities
and pieces of land, we insert herewith the plan of government surveys
as given in Mr. E. A. Hickman's property map of Jackson county,
Missouri : —
Previous to the formation of our present government, the east-
ern portion of North America consisted of a number of British
colonies, the territory of which was granted in large tracts to British
noblemen. By treaty of 1783, these grants were acknowledged as
valid by the colonies. After the revolutionary war, when these
colonies were acknowledged independent states, all public domain
within their boundaries was acknowledged to be the property of the
colony within the bounds of which said domain was situated.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 143
Virginia claimed all the northwestern territory, including what
is now known as Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and
Illinois. After a meeting of the representatives of the various states
to form a union, Virginia ceded the northwest territory to the United
States government. This took place in 1784 ; then all this north-
west territory became government land. It comprised all south of
the lakes and east of the Mississippi river and north and west of
the states having definite boundary lines. This territory had been
known as New France, and had been ceded by France to England in
1768. In the year 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte sold to the" United
States all territory west of the Mississippi river and north of Mexico,
extending to the Rocky Mountains.
While the public domain was the property of the colonies, it was
disposed of as follows : Each individual caused the tract he desired to
purchase to be surveyed and platted. A copy of the survey was then
filed with the register of lauds, when, by paying into the state or col-
onial treasury an agreed price, the purchaser received a patent for the
land. This method of disposing of public lands made lawsuits numer-
ous, owing to different surveys often including the same ground. To
avoid these difficulties and effect a general measurement of the terri-
tories, the United States adopted the present mode or system of land
surveys, a dscription of which we give, as follows :
In an unsurveyed region, a point of marked and changeless topo-
graphical features is selected as an initial point. The exact latitude
and longitude of this point is ascertained by astronomical observation,
and a suitable monument of iron or stone to perpetuate the position.
Through this point a true north and south line is run, which is called a
principal meridian. This principal meridian may be extended north
and south any desired distance. Along this line are placed, at dis-
tances of one-half mile from each other, posts of wood or stone, or
mounds of earth. These posts are said to establish the line, and are
called section and quarter-section posts. Principal meridians are
numbered in the order in which they are established. Through the
same initial point from which the principal meridian was surveyed, an-
other line is now run and established by mile and half-mile posts, as
before, in a true east and west direction. This line is called the base
line, and like the principal meridian, may be extended indefinitely in
either direction. These lines form the basis of the survey of the
country into townships and ranges. Township lines extend east and
west, parallel with the base line, at distances of six miles from the
base line and from each other, dividing the country into strips six
miles wide, which strips are called townships. Range lines run north
and south parallel to the principal meridian, dividing the country into
strips six miles wide, which strips are called ranges. Township strips
are numbered from the base line and range strips are numbered from
the principal meridian. Townships lying north of the base line are
"townships north;" those on the south are "townships south."
The strip lying next the base line is township one, the next one to
144
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER CODNTIES.
that township tioo, and so on. The range strips are numbered in the
same manner, counting from the principal meridian- east or west, as
the case maybe.
The township and range lines thus divide the country into six-mile
squares. Each of these squares is called a congressional township.
All north and south lines north of the equator approach each other as
they extend north, finally meeting at the north pole ; therefore north
and south lines are not literally parallel. The east and west boun-
dary lines of any range being six miles apart in the latitude of Mis-
souri or Kansas, would, in thirty miles, approach eack other at 2.9
chains, or 190 feet. If, therefore, the width of the range when started
from the base line is made exactly six miles, it would be 2.9 chains
too narrow at the distance of thirty miles, or five townships north.
To correct the width of ranges and keep them to the proper width, the
range lines are not surveyed in a continuous straight line, like the
principal meridian, entirely across the state, but only across a limited
number of townships, usually five, where the width of the rauge is
corrected by beginning a new line on the side of the range most distant
from the principal meridian, at such a point as will make the range its
correct width. All range lines are corrected in the same manner.
The east and west township line on which these corrections are made
are called correction lines, or standard parallels. The surveys of the
state of Missouri were made from the fifth principal meridian, which
runs through the state, and its ranges are numbered from it.
The State of Kansas is surveyed and numbered from the sixth.
Congressional townships are divided into thirty-six square miles,
called sections, and are known by numbers, according to their jjosi-
tion. The following diagram shows the order of numbers and the sec-
tions in congressional township.
-li-
i
-18-
-17-
-13-
-19-
-20 21-
-22
-24-
-32 33-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
145
Sections are divided into quarters, eighths and sixteenths, and
are described by. their position in the section. The full section con-
tains 640 acres, the quarter 160, the eighth 80, and the sixteenth 40.
In the following diagram of a section the position designated by a is
known as the northwest quarter ; i is the northeast quarter ; of the
northeast quarter ; d would be the south half of the southeast quarter,
and would contain 80 acres.
■iSec.
post
Sec. post
a
h
t
Sec. post
160 acres
f
9
e
b
c
d
Sec. post
Sec. post
% Sec. post
Sec. post
H Sec. post
Congressional townships, as we have seen are six mile squares of
land, made by the township and range lines, while civil or municipal
townships are civil divisions, made for purposes of government, the
one having no reference to the other, though similar in name. On the
county map we see both kinds of townships — the congressional
usually designated by numbers and in squares ; the municipal or civil
township by name and in various forms.
By the measurement thus made by the government the courses
and distances are denned between any two points. St. Louis is in
township 44 north, range 8 east, and Independence is in township 49
north, range 32 west ; how far, then, are Kansas City and St. Louis
apart on a direct line 'f St. Louis is forty townships east — 240 miles —
and 'five townships south — thirty miles ; the base and perpendicular
of a right-angled triangle, the hypothenuse being the required
distance."
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS.
The " township," as the term is used in common phraseology, in
many instances, is widely distinguished from that of " town," though
many persons persist in confounding the two. " In the United States,
many of the states are divided into townships of five, six, seven, or
perhaps ten miles square, and the inhabitants of such townships are
vested with certain powers for regulating their own affairs, such as
repairing roads and providing for the poor. The township is subor-
dinate to the county." A " town " is simply a collection of houses,
either large or small, and opposed to " country."
The most important features connected with this system of town-
146 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ship survevs should be thoroughly understood by every intelligent
farmer and business man ; still there are some points connected with
the understanding of it, which need close and careful attention. The
law which established this system required that the north and south
lines should correspond exactly with the meridian passing through
that point; also, that each township should be six miles square. To
do this would be an utter impossibility, since the figure of the earth
causes the meridians to converge toward the pole, making the north
line of each township shorter than the south tine of the same township.
To obviate the errors which are on this account, constantly occurring,
correction lines are established. They are parallels bounding a line
of townships on the north, when lying north of the principal base ; oh
the south line of townships when lying south of the principal base
from which the surveys, as they are continued, are laid out anew ; the
range lines again starting at correct distances from the principal
meridian. In Michigan these correction lines are repeated at the end
of every tenth township, but in Oregon they have been repeated with
every fifth township. The instructions to the surveyors have been
thiJt each range of townships should be made as much over six miles
in width on each base and correction line as it will fall short of the
same width where it closes on to the next correction line north ; and
it is further provided that in all cases, where the exterior lines of the
townships shall exceed, or shall not extend six miles, the excess of
deficiency shall be specially noted, and added to or deducted from the
western or northern sections or half sections in such township,
according as the error may be in running the lines from east to
west, or from south to north. In order to throw the excess of de-
ficiencies on the north and on the west sides of the township, it is
necessary to survey the section lines from south to north, on a true
meridian, leaving the result in the north line of the township to be
governed by the convexity of the earth, and the convergency of the
meridians.
Navigable rivers, lakes and islands are " meandered" or surveyed
by the compass and chain along the banks. "The instruments
employed on these surveys, besides the solar compass, are a survey-
ing chain thirty-three feet long, of fifty links, and another of smaller
wire, as a standard to be used for correcting the former as often at
least as every other day, also eleven tally pins, made of steel, telescope,
targets, tape measure and tools for marking the lines upon trees or
stones. In surveying through woods, trees intercepted by the line are
marked with two chips or notches, one on each side ; these are called
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 147
sight or line' trees. Sometimes other trees in the vicinity are blazed
on two sides quartering toward the line ; but if some distance
from the line the two blazes should be near together on the
side facing the line. These are found to be permanent marks,
not wholly recognizable for many years, but carrying with
them their own age by the rings of growth around the blaze, which
may at any subsequent time be cut out and counted as years ; and .
the same are recognized in courts of law as evidence of the date of
the survey. They cannot be obliterated by cutting down the trees or
otherwise without leaving evidence of the act. Corners are marked
upon trees if found at the right spots, or else upon posts set in the
ground, and sometimes a monument of stones is used for a township
corner, and a single stone for section corner ; mounds of earth are
made when there are no stones nor timber. The corners of the
four adjacent sections are designated by distinct marks cut into a tree,
one in each section. These trees, facing the corner, are plainly
marked with the letters B. T. (bearing tree) cut into the wood.
Notches cut upon the corner posts or trees indicate the number of
miles to the outlines of the township, or if on the boundaries of the
township, to the township corners.
CHAPTEE VI.
BOONE'S LICK TOWNSHIP.
Boundary— Physical Features — Lakes — Salt Springs — Indian Mounds — Early Set-
tlers—The Name— Daniel Boone — The Date of His Visiting the Township— He
Never Manufactured Salt— Historic Ground — Character of the Early Settlers —
Their Troubles — Supplied Themselves with Many Things — After the War of 1812 —
Biograpical Sketch of Major Stephen Cooper — Boonsboro — Its Early History —
Incident.
We shall begin the township history of Howard county, not alpha-
betically but chronologically, giving each as nearly as we can in the
order of their settlement, commencing with Boone's Lick town-
ship.
BOUNDARY.
This township, which was re-organized in 1821, has suffered no
dimunition of its terrritory since that period, nor has its area been
increased. It occupies the southwestern corner of the county, and
is bounded on the north by Chariton township, on the east by Rich-
mond and Franklin townships, on the south by Cooper county and the
Missouri river, and on the west by Saline county and the Missouri
river.
PHYSICAL FEATURES, ETC.
The township was originally heavily timbered and a great abun-
dance of the best of timber is now standing, but much of it has been
cleared off preparatory to the opening of the farms, which are now
located on almost every quarter section of the township. The sur-
face of the township is undulating and in many places hills and ridges
abound. Limestone is found in different portions of the township.
It is well watered by Salt, Bowen's Simpson's, Brown's and Clark's
branches, and by Sulphur and Bartlett's creeks, all of which flow into
the Missouri river, which forms the southern and western border of the
township. Besides these streams of water the township, many years
ago, was noted for its lakes, known as Cooper's and Nash's lakes.
The latter was quite an extensive body of water, and at one time
covered portions of sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34. It has
HISTORY OP HOWAED AND COOPER COUNTIES. 149
been ditched and drained, and its entire area is now under fence
and paying a rich tribute to the farmer. Cooper's lakes were
located on sections 2 and 11, but, like the one mentioned, they
have been drained and are now properly classed among the tillable
lands of the township.
In this township there are a number of salt springs, the most
celebrated of these being Boone's Lick. From the date of their orig-
inal discovery, a great quantity of salt has been manufactured from
the brine and shipped to St. Louis and elsewhere throughout the
country. A few years since a well was bored to the depth of
1,001 feet at this "lick" from which flowed a stream of brine
sufficiently strong and rapid to produce one hundred barrels of
superior salt in twenty-four hours.
A number of Indian mounds are found in the township.
The soil is generally fair on the highlands and exceedingly fertile
in the river bottom. The bulk of the tobacco raised in the county
is produced in this township.
EARLY SETTLERS.
There is probably more historical interest connected with the early
history of Boone's Lick township than with any other municipal division
of the county. The great dramatist intimates there is nothing in a
name. A name, however, sometimes means a great deal, as it does in
this instance. Had the township received its name by accident, or had
it been given as the mere result of some man's capricious or idle whim,
then it could have had no significance. But when we know that it
was bestowed upon the township after mature deliberation, then it is
that we begin to realize something of its import, and naturally ask
ourselves the question, " Why the name of Boone's Lick? "
Would that we knew more of the brave hunter whose daring ex-
ploits illumine the pages of the pioneer history of two States ! Espe-
cially of his connection with Boone's Lick township, and the Boone's
Lick country, in honor of whom the entire region took its name.
Without stopping to discuss the seemingly apparent conflict between
tradition and the meagre historical facts relating to the probability of
his once residing within the present limits of Howard county, we shall
simply state, as we did in a preceding chapter of this book, that Daniel
Boone erected a cabin and camped one winter in the immediate vicin ity
of Boone's Lick. The date of his doing this is not known. He had
doubtless visited the "licks " quite often in search of game before
he had concluded to camp there. We are, however, confident, from the
150 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
most authentic records we have examined, that the date of his coming
to Boone's Lick township was not far from the beginning of the
present century. That Daniel Boone ever ir. ade salt here or elsewhere
we are disposed to doubt. He was a hunter, both by habit and inclina-
tion, and followed exclusively the life of a hunter as a livelihood, and
it is very improbable that he would turn aside from his legitimate
avocation, and one that he esteemed above all others, to pursue, even
for a short season, any other employment, which at that early day,
promised no such remuneration as inured to the benefit of the active
and vigilant hunter and skilful trapper. His sons Nathan and Daniel,
however, manufactured salt in the township some years later — in
1807 — and conveyed the same to the river in hollow logs,- so imper-
fect were the facilities then for transportation.
Every acre of Boone's Lick township is historic ground, hallowed
to the memory of the most distinguished pioneer that ever pitched his
tents in the forests of the great west. Its hills and its valleys first
echoed and re-echoed to the crack of his unerring rifle. And it may
be that its soil had never been touched by the feet of the white man
until pressed by his. As Daniel Boone was bold in adventure and
fearless in his character, and possessed many of the sterling character-
istics of a noble manhood, so were the early settlers of this township,
fearless in their attempts to conquer the wilderness, and so did they
possess in a large measure, the distinguishing traits of a superior
manhood. As heretofore stated (and the fact is obtained from the
first recorded deed in the county), Joseph Marie, a Frenchman, had
made a settlement and improvements in Boone's Lick township in
1800, in the neighborhood of Eagle's Nest, and about one mile south-
west of Fort Kincaid. Col. Benjamin Cooper came in 1808, and
located at Boone's Lick, but his settlement there being regarded as an
infringement upon the Indian lands, he was ordered by the govern-
ment to return to a point below the mouth of the Gasconade, and in
doing so he established himself on Loutre island. After remaining
on the island for two years, and being joined there by about twenty-
five families, he returned with a large portion of these in the spring of
1810, to Boone's Lick, where they erected cabins and put in crops in
the succeeding fall. This was the first permanent settlement of the
township, and the embryotic settlement of Howard county, which has
widened and widened, until like the waves of the sea, it has long since
reached the remotest limits of the county, having increased more thiin
a thousandfold.
Among the names of the early settlers we find the following:
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 151
Col. Benjamin Cooper, and sons, Frank, Benjamin, David, and Sar-
shall ; Sarshall Cooper and sons, Joseph and Braxton ; Braxton
Cooper and his son Bobert ; John and Abbott Hancock, John and
William Berry, John and Henry Ferrill, Peter Popineau, William
Wolfskill and sons, Joseph and William ; James Anderson and sons,
Middleton and William ; John O'Bannon, Stephen Jackson, Josiah
Thorp and sons, William and John ; Grey Bynum, Bobert
Brown, Eobert Irwin, James Coil, James Jones, Adam Woods,
Gilead Rupe, Amos Ashcraft and sons, Otho, Jesse, James and
Alexander.
The settlers had to contend with many difficulties, even before
the war of 1812, chief among which was the opposition of congress
to tbeir occupying lands within the limits set apart as belonging to
the aborigines, who, however, acquiesced in their remaining. The
settlers determined they would not surrender their claims, if they
could help it, and continued to occupy the lands they had purchased,
derived from a Spanish grant, which had been obtained by Ira P.
Nash in the year 1800. They manufactured their own powder and
salt, and supplied themselves with a fabric, which was made from
wild nettles, and which served to them the purposes of cotton goods.
They obtained their meats from the woods and the streams, the former
abounding in choicest game, and the latter swarming with varied tribes
of multitudinous fishes.
By chase our longrlived fathers earned their food ;
Toil strung the nerves, and purified the blood ;
But we, their sons, a pampered race of men,
Are dwindled down to three-score years and ten.
They not only had to contend with the hardships and privations
which fall to the lot of the pioneer in their heroic struggles to dissipate
the gloom of the forest; but scarcely had they completed their cabins,
beneath whose humble roofs they were about to enjoy the first fruits
of their labors, when a more terrible ordeal, through which they were
destined to pass, suddenly confronted them. War had been declared
against Great Britain, and that nation had incited the Indians upon
our frontiers to deeds of violence. It was so here, and to protect
themselves against these savages they were compelled, single-handed
and unaided, to build a fort (Fort Cooper), where they remained the
greater part of three years. [For further history in reference to
Fort Cooper see preceding chapters. J
When peace was concluded (1815), the settlers commenced the
152 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
work of improvement in earnest. They were principally from Ken-
tucky, and were noted for their liberality and kindness, and for the
high standard of morality which they brought with them, and which
they maintained even when they were no longer a law unto them-
selves, and after they had become snbject to the jurisdiction of terri-
torial laws. John and Henry Ferrill and Robert Hancock were from
Tennessee ; James Kyle from Virginia ; Grey Bynum from South Car-
olina ; Stephen Jackson from Georgia.
MA J. STEPHEN COOPER.
Maj. Stephen Cooper, who now resides in Colusa, California, was
one of the pioneers of Boone's Lick township, and being one of the
very few men living who shared with the early settlers the clangers
and difficulties of that eventful period (the first settlement of Howard
county), we publish in this connection a sketch of his life, feeling con-
fident that it will be perused with great interest : —
My parents emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky at a very early
day. My father's name was Sarshall Cooper. My mother was in the
fort at Boonsboro at the time it was besieged by the Indians. My
father was at some other station, the name of which I do not now re-
member. I was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 10, 1797.
In 1810 my father emigrated to Missouri and settled at Cooper's fort
in Howard county. St. Louis was then but a small French village,
with a few miserable houses, mostly thatched with straw. At that
time, and for several years afterwards, the settlers generally lived in
fortified houses, or forts, as they were called, on account of the In-
dians. My father had command of three forts, viz : Cooper's fort,
Hempstead and Kincuid. The two latter were ten miles from the
former. For several years we had no organized government ; each
did what he thought right in his own eyes, and we had very little
trouble in our own fort — in fact we never had any. Sometimes my
father and uncle would be sent for to go to the other forts to settle
some slight difficulty, but never anything serious occurred. On one
occasion a Frenchman had stolen twenty dollars — a large amount at
that time. He was ordered to leave the settlement. He begged hard
to be permitted to come back at the end of a year, and he promised
so faithfully to behave himself well, if he were allowed to, that the
desired permission was given, and after serving out his term of ban-
ishment he returned, and was ever after a good citizen.
STYLE OF LIVING.
We lived very simply in those days. Coffee was worth 50 cents
per pound in St. Louis, and it was seldom we saw either tea or coffee.
We had no markets for our produce, so we merely raised enough tor
our own consumption, our principal products being corn, hogs, cattle,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 153
and some little wheat, the old-fashioned ox-mills (so-called), being
about the only mills in the country. We raised cotton enough for our
own use, and with that and the wool which came from our sheep, our
women folks made nearly all the clothing worn by either men or women.
During
THE WAR OF 1812
I served as a volunteer in my father's company, who was under the
command of Gen. Henry Dodge, a great Indian fighter and afterwards
United States Senator from Wisconsin. I was detailed as a spy, and
was often sent out to look for Indian trails, camps, or fortifications.
On one occasion, accompanied by Joseph Stills (whose two brothers
and son-in-law are now residing near Stockton, in this State), we
were surrounded by about three hundred Indians. In attempting to
charge through them, Stills was shot from his horse and instantly killed.
Myself and horse escaped unhurt. At that time I killed the principal
" brave " of the Sac nation. It has always been my motto never to
run with a loaded gun in my hand.
My father was shot and instantly killed, sitting by his own fire-
side, by an Indian, who picked a hole in the wall one dark, stormy
night. This was after we had heard that peace had been declared
in 1815.
Many incidents occurred in my younger days which it would take
a volume to relate. Once, while attending school, an alarm of
"Indians!" was given. I threw my book across the room, never
stopping to see where it fell, and seized my gun. This was about the
close of the war, and the alarm proceeded from a large party of
Indians who were on their way to St. Louis to make a treaty with the
United States government.
THE INDIANS
continued to commit depredations occasionally, even after peace
had been made. On one occasion they took two negroes who were
chopping wood and carried them off. The alarm was given and
seventy or eighty men collected together and pursued them. About
dark we struck the trail. We were all mounted, and my brother and
myself put our horses on a lope. Directly my horse jumped over an
Indian fire, from which they had just fled, leaving their meat still
roasting over the coals. We heard one of the negroes cry out, but it
was so dark we were unable to find him or his captors. A few days
after we found his body. The other negro was never heard of.
THE SANTA FE TRADE.
1 was one of a party of fifteen who first opened the Santa Fe
trade in 1822. In 1823 I went on a second trip to Santa Fe as leader
or captain of thirty men. Our stock in trade was principally dry
goods, for which we expected to get money in return. All went
154 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
prosperously with us till daybreak on the morning of the first of
June, when a party of Indians fired on us, stampeded our horses, and
ran off every head, except six, which we saved. Fortunately none of
us were killed or wounded, although I managed to kill one Indian.
This occurred on the banks of the Little Arkansas. In company with
five others I went back to Missouri, bought horses and returned to
our company. When we got in sight of the camp, we saw fully fifteen
hundred Indians in and around the same. This looked rather squally,
and some proposed to back out ; I told them they could do as they
pleased, but I should go on to our comrades, if no other man went
with me. Finally we all went up, and found it to be a party of
friendly Kaw Indians on a buffalo hunt — a different tribe from those
who had stampeded our horses.
We pursued our journey without any further molestation from
Indians, but sometimes suffered severely from want of water. On
one occasion eight of our men gave out entirely on that account, and
were unable to travel. The rest of the company, with the exception of
myself, cut the lash ropes from their packs, scattered the goods upon
the ground, took the best horses and scattered off like crazy men for
water, leaving me and the eight men behind. Some of those who
were leaving us fell on their knees and plead with me to go with them
and save my own life ; urging as a reason that the men were bound
to die, and that I could do them no good by staying. I said I would
not leave them as long as a breath of life was left in one of them ;
that if they found water they should return to us. This was one or
two o'clock in the afternoon. When it became dark I built a fire of
buffalo chips, and fired guns in the air as a signal to guide them to us.
About midnight four of the men returned with water and we were all
saved. The others had drank so much water that they were unable
to return, and remained by the water hole. We were lost in attempt-
ing to reach them, and it was four days before we found them.
From this time on to the end of our journey we had no further
difficulty.
In 1825 the United States government laid out a road from the
borders of Missouri to Santa Fe. I was appointed pilot and captain
by the company.
In the Blackhawk war in 1833, I volunteered and acted as a spy
and guide under Captain Matsen. After he was called in, I joined the
company of Captain Hickman of Boone county, Missouri, in the same
capacity, and served till the close of the war.
In 1837 Governor Boggs, of Missouri, appointed Col. Boone,
Major Berrecroft and myself commissioners to locate and mark out
the northern boundary of Missouri, which we did. President Van
Buren appointed me Indian agent for the Pottawatomie, Ottawa and
Chippewa tribes of Indians — headquarters Council Bluffs. The ap-
pointment was unasked for, and I retained it until removed by Presi-
dent Tyler for political reasons. In 1844 I was elected to the
legislature of Missouri from Holt county. I remember at one time
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 155
during the session making the remark that I expected to live to see
the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean connected by a railroad,
which caused a great deal of laughter.
CALIFORNIA.
Iii the summer of 1845, I was induced by several letters received
from Colonel Benton, stating that my services would be needed, to
accompany Colonel Fremont on his expedition to California. I went
with him as far as Bent's fort, on the Arkansas, where I informed him
I could go no further with him. There the company divided, Colonel
Fremont with his party pursuing his original plan, whilst I went
south through a part of Texas, returning home that winter. I have
omitted to mention that I was married in 1824. We have had six
children — four daughters and two sons — all of whom, with their
mother, are still living. I have also sixteen grandchildren.
In the spring of 1846, 1 set out with my entire family for Califor-
nia, and was captain of the train, composed of several families, and
numbering twenty-eight wagons. Nothing unusual occurred to us till
we struck the Humboldt. One day after we reached the river I was
riding ahead of the train, when I met a man who halloed "Hurrah
for California ! " He was so excited that it was with difficulty I could
stop him. At last I succeeded and asked him what the news was. He
said the American fkg was flying over California. This was the first
we knew of the Mexican war. When we reached the train one wild
hurrah was heard from one end to the other, in which men, women
and children all joined.
We struck the Sacramento valley on the 5th of October, 1846.
That winter I stopped at Yount's ranche in Napa valley — a man
who, in my opinion, did more for the early emigrants of California
than all the Sutters ever did.
On the night of the 22d of February, 1847, I presided over the
first political meeting ever held by Americans in California, in a little
village then called Yerba Buena, now known as San Francisco. The
object was to co-operate with Fremont in forming a council to frame
laws for our future government. He selected seven men — two Eng-
lishmen, two Mexicans, or Californians, and three Americans — old
residents of the country ; but General Kearney superseding Fremont
about this time, the council soon ceased to exist.
On the 4th of July, 1847, George Yount and myself gave the
first public 4th of July dinner ever given in California. We had
:i large turn out, and everything passed off pleasantly ; I still have
the flag improvised for the occasion. It has the stripes of our na-
tional flag, with a lone star, and the inscription, " California is ours
as long as the stars remain. "
In the fall of 1847 1 removed to Benicia, where I was appointed
alcalde by Governor Mason, and was afterwards elected alcalde and
judge of the first instance, for the country north of the bay of San
Francisco and west of the Sacramento river. In the fall of 1854 I
156 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
removed to Colusa, where I have since resided. I was soon afterward
elected justice of the peace, and re-elected several terms, holding that
office for twelve successive years.
I voted three times for Jackson, and also cast my vote for Van
Buren, Polk, Pierce, Breckinridge, McClellan, Seymour, Tilden and
Hancock.
^■P
CHAPTBE VII.
FEANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Mary Jones' Recollection of Early
Days — Kit Carson — Hardeman's Garden — Franklin — Its early History and Business
Men — Its Talented and Distinguished Citizens — Santa Fe Trade — Lawyers, News-
papers and Churches — Travel — County Seat changed to Fayette — A Letter — Post-
masters of Old Franklin — New Franklin — Early Business Men — Lottery — Town
' Incorporated — Population and Present Business — Secret Orders — Estill — Incidents
of the Highwater of 1844.
BOUNDARY.
Franklin township stands as it did when erected by the county
court, in 1821. In area, it is about 50 miles square. It is bounded
on the north by Richmond and Boone's Lick townships ; on the east
by Moniteau township ; on the south by Cooper county, from which
it is separated by the Missouri river ; and on the west by Boone's Lick
township.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Portions of this township are quite hilly: much of the high land,
however, is undulating. The soil is generally good, and is highly
productive. The bottom land on the Missouri river, is of a superior
quality and produces bountiful crops, especially of corn. The hill-
lands grow excellent wheat, which is quite extensively raised in the
township. This township is fairly drained, the chief water courses
being Bonne Femme and Sulphur creeks. The Bonne Femme and its
affluents flow nearly south through the township and empty into the
Missouri river. Sulphur Creek passes also south, a little west of the
centre of the township, thence east through sections 32, 33, and
unites with the Bonne Femme.
EARLY SETTLERS.
We have already (elsewhere in this book), given the name of one
of the earliest settlers in Franklin township. This was an Indian
trader, by the name of Prewitt, who was here prior to 1804. The
next pioneers, who were possibly the first permanent settlers, of
12 (157)
158 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
whom we have any knowledge, who came to the township, were
Wm. Monroe and wife, who settled in the township in the spring
or summer of 1808 ; it is, however, not known precisely, where
he first pitched his tent. They went to Kentucky the same year
in company with others, and returned and settled in the same
township in 1811. Andrew Smith and Amos Barnes were early set-
tlers, coming in 1809, the former arriving on the 3d of July. James
Alcorn, Price and John Arnold, Joseph and David Boggs, Kobert and
William Samuel, Townsend Brown, Christopher and Nicholas T.
Burckhartt, Lindsay Carson and sons, "Kit," Andrew and Moses ;
Charles and William Canole, Isaac Clark, Joseph, James and Perrin
Cooley, James Cockrell, James, John, Peter and William Gleasou,
James Douglas, Daniel Durben, John Elliott, father of Col. N. G.
Elliott ; Hiram, Eeuben, Sarshall and Simeon Fugate, Reuben Gentry,
Abner, John and Wm. Grooms, Alfred and Moses Head, Robert
Hinkson, who moved to Boone county, Noah Katon, Joseph, William
and Ewing McLain, Joseph Moody, Mrs. Susan Mullins, Thompson
Mullins, Wm. Pipes, "Christopher, James, Jesse and Silas Richardson,
John Rupe, Thomas Smith, John and James Sneathan, Joseph Still,
John Stinson, Solomon, David and John Tetlers, Isaac and John
Thornton, Jonathan Davis, Elisha and Levi Todd, James Phillips,
Jesse Turner, Thomas Vaughan, Robert Wilds, Wm. Watkins, James
Whitley. Rev. David, Joseph, William and Ewing McLain were also
some of the first settlers in the township, and were connected with
Fort Kiucaid during the war of 1812.
Connected with Fort Hempstead, which was also located in
Franklin township, were Amos, Jesse and Otto Allbright, Aquilla,
Abraham, James, John and Shadrach Barnes, Robert Barclay, Camp-
bell and Delaney Bolan, David and Henry Burris, Prior Duncan,
Stephen and John Field, John Hines, Usebines Hubbard, Asaph and
Daniel Hubbard, Joseph Jolly, since of Jolly's bottom, Cooper
county; John, David and Matthew Kincaid, Adam McCord, Daniel
and John Monroe, John Mathews, Wm. Nash, Gilead Rupe, Enoch',
Isaac and Wm. Taylor, Enoch Turner, Giles and Britton Williams,
Frank Wood, and Henry Weeden. The above settlers all came prior
to 1812.
MRS. MARY JONES' RECOLLECTION OF EARLY DAYS.
The only pei-son now living in Franklin Township, who was old
enough while living in Fort Hempstead to take cognizance of what
was then passing, is Mary Jones, or, as she is familiarly called, "Aunt
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 159
Polly Jones," formerly "Polly Snoddy." She is the daughter of
Andrew Smith and Sarnh Scribner, and was born in Pulaski county,
Kentucky, in 1801. Her father emigrated to Missouri, St. Charles
county, in 1807, and stopped for several weeks with his family at the
hospitable cabin of Daniel Boone, the distinguished hunter and pio-
neer, who had come from Kentucky to St. Charles county, in 1795.
After remaining in that county until 1809, Smith came up the Missouri
river, accompanied by his family and bringing all his worldly goods.
These he transported on one of Daniel Boone's boats — a kind of keel
boat which had been used by the latter when sending salt, peltries,
etc., to St. Louis. The propelling power of this water-craft consisted
of a very simple piece of machiner}', to-wit : — a long pole, made gen-
erally of some light wood, with an iron hook fixed in one end of it.
One end of the pole was thrust down into the water, until it rested on
the ground, and the other was adjusted to the arm. Against this the
party or parties in the boat would push — walking the entire length of
the boat and then repeat.
The family reached Howard county, Franklin township, on the
morning of July 3d, 1809, and landed near a cabin which had been
erected by Amos Barnes. After their arrival and settlement, they
found that they were truly in a wild country, and that their neighbors
were very few. Among these Mrs. Jones remembers John Berry,
David McLain, and William Brown.
The family built a cabin and cleared a piece of ground, where they
raised three small crops. In February, 1813, they went into Fort
Hempstead, rather than return to St. Charles county, or Loutre
island. The Indian war had commenced the spring before, and all
the settlers were compelled to enter one of the forts, or seek another
location, which would be out of danger. Sixteen persons left the fort
for St. Charles county, but Andrew Smith determined to remain, and
was made first corporal in Captain Sarshall Cooper's company. The
two first settlers killed by the Indians (Todd and Smith), were kins-
men of Mrs. Jones, the former a cousin and the latter her uncle.
One among the first rumors of Indian outrages that occurred, Mrs.
Jones says, happened in Cooper county (then a part of Howard). A
pioneer by the name of Wm. Kamsey, after having erected a cabin, had
occasion to leave home, going only two or three miles, leaving his wife
and three children. While he was gone, a few of the Miami Indians
went to the cabin where they found Mrs. Ramsey in bed, sick. Hav-
ing had the erysipelas in her head, her hair was cut short like a man's,
and the Indians, believing her to be a man, killed her in bed. After-
160 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
wards, discovering that she was a woman (hearing her children cry-
ing and calling her mother), they took her body and roasted it on a
fire which they made near the cabin, and burned her children after
killing them with theirtomahawks. Among the early preachers in the
fort, was Wm. Thorp, who was a Baptist. She spoke of another
Baptist minister, Elder David McLain, who was the first man to pro-
claim the "Gospel of Peace" to the settlers of the Boone's Lick
country.
Dr. James M. Peck, in his memoirs, speaks of Elder David McLain
as follows : —
The only one that remains to be noticed is Elder David McLain.
He was the first Baptist minister that came from Central Kentucky to
the Boone's Lick country with the first colony in 1810. Early in
March, 1813, he started on horseback to Kentucky in company with a
man named Young. They travelled without molestation till they
reached Hill's ferry, on the Kaskaskia river, the old trace from St.
Louis to Vincennes, via Carlyle, the seat of justice of Clinton county,
Illinois. Three families that resided here, being alarmed by Indian
signs, had left the ferry for one of the settlements in St. Clair county.
The ferry-boat being fastened to the west bank, the two travellers crossed
with their horses, and had not proceeded more than half a mile before
they were fired on by Indians. Mr. Young was shot, and fell from
his horse. Mr. McLain's horse was shot through the body, and fell,
but the rider extricated himself, threw his saddle-bags into the bush,
and ran for his life, with several Indians in chase. Soon after, all the
Indians fell back but one stout, athletic fellow, that seemed deter-
mined not to lose his prey. Elder McLain was encumbered with a
thick overcoat, with wrappers on his legs, and boots and spurs on his
feet. The Indian fired and missed him, which gave him the chance
to throw off his overcoat, in hopes the prize would attract the atten-
tion of his pursuer. The other Indians having fallen back, Mr.
McLain made signs of surrender as this one approached him, having
loaded his gun. In this way he deceived his foe till he got within a
few feet, when he assumed an attitude of defiance, watched his mo-
tions, and, at the instant he fired, dodged the ball, and then, with all
the energy he could command, ran for his life. The contest con-
tinued more than one hour, during which his foe fired at him seven
times. In one instance, as he threw his breast forward, unfortunately,
he threw his elbow back and received the ball in his arm. During the
chase he contrived to throw off his boots and spurs. They had run
three or four miles in the timber bottom down the rivei% and at a
bend came near the bank. Elder McLain found himself nearly ex-
hausted, and it seemed to him his last chance of escape was to swim
the river. He plunged in, making the utmost effort of his remaining
strength, and yet he had to keep an eye constantly fixed on his wily foe,
who had loaded his gun for the eighth time, and from the bank brought
HISTORY- OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 161
it to a poise, and fired a second time after McLain dove in deep water.
By swimming diagonally down the stream he had gained on his pur-
suer, who, with the savage yell peculiar on such occasions, gave up
the chase and returned to his band. Doubtless his report to the
braves was that he had followed a "Great Medicine," who was so
charmed that his musket balls could not hurt him.
On reaching the shore, Mr. McLain was so exhausted that it was
with the utmost difficulty he could crawl up the bank, for he was in a
profuse perspiration when he plunged into the cold water. He was
wet, chilled through, badly wounded, and could not stand until he
had rolled himself on the ground, and rubbed his limbs to bring the
blood into circulation. It was thirty-five miles to the JBadgley settle-
ment, where Elder Daniel Badgley and several Baptist families lived,
which Mr. McLain, after incredible effort and suffering, reached the
next morning. There, with his wounded arm and a burning fever,
he lay several weeks, till some of his friends came from the Boone's
Lick settlements and took him to his family. A party of volunteers
went over the Kaskaskia river, buried Mr. Young, found McLain's
saddle-bags, with the contents safe, but saw no Indians.
Mrs. Jones says, while in the fort, if any man went to sleep on
his watch, while acting as sentinel, the penalty imposed for his contre-
temps, was the grinding of as many pecks of corn with a hand-mill, as
there were widows in the fort (Hempstead). There were seven
widows in the fort and each became the recipient of a peck of meal,
whenever the sentinel slept on duty. James Barnes taught school in
Fort Kincaid. Among the first blacksmiths in and out of the forts,
were Wm. Canole, Charles Canole and a man named Whitley.
The first school teacher outside of the forts, in the township, was
Grey Bynum, who was also the first circuit court clerk. Mr. Bynum
was a South Carolinian by birth, and came to Howard county among
the first emigrants. His school was taught in a cabin which stood
near the present Hickman grave yard, and about one mile south of
the present residence of Christopher Burckhartt.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL HOUSE.
As the building in which this original school of the country was
taught would be regarded in this day and age as something of an
architectural wonder, we will describe it : —
It was erected by the people of the neighborhood ; was built of
round logs, the space between them chinked and then daubed with
mud. About five feet from the west wall, on the inside, and about
five feet high, another log was placed, running clear across the build-
ing. Puncheons were fixed on this log and in the west wall on which
162 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the chimney was built. Fuel could then be used of any length not
greater than the width of the building, and when it was burned
through in the middle, the ends were crowded together ; in this man-
ner was avoided the necessity of so much wood chopping. There
was no danger of burning the floor, as it was made of dirt. The
seats were made of stools or benches, constructed by splitting a log,
and hewing off the splinters from the flat side and then putting four
pegs into it from the round side, for legs. The door was made of
clapboards ; no windows. Wooden pins were driven into a log run-
ning lengthwise, upon which was laid a board, and this constituted
the writing desk.
Although not a professional teacher, Mr. Bynum esteemed it a —
Delightful task, to rear the tender thought,
To teach the young idea how to shoot,-
and achieved for himself such a reputation in the community that his
patrons said —
He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one.
Attending this pioneer school, were the children of the neighbor-
hood, within a radius of five miles. Among these, was Mrs. Jones,
Matthew Kincaid, Dorcas Kincaid, the Alcorn children, the Hubbards
and others. Mrs. Jones has in her possession two of the school books
that she then studied. These are very old and faded in appearance.
They are "Kentucky Preceptor" and "Lessons in Elocution," and
were published about the year 1800. The date of publication of each
was torn out, but we ascertained about the time they were issued by
reading some of their contents, treating of events which took place
about the period mentioned. These books, were purchased by Daniel
Boone, in St. Louis, between 1810 and 1812, whither he had gone
with a load of skins and furs. A few of the neighbors in Franklin
township, from whom he purchased peltries, requested him to bring
them some text-books, and these were two of the selections made by
him.
Judge Abiel Leonard, also taught a school soon after his arrival
in 1819, in the same township, near Old Franklin. Being an obscure
and humble pedagogue, he afterwards reached the most honorable
and exalted judicial position in his adopted State, — being appointed
judge of the Supreme court, — which position he filled with marked
ability, until he was compelled to resign on account of ill health.
The first marriage that occurred in Franklin township, and prob-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 163
ably the first in Howard county, was that of Eobert Cooper and
Elizabeth Carson, in the spring of 1810. The ceremony took place
at the residence (log cabin) of the bride's father, Lindsay Carson,
who was the father of "Kit" Carson, the great scout. The invited
guests were numerous, embracing the entire neighborhood. Mr.
Carson sought to make the occasion one of business as well as
pleasure, for after the marriage had been solemnized, the male por-
tion of the guests, assisted him in raising a house, the groom being
one of the most active workmen present'.
Mrs. Jones says the first birth in the county (and in Franklin
township, occurred in the family of Elder David McLain.
The first persons to die from disease were Daniel Monroe's wife
and infant child.
Thomas Smith was the first shoemaker in all the Boone's Lick
country, and his wife, Sarah, was an adept in the art of making moc-
casins. Dr. Tighe was the pioneer physician of the township, and
made his home for a short time at Andrew Smith's.
While Mrs. Jones was stopping at the house of Daniel Boone,
in St. Charles county, she saw the old hunter eating raw-meat
quite often. He seemed to be especially fond of raw venison and
preferred it to the most delicately cooked and highly seasoned viands.
His early life was such — living almost constantly in the woods —
that he was at times compelled to eat raw meat, and becoming
habituated to the use of it, he' learned to like it.
Mrs. Jones, is now in the eighty-second year of her age, and is
in the enjoyment of good health and an excellent, vivid memory.
She resides with her son, James Snoddy, who was a child by a former
marriage. She is active and industrious, and voluntarily does her
part of the household work — preferring a life of industry, even at
her advanced age, to a life of indolence and ease.
When asked whether she would like to live over again the years
of her pioneer life, she answered with much earnestness: " If I
knew where there was such a country as this was seventy years ago,
I would go to it, as old as I am." We hope that the brittle thread
of life may be lengthened out to this octogenarian many spans, and
that byv and by it may be said of her : —
Of no distemper, of no blast she died,
But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long ;
Even wondered at, because she dropt no sooner.
Fate seemed to wind her up for four-score years ;
Yet freshly ran she on ten winters more ;
Till like a clock worn out with eating time,
The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
164 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Matthew Mullins and sister, who now reside in Franklin
township, were also in one of the forts (Hempstead), in 1815, but
being small children, respectively two and four years of age, they
now have no recollection of any of the early events that transpired
during that memorable era in the history of the county.
Mrs. Polly Jones, Matthew Mullins and sister are the only persons
now living in Howard county, who lived in the forts. Ephraim
McLain, of Saline county, and Samuel Cole and Thos. McMahan, and
his brother Jackson, of Cooper county, also resided in the forts during
the war of 1812, where they remained for several years. These are
all the survivors of that early day that the author could hear of, now
living in Howard and adjacent counties. There are doubtless a few
others in California and elswhere throughout the country, but they
are few in number, and are "Waiting by the river."
KIT CARSON.
Among the men who once lived in Franklin township, who
afterwards achieved a notoriety in western annals, was the great
scout, Kit Carson. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky,
ou the 24th day of December, 1809, and his father, Lindsay
Carson, emigrated to Howard county in 1810, bringing his family
with him. After their arrival, they built a cabin and raised two
small crops and then with other old settlers in that portion of the
county, went into Fort Kincaid. After the war, his father appren-
ticed him to David Workman, who then resided at Franklin, to learn
the saddler's trade. He remained with Workman two years; his
labors becoming irksome, he left, and in 1826, he joined a party
destined for the Rocky mountains. Crossing the plains at that day
was a dangerous undertaking. There were then no guides and charts,
and nothing indicating springs and camp-grounds. These oases of
the American Sahara, had not at that time been pressed by the feet
of the white man. They had been trodden only by the buffalo, the
wild horse and the savage Indian. The man, therefore, who crossed
the plains to Santa Fe, was in every sense of the word, a hero. Kit
went into Santa Fe, New Mexico, which country thereafter became
the field of his remarkable and daring exploits. He remained in that
country, until his death, which occurred in 1869. Quite a number of
his relations now reside in Howard county. Among these, are Ham-
ilton Carson, his brother, and George H., James T., Frank, George
W., and Dudley Carson, his nephews.
history or howard and cooper counties. 165
hardeman's garden.
In the history of Franklin township, we should not forget to
mention " Hardeman's garden," which was located about five miles
above Old Franklin, nearly opposite to the mouth of the La Mine
creek. It was a vine-clad, rose-covered bower, the prototype of the
renowned " Tulip grove" of that public benefactor, Henry Shaw, of
St. Louis. The founder of this celebrated garden, Mr. John Harde-
man, was of German extraction, a gentleman of fortune, and pos-
sessed remarkably fine taste in horticulture. He was ambitious to ex-
cel in this inviting field, and to gratify his inclinations, laid off ten
acres in an exact square for a botanic garden, sparing neither expense
nor labor in adorning it with fruits, flowers and shrubs, indigenous
and exotic. Serpentine walks, paved with shells, conducted the ad-
miring visitor through this charming court of Flora, where, amid
zephyrs of the richest perfume, flowers of the most beautiful hue
greeted the eye, and fruits of the most delicious flavor tempted the
palate. It was a place —
Where opening roses breathing sweets diffuse,
And soft carnations shower their balmy dews ;
Where lilies smile in virgin robes of white,
The thin undress of superficial light ;
And varied tulips show so dazzling gay,
Blushing in bright diversities of day.
This beautiful garden was finally engulfed in the Missouri river,
the first encroachment of that treacherous stream occurring in 1826,
when a large portion of it was swallowed up. Mr. Hardeman, how-
ever, continued the cultivation of such portions of the garden as were
left, until about the time of his death, which took place in 1829. A
sweet honeysuckle still grows in the yard where Mary S. Hanna now
lives, in Fayette, that was taken from the Hardeman garden in 1829.
At the date mentioned, Mrs. Louise Boone, wife of Hampton L. Boone,
and Miss Malinda Owen, daughter of General Ignatius P. Owen, of
Fayette, made a visit to the garden and, when leaving, Mr. Harde-
man gave them the honeysuckle, then a small vine. This is the only
relic of that once far-famed and lovely garden that exists in this part
of the country.
FRANKLIN.
This town (named after Benjamin Franklin, the philosopher),
afterwards called "Old Franklin," in contradistinction to New Frank-
166 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
lin, in the same township, was located on section 5, township 48,
range 16, in 1816, on the river bank and opposite to Boonville, in
Cooper county. It was selected in 1817 as the county seat of How-
ard county, by Benjamin Estill, David Jones, David Kincaid, William
Head and Stephen Cole, who were appointed commissioners for that
purpose by the general assembly of Missouri. Hannah Cole's fort
remained the county seat, however, until the second Monday in No-
vember, 1817, when the circuit court met at Franklin the first time.
(See Chapter III, this book.) The original town site occupied 100
acres of land and was purchased for Howard county by the commis-
sioners who selected the county seat from James H. Benson, William
V. Rector, John W. Scudder, James C. Ludlow, and Joseph Wig-
gins, for $200. About two years after the town was laid out, an ad-
dition was added, called "East Franklin." The town contained a
public square which embraces two acres of ground. The square was
levelled and grounds put in order by Andrew Smith and James Snoddy .
The streets were generally eighty-seven feet wide. The first house built
in Franklin (upon the authority of Mrs. Mary Jones, of whom we
have spoken in the preceding pages), was erected by Amos Barnes.
It was constructed of rough logs and stood near the river bank. The
land office was located there, soon after it was founded, and it being
the most western settlement, of any importance, in the state, and the
starting point for the Santa Fe country, it increased rapidly in popu-
lation and influence. Some of the best blood of Kentucky, Virginia,
Tennessee and other states, flowed in the veins of many of the citizens
of Franklin. The town was noted for the intelligence, hospitality
and enterprise of its people, a number of whom filled honorable po-
sitions in the legislature, executive and judicial departments of the
state, and not a few attained a national reputation as gallant soldiers
and trusted statesmen. Among her illustrious citizens, whose names
sparkle upon the historic page with a fadeless lustre, were: — Lil-
burn W. Boggs, John Miller, Hamilton R. Gamble (each of whom
were afterwards governor of the state), John F. Ryland, Abiel
Leonard (afterwards judges of the supreme court of the state),
General Robert P. Clark and Cyrus Edwards (the two latter distin-
guished lawyers), Dr. H. Lane, Dr. J. H. Benson, Peter Ferguson,
Dr. Charles Kavanaugh, Col. William Boone, Dr. J. J. Lowery, Grey
Bynum, Dr. David Woods, Bennett Clark, General John B. Clark, Sr.,
S. C. McNees, John Ray, J. S. Finley, John Walker, Charles Woods,
Thomas Hardeman, G. C. Sibley, John S. Brickey, Andrew S. Mc-
Girk (afterwards judge), Price M. Prewitt, J. C. Ludlow, W. Moss,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 167
James Hickman, Judge David Todd, Stephen Donohoe, John Lamb,
James D. Campbell, F. S. Grundy (nephew of Felix Grundy, of Ten-
nessee), L. Switzler, H. V. Bingham (the great artist, whose accom-
plished pencil has perpetuated many of the scenes and incidents re-
sulting from the enforcement of Order No. 11), Alphonso Wet more
(author of first Gazetteer of Missouri), Henry and Charles Carroll,
Judge David Drake, Giles Samuel, Joshua and David Barton, J. B.
Howard, William V. Rector, Natt Ford, James Callaway and Zacha-
ria'h Benson. Although this list does not include the names of all
who are entitled, to a niche in the temple of fame, yet these are suffi-
ciently numerous and distinguished to challenge the admiration of the
reader, and to light a glow of pride upon the cheek and in the eye of
every Howard county man and woman, as they scan them over.
We doubt whether any town containing no greater population
than Franklin had, and reaching no greater age, can be found any-
where in the United States, that can boast of so many eminent men.
Its early achievements in commerce during the palmy days of the
Santa Fe trade, were simply immense for that clay and time. The fol-
lowing, copied from the Fayette Intelligencer of May 2, 1828, will give
the reader some idea of the importance of this trade : —
The town of Franklin, as also our own village, presents to the eye
of the beholder, a busy, bustling and commercial scene, in buying,
selling and packing goods, practising mules, etc., etc,, all preparatory
to the starting of the great spring caravan to Santa Fe. A great number
of our fellow citizens are getting ready to start, and will be off in the
course of a week on a trading expedition. We have not the means
of knowing how many persons will start in the first company, but
think it probable the number will exceed 150, principally from this
and the adjoining counties. They generally purchase their outfits from
the merchants here at from 20 to 30 per cent advance on the Philadel-
phia prices, and calculate to make from 40 to 100 per cent upon their
purchases. They will generally return in the fall. We suppose the
amount which will be taken from this part of the country this spring
will not perhaps fall much short of $100,000 at the invoice prices.
We wish them a safe and profitable trip, a speedy return to their
families and homes in health, and they may long live to enjoy the
profits of their long and fatiguing journey of nearly one thousand
miles, through prairies inhabited only by savages and wild beasts.
Among the pioneer merchants and business men of Franklin,
were Hickman and Lamb from Kentucky. These gentlemen, owned
and operated a large store, purchasing their goods (as the merchants of
the town generally did) in Philadelphia. Claiborne F. Jackson, after-
168 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
wards governor of the state, was a clerk in this store in 1826. Joseph
Simpson was also a merchant; he was an Englishman, and came to
Franklin about the year 1822 ; he died in Franklin in 1828. Smith
& Knox were merchants ; Smith was receiver in the land office.
Giles Samuels was a business man. Alexander McCausland was also
a merchant. Blois, a Canadian Frenchman, was a merchant. Moss
Prewitt was a hatter, and afterwards became a banker in Columbia.
There were as many as four manufacturers of hats in 1826, in the town.
Barnes was probably the first blacksmith in the place.
Mordecai owned the first livery stable. Jas. R. Abernathy
assisted him in attending to it. Dr. H. T. Glenn, who moved to Cal-
ifornia and became the largest farmer in that state, married a daughter
of Abernathy.
Henry V. Bingham, father of George Bingham, the well known
artist and portrait painter, kept a hotel; so did Mrs. Peebles. The
town had two or three grist mills from 1820 to 1828. John Harde-
man operated a grist mill with carding machine attached. Shadrach
Barnes ran a grist mill. The ferry was originally owned by Hannah
Cole, who operated it as early as 1816 from the fort to Franklin.
It was afterwards run by Rogers, of Boonville, Isaac Gearhardt and
others.
The bar of Franklin was ably represented in the persons of Judge
George Tompkins, Charles French, Amos Reece (who afterwards
resided in Plattsburg, Clinton county, Mo., and then moved to Leav-
enworth, Kansas), F. S. Grundy, Andrew McGirk, John F. Rvland,
Robert McGavick, Cyrus Edwards, and a number of others who were
noted for their skill and ability as lawyers. (See chapter on bench
and bar.)
The Missouri Intelligencer, the first newspaper established west of
St. Louis, was started here in 1819. (See Chap, entitled "The
Press.")
The Baptists organized a church in the town in 1819, the Method-
ists one year later. No house of worship, however, was ever erected
in the town by any denomination. The Old School Presbyterians
organized a church in April, 1821. (See chapter on ecclesiastical his-
tory. )
Travel between Franklin and St. Louis was done on horseback
until 1820, when four-horse stages were put on the line. Soon after
that, travel upon steamboats came gradually into use ; the fare being
about the same by either mode — $10.50 for each passenger.
Franklin continued to be the county seat of Howard county, until
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 169
1823, when it (the county seat) was located at Fayette, the latter
town, being about the geographical centre of the county, after Cooper
and Boone counties had been taken from its territory. Many of the
citizens of Franklin, including the attorneys, soon came to Fayette to
live. The great majority, however, continued to stand by the for-
tunes of the old town, where they remained until the spring of 1828,
when they were compelled to abandon their homes, because of the
sudden caving in of a large portion of the town site. It is estimated that
Franklin, during her palmiest days — from 1823 to 1826 — contaiued
between 1,500 and 1,700 people. In 1828, on account of the overflow
and the washing away of the town site, Franklin was almost entirely
abandoned, her citizens going elsewhere to live; a number of these
founded the town of New Franklin, within two miles of Old Franklin
and in the same township.
A Masonic lodge was organized at Old Franklin, in 1820. It
was afterwards moved to New Franklin, where it was reorganized in
1852, and is now known as Howard Lodge No. 4. It was the fourth
lodge of Freemasons, instituted in Missouri. Nothing now remains
to mark the spot where once stood the proud, pretentious little city of
Franklin, but a two-story brick,* now known as the "Franklin
House," located immediately west of the depot. Two or three busi-
ness houses, of modern architecture, occupy a portion of the old
town-site — the extreme lower portion — but the town, itself, except-
ing the house above mentioned, is a thing of the past.
A LETTER.
The following letter, written more than three-score years ago, by
Mr. A. Fuller, who had been living in the Boone's Lick country about
six mouths at the time he wrote, will be read, doubtless, with much
interest by the citizens of the county to-day :
Franklin, Mo., Dec, 1819.
Dear Tom : —
You need not scold ; I have had too much to do to write to you fel-
lows that live in civilized society. Here I am, on the extreme frontier
of the settlements of our country, but would not exchange places with
you for all your boasted luxuries. I can, within a mile or so, kill
* This was, at the time it was erected, the only brick building in the Boone's Lick
country. It was built lor a school and was incorporated by the legislature in the
winter of 1820, with Gen. Thos. A. Smith, Nathaniel Hutchinson, Jno. J. Lowery,
George Tompkins, James C. Ludlow, Taylor Berry and Jonathan S. Findlay, as
trustees. It is now the property of Broadus Smith, who operates it as a hotel.
170 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
as many prairie chickens as I choose, and all other game of the
season.
The settlers of the country moved out of the forts last spring, and
are about as happy a set as you can find on the earth to think that the
Indians are to let them alone hereafter. I have become acquainted
with most of the citizens of the town. The Hon. Judge Todd and
fumilv arrived here last summer, one of the most agreeable men and
families that I have ever met. He is too liberal and kiud for his own
good ; also Dr. Hutchinson, Dr. Lowery, and General Smith. I do not
think you can understand the nobleness of such minds, as it is only
here in the extreme west, where all have been accustomed to facing
dangers every day, that they can be appreciated. We have three ,
stores in this thriving place : an old gentleman, Mr. Gaw ; Stanley &
Ludlow, and Sanganette & Bright, all doing a fair business. We had
two arrivals of steamboats during the summer, one a government boat,
Western Engineer, on an exploring expedition. In place of a
bowsprit, she has carved a great serpent, and as the steam escapes out
of its mouth, it runs out a long tongue, to the perfect horror of all
Indians that see her. They say, "White man bad man, keep a great
spirit chained and build fire under it to make it work a boat ! " The
other was a boat loaded with government supplies, for the troops in
the forts above here, also two hundred thousand dollars in specie. A
large portion of her cargo was Monongahela whiskey. It looks like
a dispensation of Providence that she should be sunk soon after
leaving. The officers and visitors were desecrating the Sabbath day
by card playing and drinking. She left here and ran up to the head
of' the first island above when she struck a snag and sank immedi-
ately, without the crew being able to save anything out of her. There
she lies with all her silver and freight on her. There are in the neigh-
borhood several forts, that were used by the people during the Indian
difficulties. Fort Hempstead, about three miles back from the river;
Cooper's Fort, ten miles above here where were many of the hair-
breadth escapes of the wild west. At one time, when it was besieged by
a large body of Indians, and they needed to communicate with the fort
here, not having any men to spare, a daughter* of Colonel Cooper vol-
unteered to run the gauntlet, and mounting a fleet horse dashed through
the Indians, reached the fort here, got the assistance needed, and was
back in time to relieve her friends. Is there one of your city belles
could do a similar feat? I guess not. I tell you, Tom, there is an
independence and nobleness in the bearing of the young folks here,
dressed in their home-made clothing, — the ease of gait and carriage, —
that puts affectation and fine dresses in the shade. I am not carried
* The Miss Cooper here spoken of, was the mother of the wife of the present Solon
Shepherd, who resides near Fayette. This romantic and attractive little story was given
much credence, even at that early day, among certain persons; the author heard of Miss
Cooper's act of heroism soon after his arrival in Howard county, but after carefully inves-
tigating the matter, he finds that the story had no foundation in fact, and exists in imagina-
tion onty as a beautiful fiction.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 171
away entirely by the nobleness of the wild frontier people, but there is
a frank generosity with them that you in the east know nothing of, there-
fore you cannot appreciate it. There is also a fort across the river from
here called Cole's fort, that had its share of trouble ; also one above the
La Mine river. One of the men, Mr. McMahan, from there, was coming
down to Cole's fort on business ; when about two miles above here he
was fired upon and killed by the Indians. One of the young Coles
and one of the Roups were cutting a bee-tree in the woods near the
path, and it is thought the Indians were crawling on them, when Mr.
McMahan, passing, was fired on and killed. The men, Cole and
Roup, hurried back to their fort for aid, and went to see what mischief
the red-skins had been doing. Mr. McMahan was shot through the
body. He ran his horse toward the river for about a quarter of a
mile when he fell dead. The Indians, it is thought, saw the two men
running for the fort and thought it safest to leave, which they did
without followingthe flying men. I believe I could have set till this
time, hearing of the hair-breadth escapes of the earl}' settlers. They
have laid out a town opposite here on the river, called Boonville, which
they expect to eclipse this place, but the traders think Franklin will
eclipse any town out west. I think likely it will if the river will let
it alone I went over the river last summer to attend the first sale of
lots, intending to purchase some to build on, but they were run up to
a fabulous price, away beyond my reach. There were some of the
voters who appeared to be affected by patriotism acquired at the only
(what was termed) tavern in the place, kept by a hard looking old
fellow named Reames, who bowed politely to all who came in and asked
for something to drink, and I was told the whiskey had actually not had
time to cool before it was dealt out to customers, having been brought
all the way from a Mr. Houxe's where is a horse mill and distillery;
so the people of Boonville, cannot only have liquor, but can have their
corn ground ready for sifting. The mill and distillery are about a
mile from the town. Adieu.
POSTMASTERS.
A statement showing the date of the establishment of the post-office
at Old Franklin, together with the names of all the postmasters at the
said office in the order of their appointment, and the date of aj>point-
ment of each.
Established April 20, 1821.
April 20, 1821, Augustus Stores.
October 20, 1823, Taylor Berry.
December 13, 1824, Giles M. Samuel.
August, 5, 1831, J. W. Redman.
September 16, 1839, Wm. Harley.
October 23, 1839, J. S. Lawson.
172 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
May 18, 1841, Geo. Chapman.
October 6, 1843, Isaac N. Bernard.
January 9, 1845, C. W Bartholemew.
July 24, 1846, J. G. McCauley.
December 14, 1848, Win. Neilson.
September 17, 1850, Robert Colman.
May 17, 1855, J. W. Chilton.
June 22, 1805, J. G. McCauley.
October 5, 1865, Return L. Bradley.
April 2, 1866, G. E. Turner.
December 1, 1868, James W. Chilton.
September 7, 1874, Chs. E. Rainey.
May 22, 1877, James M. Settle.
January 26, 1882, J. J. McCauley.
April 26, 1882, J. H. Sturdevant.
NEW FRANKLIN.
As already intimated, New Franklin owes its existence to the fall
and final obliteration of Old Franklin, and was laid out in 1828, on
he west half of section 28, township 49, range 16, which was then
owned by James Alcorn.
Many of the buildings of the old town were moved to the new.
Among the earliest business men of that place, were James Alcorn,
who built the first business house; Willis Roberson, the first black-
smith ; M. Switzler, the first hotel-keeper. Among the early enter-
prises, was a tanyard by Lewis Scott, a carding machine by Wm.
Bowen and a rope factory by Bernard. The first and only lottery
ever chartered by the state of Missouri, was started at this point, the
purpose of which was to raise $15,000 in order to enable the town to
build a railroad to the river. The charter was afterwards modified,
so as to permit the construction of a plank road, and still later to
embrace a macadamized public highway instead. This lottery fran-
chise was finally disposed of by the town to a company in St. Louis,
for five hundred dollars per year, and New Franklin has since em-
ployed its receipts from this source, in completing a safe and enduring
highway to the river. The town was incorporated February 7th,
1833. The original trustees were: Abiel Leonard, David Workman,
Nathaniel Hutchison, Joshua Hobbs, Alphonzo Wetmore, Lewis
Switzler, and Lindsay P. Marshall.
The population at present numbers about two hundred and fifty
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 173
persons. The town contains one dry good store, two drug stores, one
grocery, one harness shop, one mill, one blacksmith, one carpenter, one
barber, three physicians, one hotel, two churches, one large, elegant
brick school house, and three secret orders, the oldest of which is the
A. O. U. W.
New Franklin lodge No. 194, was organized July 17, 1880. The
charter members were, George C. Edwards, Theo. H. Todd, A. S.
Blankenbaker, Lemuel Frizell, Strother H. Todd, J. B. Ainsworth,
Augustus Turner, E. T. Smith, W. T. Way land, G. S. Herndon, J.
G. Whitton, Wm. M. Strongs, Joshua F. Crews, Levi Fuller, F. G.
Canole, Y. Q. Bonham, James Randall, Wallace Estill, John M.
Boggs, Jas. L. Gordon, Thomas J. Jordan, E. E. Dunaway, James
D. Chorn and W. W. Smith.
Present officers — G. S. Herndon, M. W. ; W. W. Gray, Fore-
man; J. F. Crews, Overseer; E. E. Dunaway, Recorder; B. M.
Chancellor, Receiver; Augustus Turner, Financier; J. J. Whitton,
Guide ; S. H. Took, I. W. ; Wm. B. Webb, O. W. ; F. G. Canole, P.
M. W.
HOWARD LODGE NO. 4, A. F. AND A. M.
Organized May 6, 1852, with the following members, Adam
Lowry, James M. Chora, S. T. Hamm, H. Kingsbury, C. E. Wil-
coxon, J. D. Thompson, A. H. Lee, W. M. Biles.
First officers — Adam Lowry, W. M. ; James M. Choru, S. W. ;
S. T. Hamm, J. W. ; H. Kingsbury, Treasurer; C. E. Wilcoxon,
Secretary.
Present officers— R. T. Kingsbury, W. M. ; W. E. McKinney,
S. W. ; W. O. Cox, J. W. ; W. W. Smith, Treasurer; Geo. C.
Edwards, Secretary ; number of members fifty-one.
boone's lick lodge no. 57, I. O. O. F.
was organized May 5th, 1852, with J. W. Chilton, N. G. Elliott, S.
T. Hamm, E. H. Devins, and James S. White, as charter members.
The names of the first officers and present officers failed^to reach
the writer.
ESTILL STATION
is located on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, '"near the
centre of the township, on the northeast of southwest quarter, section
13
174 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
17, T. 48, R. 16, and was named in honor of Col. James R. Estill, a
large landed proprietor and stock raiser, through whose land tbe rail-
road passes. The town contains one store and blacksmith shop.
The country surrounding Estill, is well improved, and is one of
the most beautiful portions of Howard county. The farm houses are
generally large and handsomely constructed; many of them being
brick, and of modern style, while the yards and lawns in front of
them are not only set in blue grass, but planted with shrubs, flowers,
fruit and shade trees.
INCIDENTS OF THE HIGH WATER OF 1844.
The overflow of the Missouri river in 1844 is remembered by the
old settler of to-day, as the highest water known within his recollec-
tion. By actual measurement, the water was then six feet higher
than it has been at any time since. The entire Missouri river bottom
or low lands were submerged, many farms being covered to the depth
of fifteen feet. The suffering among the people who occupied the
overflowed districts was very great, many of them not only losing
their houses, their stock and their crops, but losing their lives in their
efforts to escape the mighty flood, which remained upon the land for
nearly three weeks.
A farmer who lived in the bottom, south of New Franklin about
a mile, by the name of Lloyd, waited, during the rise, thinking every
day the river would reach its highest point, and did not leave his
cabin until he was compelled one morning to hastily make his exit
through the roof. While getting out some of his household plunder,
he spilt some corn meal on the roof of his cabin. The third day after
leaving, Lloyd returned in his boat and found to his surprise that the
roof of his cabin had been transformed into a menagerie of birds and
animals. Among these was a cat, a dog, a coon, a fox, a rat, two
chickens and a turkey. He observed that the meal was all gone, and
was greatly surprised to find these animals living together in perfect
harmony. A common misfortune had created among them a sym-
pathetic feeling. The presence of the great flood had seemingly
over-awed and overpowered their antagonistic natures, and like the
"lion and the lamb" of prophetic history, they were dwelling
together in peace.
Another farmer, who resided in the bottom, lost a very valuable
horse. The day he left his cabin this horse was driven with other
horses and stock to the hills for safe keeping. Some days afterwards
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COdPER COUNTIES.
175
the horse was missing, and was not found until the waters had receded
when he was discovered (at least such portions of him as were left),
hanging by one of his hind feet in some grapevines fully fifteen feet
above the ground, having on the same halter that he wore when he
left.
C H A P T E E VIII.
EICHMOND TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlements — Churches — Richmond — Fay-
ette — Its Early History — Business Men — Business — Incorporated — First and
Present Officials — Banks and Bankers — Court House and Public Square — Facts
and Incidents — Cholera in 1832 or 1833 — Cholera in 1849 — Cholera in 1855 and
in 1873 — Meteoric Phenomenon — Secret Societies — Central and titoward Col-
leges— Their History — Fire — Postmasters — Business Houses of Fayette —
Public School.
BOUNDARY .
This is the central portion of the county, and contains seventy-two
square miles. It remains as first formed in 1821, excepting sections
19, 20, 21, which were attached to Burton township in 1880. It is
bounded on the north by Prairie and Burton townships, on the east
by Bonne Femme and Moniteau, on the south by Moniteau and
Franklin, and on the west by Boone's Lick and Chariton townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township is admirably drained, the principal streams being
Bonne Femme, Adam's fork, Leonard's branch, Salt cre^k, Doe
creek and Dry creek. These are well distributed in the various
sections of the township. The timber is in great abundance, and of
an excellent quality — no prairie. The land is rolling and underlaid
with a fine stratum of coal, and is well adapted to agricultural pur-
poses.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The pioneer settler of Kichmond township seems to have been,
from the most authentic sources, one Hiram Fugate, who was one of
the original settlers of Franklin township — a private in Capt. Sar-
shall Cooper's company and connected with Fort Kincaid, where he
remained during the Indian hostilities of 1812. His cabin stood near
the present site of Central college ; the northen part of Fayette was
located on the south part of his land, and the southern part of the
town on a portion of the claim owned by Hickerson Burnham, who
«ettled in the township in 1819.
(176)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 177
George Craig and Colonel Philip Traraell established salt works
near the present railroad depot near Fayette, in 1819, and conducted
the business for several years. The next settler was the father of
Colonel McKinney, of Texas fame, in the same year. In the spring of
1819, John Jackson took a claim near McKinney, also James Eeed,
William Harris, and Joseph Gill. In the spring of 1818, Henry
Burnham opened a farm north of Fayette and was joined the same
year -by James Howell, Thomas Low, Joseph Sears, Townsend Brown,
Win. Reynolds, and Enoch Kemper. Mr. Kemper was county
assessor a number of years ; he had a family of nine children and
each alternate child was born blind.
Thomas Collins and Robert Reynolds each made a settlement north
of Fayette, in the spring of 1819. In 1820, Colonel Benj. Reeves,
father-in-law of Judge Abiel Leonard, purchased the farm of Town-
send Brown, and was a member of the first constitutional convention
of the state ; he was afterwards elected lieutenant-governor, and
was one of the commissioners appointed to view the first road to New
Mexico.
Bennett Clark, father of General John B. Clark, Sr., who came
in 1818, and located three miles east of Fayette, was one of the first state
senators from Howard county, and was often in the legislature.
The same year Andrew Fielding located one and a half miles east, and
Wm. Snell, in 1819, about two miles northeast of Fayette. David
Todd, of Cooper's fort, whose brother Jonathan was killed by the
Indians, settled in the neighborhood of Bennett Clark in 1818. Gar-
rison Patrick and Watt Ewing settled in the township in 1819. Joel
Prewitt, the father of Robert Prewitt, settled here in 1821, three
miles west of Fayette. Also Philip Turner, father-in-law of General
John B. Clark, Sr. ; Alfred Basey, father-in-law of Judge George
Miller, of Jefferson City, settled on the Turner farm in 1820, selling
to Philip Turner in 1821 ; Wm. Hughes, one of the first tanners of
the county, settled in the vicinity of Mbunt Moriah Baptist church,
about 1820, and donated the land on which the church was erected,
and was joined the same year by his brother Roland Hughes . In the
neighborhood of Judge Ben. Tolson, there was also made a settle-
ment very early; among these settlers were Amos Deatherage, 1817 ;
John Tolson, the judge's father, 1819 ; Mathew Howard, 1819 : Pen-
dleton Bridges, 1814, and about the same dates, John Cleeton, James
Weathers, Andrew Evans, James Burge, General Ignatius P. Owens,
Jonathan Bozarth, James Shephard, Enoch Fly, Neheriah Todd,
Truman Nailor, Thomas Tolson, David R. Downing, George Staple-
178 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ton, Harrison Stapleton, Moses Hyatt, George Burris, Thomas
Howard, Henry Saling, Richmond Gage, Hickman Buman, W. B.
Hauna, Willis Grimes, Hugh Shields, James Masters, and Robert
Brown.
RICHMOND.
This was the name of an old business point which was situated
south of the present town of Fayette, in what was known as, the
Spanish needle district. The township took its name after it. It
contained one small store of general merchandise and a blacksmith
shop. It now lives only in the memory of the old settler.
FAYETTE.
The county seat of Howard county, is located on parts of sections
11 and 12, in township 50, range 16. It was named in honor of
General Lafayette, whom all Americans loved because of his patriotic
and distinguished services rendered their country, in the war of the
revolution. In 1823, when the town was laid out, the news had
just been received that Lafayette would soon visit the United States.
This visit, however, did not take place until the- following year, 1824.
His landing at New York, and reception by the people, who had gath-
ered upon the wharfs by the tens of thousands, is most beautifully
and graphically described by that matchless orator and statesman, S.
S. Prentiss, in his incomparably grand and eloquent eulogy upon the
life and services of that great man.
Fayette was located by Jonathan Crawley, Win. Head, Samuel
Wallace, Glenn Owens and Samuel Hardin, Sr. Hiram Fugate
and Hickerson Burnham, each donated twenty-five acres of laud for the
county seat. Judge Alfred Morrison, who was afterwards sheriff and
county judge of the county, surveyed the town site, assisted by John
Jackson, Samuel Hardin and others, who were the chain bearers.
After the town was laid out, Elisha Witt erected the first house
which was constructed of logs, and located on the ground where
Howard college now stands. Although this was the first house built
in the town, the logs for another house had already been prepared by
Gen. Ignatius P. Owen, and was erected the day following by the
general, who had assisted Witt in raising his house. These buildings
were intended for hotels and were conducted by their proprietors as
such for many years. General Owen's hotel was located on the south-
east corner of the public square. These houses were erected in the fall
of 1824. The pioneer business man of the town was named O'Neal.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 179
His stock was very small and was sold in a log house on the lot where
Captain Brooks' livery stable now stands. After remaining a short time
O'Neal sold to John Nanson, an Englishman. Nanson died in Fayette
from a cancer. The next merchant was Waddy T. Curran, who sold
goods in a log hou&e on the corner of the street south of Boughner,
Tolson & Smith's grocery. A few years thereafter, Curran moved to
Himtsville, Randolph county, Missouri, where he died. Dr. William
T. McLain was the first physician ; Samuel T. Crews was the second,
and John A. Haldermau was the third. Halderman is now minister
to one of the South American states. Matthew Simonds was the
original village blacksmith.
Here smokes his forge ; he bares his sinewy arm
And early strokes his sounding anvil warm,
Around his shop the steely sparkles flew
As out of steel he shapes the bending shoe.
Lawrence J. Daly taught the first school in the town, in a log
cabin which now stands in the yard where Mrs. Mary S. Hanna now
lives. Mr. Daly was a native of Ireland. He was the father of Mrs.
Samuel C. Major, and Mrs. Dr. John Talbot, the latter now deceased.
He died in Fayette. Among his pupils were William C. Boone's wife,
John P. Sebree's wife, Elizabeth Garner, Susan Garner, Stephen
Garner, Jesse W. Garner, Artimesia McLain, Sallie McKinney, Euphe-
mia McKinney, Nancy Reynolds, Susan Reynolds, Eleanora Spencer,
Miss A. Spencer, Joseph Hardin, William Wilson, Thomas Taylor,
Townsend Taylor, Humphrey Taylor, and Mrs. Mary S. Hanna.
There were other schools kept in the town between 1825 and
1834, by both male and female teachers, but at the latter date a most
excellent educational institution called the Fayette academy was
established by Archibald Patterson. The building was constructed
of brick, one story high, and contained two rooms. It was located a
little to the left and south of Central college. Mr. Patterson came
from Ohio ; he was a man of classical attainments and quite success-
iul as a teacher. His school continued until 1844, when he went to
Marion county, and then to Lexington, Missouri, where he died from
an accident.
The first resident minister was Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, an Old
School Presbyterian, who held services in the school-house spoken of.
He was also a school teacher. Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, a missionary
Baptist preacher held religious services occasionally in the town. He
resided in the country. Rev. William W. Redmond (Methodist),
180 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
was a circuit-rider at an early day in the county, and was the presiding
elder in 1826. The first house of worship was erected by the Baptists
in 1824.
Washington Shepherd was the first tailor. The first death in the
town was that of Miss Elraira Whitton ; hers was the first grave in
the cemetery.
The first Sunday-school was organized by Rev. Augustus Pome-
roy. Eeuben Johnson, Elijah Mock and William Taylor were the first
carpenters and builders. Hickerson Burnham erected the first large
brick residence ; it occupied the corner where Bell's grocery store now
stands. The first jeweller was Joel Gill. William Jones, Sr., was the
firstjwagon-maker. Richard Law built the first tobacco factory. The
first gunsmiths wei-e Jesse Riddleberger and Gabriel Oldham. Jesse
Whitton had the honor of erecting the first mill — a horse mill, one
set of buhrs. James Spencer had a carding machine and mill com-
bined— inclined tread wheel. John A. Johnson operated an inclined
tread-wheel carding machine. A man by the name of Purdon ran a
linseed oil mill, and about this time James Dunn erected a steam saw
mill. Wash Shepherd and — Hurt had a saddle manufactory. John
R. White was also a saddler. Marly and Cole were hatters and made
all kindsjof hats. Boone Fly and S. C. Major operated a furniture
manufactory.
INCORPORATED.
The town was incorporated by the county court in November,
1826, with Samuel T. Crews, Elijah Whitton, Lawrence J. Daly, Jos-
eph Gill and Robert Wilson as trustees. It was reincorporated in
May, 1830, with James T. Shirley, Alfred W. Morrison, John A. Hal-
derman, Elijah Whitton and Joseph Gill as trustees. W. R. Snelson
was the first mayor, elected in 1855. The councilmen were : —
Langfoot Cook and Gabriel H. Oldham, from First ward.
W. T. Lucky and Jas. Gregory, Second ward.
W. T. Lucky, clerk.
Samuel C. Major, Sr., treasurer.
Wm. Mitchell, marshal.
PRESENT CITY OFFICIALS.
W. F. Mitchell, mayor.
James Waters, councilman, First ward.
A. F. Davis, " << "
Jno. T. Tolson, " Second "
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 181
Win. Shafroth, councilman Second ward.
John Crump, marshall.
Joseph Pulliam, treasurer.
Leland Wright, clerk.
Jordan Cullar, street commissioner.
BANKS AND BANKERS.
About the year 1838, the " Branch of the Bank of the State of Mis-
souri at Fayette," was established with Dr.. J. J. Lowry as president
and C. F. Jackson, cashier. It was operated until 1864, when it was
discontinued. During that year the bank was broken into by the
scouts and camp followers of the southern army. The bank, however,
did not lose anything by the robbery, but Howard county suffered a
loss of $28,000, the county having on deposit at that bank that much
money.
The second banking institution in Fayette was the private bank of
A. Hendrix & Co., established September, 1865. The company was
composed of A. Hendrix and Thomas J. Payne.
Payne sold his interest to his partner, A. Hendrix, in 1869, and
Hendrix continued in business until May, 1876, when he died.
Mr. A. Hendrix was succeeded by the Hendrix bank, June 1,
1876. A. F. Davis succeeded the Hendrix bank in August, 1878.
March 1, 1871, the Fayette bank was organized with E. T. Prewitt
as president, and Thomas J. Payne as cashier. July 1. 1878, the
Fayette bank was purchased by Thomas J. Payne and B. P. Williams,
who now operate it as Payne & Williams. Thomas J. Payne was
elected president of Fayette bank in September, 1873, and B. P.Wil-
liams, cashier.
The two latter banks (A. F. Davis, and Payue & Williams) are the
only banks that are now doing business in Fayette. Each of these
are supplied with "safes and time locks, and such other conveniences
and improvements as are possessed by similar institutions of modern
times.
COURT-HOUSES .
There have been but two court-houses in Howard county. A
temporary wooden structure was provided in 1817, at Old Franklin,
upon the location of the county seat at that place, but no building was
erected and designed especially for a court-house, until 1824, when
one was built at Fayette, soon after the town became the seat of
justice. At that period, the first brick court-house was completed by
182 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a Mr. Game, who took the contract for building it. That building
was occupied until 1859, a period of thirty-five years, when the
present court-house was erected.
It is a two story brick with main building and wings. It has a
neat and attractive appearance, and is a building of considerable
magnitude, containing beside the court-room and jury-rooms, eight
offices, with floors made of tile. The upper portion of the building,
which projects in front and forms a portico, is supported by four large
and lofty columns, which resemble in appearance light gray limestone.
The roofing is tin, and is flanked on the sides and ends, with a balus-
trade, made of brick, the whole surmounted with a handsome and
graceful cupola, upon the summit of which, is stationed a weather
vane and brazen eagle.
PUBLIC SQUARE.
The town of Fayette was laid out with reference more especially
to the smoothness of the surface of the land, than with reference to
the cardinal points of the compass. The public square was thus laid
out, and the streets had to be adjusted accordingly. The consequence
is, the streets do not run east and west or due north and south. The
stranger visiting Fayette, would never know without being told, that
what he would suppose to be the northeast corner of the public square,
is not in fact the northeast corner, but the. corner of the square point-
ing due north. So difficult has been this question of a correct
solution at all times, even to those who reside in the town, that the
•county court, some years ago, had the initial letters representing the
points of the compass placed upon the cupola of the court-house, so
that the mystery could be solved at a mere glance. Although the
surveyor did not lay off the town according to the points of the
compass, he succeeded most admirably in selecting a most elegant
site for the public square. It embraces about one acre of ground,
which is enclosed with a neat and substantial iron fence. It is covered
with a luxuriant growth of blue grass, and is interspersed with shade
trees, which add much to the beauty of the place. A broad brick
pavement surrounds the square, just outside of which stands a row
of soft maples, which afford an abundant shade.
FACTS AND INCIDENTS.
Fayette had a fire engine in 1838.
A public meeting was held in Fayette, April 17, 1841, to express
public sorrow at the death of President Harrison.
General Eobert Wilson was president of the meeting.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 183
The committee on resolutions was composed of General John B.
Clark, Joel Prewitt, Dr. Samuel T. Crews, James Brown, S. C. Major
and Colonel J. H. Birch.
The 4th of July, 1842, was celebrated at Fayette in a grand
style.
Thomas L. Belt was the orator of the occasion.
Adam Hendrix read the declaration of independence.
Among the toasts was the following : —
«' The memory of Boone, Cooper and Hancock — while the tall
forest stands around us, here and there interspersed with the improve-
ments of the pioneer, these names cannot be forgotten upon the waters
of the great Missouri."
In the fall of 1843, Claiborne F. Jackson, Leland Wright, John
Jackson, J. J. Lowry, N. G. Elliott, Robert Lynch and others,
extended a written invitation to Colonel Thomas H. Benton, to come to
Fayette and partake of a public dinner in his honor.
W. R. Singleton made a map of Howard county in 1844.
Mrs. Torode taught school in Fayette in 1845.
, Sons of Temperance, Howard county division, No. 34, was
organized in Fayette December 31, 1848. The officers were: W. T.
Lucky, W. P. ; R. Lynch, W. A. ; W. McNair, R. S. ; S. T. Preston,
A. R. S. ; J. Bradley, F. S. ; A. Mitchell, T. ; Rev. A. Scarritt, C. ;
E. K. Atterbury, A. C. ; W. W. Mitchell, I. S. ; D. Doffmyer, O. S.
On July 11, 1852, the people of Howard county assembled at the
College chapel at Fayette, to pa,j appropriate honors, upon receiving
news of the death of Henry Clay. Addresses were delivered by
Robert T. Prewitt, General John B. Clark and Major C. F. Jackson.
On Monday, the 4th day of June, 1855, the people, irrespective
of party, met at the court-house at Fayette to express their views in
reference to the " Fanatics of Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere." The
following gentlemen were appointed a committee on resolutions :
W. M. Jackson, G. M. B. Mangh, N. G. Elliott, F. M. Grimes, J. J.
Lowery, Sr., Jno. B. Clark, Jr., G. W. Morehead, J. F. Finks,
SetonE. Graves, Joseph Cooper, Morgan A. Taylor, Taylor Hughes,
Thomas Payne, C. C. P. Hill, H. L. Brown, Rice Patterson, J. W.
Henry and others. Owen Rawlins was president, R. C. Hancock,
secretary.
A subsequent meeting of a similar character was held at the same
place, when a large number of delegates from Howard county were
appointed to attend the Pro-slavery convention which met at Lexing-
ton, Missouri, July 12, 1855.
184 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CHOLERA.
Cholera made its appearance in Fayette the first time, ia 1832 or
1833. There was one case in 1849. Dr. C. R. Scott, of Fayette,
made a visit to his native State, Virginia, duriug that year, and took
the disease while returning home; he died after his return. The
cholera again made its appearance in August, 1855. Among those
who died in the town were Mrs. Catherine Marley and John A. John-
son. Harrison and Cleveland Stapleton died in the country. It
made its appearance again, in its most virulent form, in 1873, there
being fifty-three deaths out of fifty-six cases. A physician who
passed through it and witnessed its effects in all its various phases
during that year, gives the following account of the same : —
CHOLERA AT FAYETTE IN 1873.
[Prepared by U. S. "Wright, M. D.]
This epidemic was brought to our town July 19, 1873, by a
Swede, who had been a laborer on the railroad, which was then being
constructed through the town. From the best information, he had
been drinking several days when he came to Fayette, arriving here on
the night of the 18th, from Boonville. I was called to see him early
on the morning of the 19th, and found him in a collapsed state,
called a consultation and did all we could, but the patient never
rallied, dying in five or six hours. This man died in a boarding-
house, constructed from the lumber of an old livery stable, built on
the same ground, consequently the surroundings seemed to be quite
favorable to an outbreak of the disease. There were, perhaps, fifty
men boarding at this house. It was only a few days when two more
of the railroad men (laborers) were attacked in the same manner and
died in twenty-four hours or less time. This produced a great ex-
citement among the citizens, which amounted almost to a panic in a
few days thereafter. The colored people had a picnic near the town,
and the next day the medical authorities positively announced that
five negroes had died with the dreaded disease, and that several others
of that race had the symptoms of cholera. The citizens organized a
sanitary committee under the auspices of the medical faculty, and
used their best efforts to abate the ravages of the oriental plague in
Fayette. Nurses for the sick and dying were provided, and others
were appointed whose duty it was to see the dead decently interred.
About three-fourths of the population of the town fled, and remained
away until they supposed the disease had run its course, when they
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 185
would return, waiting just long enough for another outbreak when
they would again flee. The disease continued to attack and kill our
people until the 9th of September, when the last case occurred in the
community. As soon as the news had been heralded abroad that all
danger was past, the absent citizens returned. Fifty-three persons
had been carried off by the disease, and among this number were
some of the best- citizens of the town. As far as known, there had
been fifty-six cases of cholera, but three recovering, showing the
malignant character of the disease. There were, however, many cases
of cholerine, which would have turned into genuine cholera had it not
been for the physicians and kind nursing.
The cause of the epidemic seems to be still veiled in mystery.
There were, at the time, quite a number of laboring men gathered in
camps and boarding-shanties, engaged in building railroads, in and
near the town, and also many negroes crowded together in every
available house in the city ; these facts, coupled with the further fact,
that the town was poorly supplied with privy-vaults, and those in use
were neglected and uncleanly — I think furnished at least some of the
causes for the pestilence prevailing here, after its germ had been
imported. The town at that time was almost wholly supplied with
water from wells, and this drinking water question is known to be an
important factor in the spread of this plague. Ours is a limestone
district, but it is now thought that the geological structure of the soil
has but little influence upon the disease, and it is admitted that it is
the physical rather than the mineralogical structure that produces
cholera.
Another cause for its propagation here may have been found in
the number of stagnant pools of water in the vicinity, caused by the
railroad dumps at many points along the line of the road. The
disease here was very unmanageable, as the cases advanced very
rapidly into the collapsed condition. Calomel, given in small doses,
seemed to be the most efficient remedy. With my experience with
cholera, I would advise immediate flight, as the best plan of getting
rid of so formidable an adversary, upon the part of the citizens of any
community, whenever the disease appears.
A METEORIC PHENOMENON.
Between three and four o'clock on Wednesday morning, Novem-
ber 13, 1833, there occurred in Fayette, and in every town and county
throughout the United States, a meteoric phenomenon, the splendor
of which never passed from the memory of those who witnessed it.
186 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
It has since been known and remembered, as " the falling of the
stars." In the firmament above, and all around the horizon, were
beheld innumerable balls of tire of a whitish, pallid color, rushing
down and across the sky, drawing after them long luminous trains,
which clothed the whole heavens in awful majesty, and gave to the
air and earth a pale and death-like appearance. An inconceivable
number of meteors shot athwart and downwards from the heavens, as
though the whole framework of the blue and cloudless arch above
had been shaken. These luminous bodies had the appearance of*
flying through the air with great rapidity, occasioning the greatest
wonder among the beholders, mingled with fear and consternation.
Some described them as the slow and sparse descent of large flakes of
snow, and that each flake, becoming ignited in its passage, fused like
a bombshell before bursting, leaving a long, lurid light in its
wake, and that tens of thousands of these, continued to descend' and
scatter, each becoming extinct before reaching the earth.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Lafayette Lodge, No. 47, A. F. and A. M., organized October
17, 1842. Charter members — Priestly H. McBride, G. M. ;• Samuel ""
T. Crews, David Kunkle, Win. G. -Kerley.
First officers — Samuel T. Crews, W- M. ; David Kunkle, S.
W. ; W. G. Kerley, J. W. ; Wm. Taylor, Treasurer ; James H. San-
ders, Secretary ; A. H. McDonald, S. D. ; I. L. Johnson, J. D. ; L.
Crigler, T.
Present officers— Theo. F. Woods, W. M. ; M. A. Boyd, S.
W. ; Uriel S. Wright, J. W. ; Thos. G. Deatherage, Secretary; Thos.
J. Payne, Treasurer; John Talbot, S. D. ; James Waters, J. D. ;
Wm. F.fTieman, T.
Temple commandery, No. 38, organized March 15, 1882, with
S. B. Cunningham, A. F. Davis, Jno. B. Clark, Jo. W. Finks, Jno.
S. Elliott, R. P. Williams, J. T. Smith, W. A. Mathaws, Jas. B.
Brooks, W. A. Dudgeon and J. C. Ferguson.
Present officers — Sid. B. Cunningham, E. C. ; Arthur F. Davis,
M. C. ; Julius C. Ferguson, C. G. ; E. P. Williams, P.; Jas. T.
Smith, E. ; M. A. Boyd, Treasurer ; Jas. B. Brooks, S. W. ; Robert
C. Clark,*J. W. ;£L. S. Prosser, S. B. ; W. F. Mitchell, S. B. ; W.
A. Dudgeon, W.
Fayette| Chapter, No. 94, organized with the following charter
members —W. A. Dudgeon, J. C. Ferguson, Thomas G. Deatherage,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 187
K. C. Clark, R. P. Williams, S. B. Cunningham, James B. Brooks,
J. L. Morrison, Jo. H. Finks.
First officers — W. A. Dudgeon, H. P.; J. C. Ferguson, K. ;
Thomas G. Deatherage, S. ; R. C. Clark, C. H. ; R. P. Williams, P.
S. ; J. B. Brooks, R. A. C. ; S. B. Cunningham, secretary ; J. L.
Morrison, treasurer; Theo. F. Woods, M. 3d. V.; J. T. Smith, M.
2d.V. ; J. T. Bailey, M. 1st. V. ; N. B. Corprew, G.
Present officers — William A. Dudgeon, H. P. ; Julius C. Fergu-
son, K. ; Nestor B. Cooper, S. ; M. A. Boyd, C. H. ; R. C. Clark,
P. S. ; John Talbot, R. A. C. ; Theo. F. Woods, M. 3d. V. ; James
B. Brooks, M. 2d. V. ; Uriel S. Wright, M. 1st. V. ; S. B. Cunning-
ham, secretary; Walter C. Knaus, treasurer; W. F. Tieman, guard.
A. O. U. W. charter members of Ciucinnatus Lodge, No. 143,
A. O. U. W.— John A. McKinney, H. A. Norris, C. E. Burckhartt,
Joel W. Morris, C. J. Walden, John Dinkle, John C. Herndon, L. S.
Prosser, James Waters, N. B. Cooper, Thomas Ward, W. C. Arline,
A. F. Willis, W. B. Anderson, S. C. Major, A. J. Furr, J. F. Agee,
0. G. Willis, Thomas B. Brooks, John B. Dickerson and James P.
Morrison.
First set of officers — John C. Herndon, P. M. W. ; L. S. Pros-
ser, M. W. ; N. B. Cooper, G. F. ; James Waters, O. ; W. C.
Arline, G. ; C. J. Walden, recorder; Joel W. Morris, F. r J. A.
McKinney, R. ; John Dinkle, I. W- ; H. A. Norris, O. W. ; J. A.
McKinney, medical examiner.
Present officers — H. A. Norris, P. M. W. ; Thomas Ward, M.
W. ; James Waters, G. F. ; James F. Agee, O. ; A. F. Willis,
recorder; C. Rosenbaum, R. ; U. S.Wright, F. ; F. Marsden, G. ; '
James Armstrong, I. W. ; M. L. Skillman, O. W.
Howard Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., charter members — Thomas
M. Davis, C. H. Green, David Kunkle, James S. Jackson, James M.
Major. Established April 8, 1844.
First officers — Thomas M. Davis, N. G. ; C. H. Green, V. G. ;
J. S. Jackson, Treasurer; D. Kunkle, Secretary; J. M. Major,
Warden ; H. Finney, Con. ; G. W. Hood, W. S. N. G.
Present officers, (1883)— John D. Tolson, N. G. ; William
Shafroth, V. G. ; Jacob Mortenson, treasurer ; T. R. Betts, secre-
tary; R. E. Keiser, warden.
Sons of Temperance, Howard division, No. 34, was organized in
Fayette, December 31, 1848. The officers were : W. T. Lucky,
W. P. ; R. Lynch, W. A. ; W. McNair, R. S. ; S. T. Preston, A. R.
188 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
S. ; J. Bradley, F. S. ; A. Mitchell, T. ; Rev. A. Searritt, C. ; E. K.
Atterbury, A. C. ; W. W. Mitchell, I. S. ; D. Dofflmyer, O. S.
CENTRAL AND HOWARD COLLEGES.
Central and Howard colleges, gradually grew out of an effort in
1840 and 1843 (according to the statement of Eev. Carr W. Prit-
chett), to establish at Fayette the state university.
The question of the location of the university awakened the
liveliest interest, in several counties of the state — notably in Boone,
Callaway and Howard. Each of these, including Cooper and Cole,
made their bids in laud and money. Boone county bid $117,900;
Callaway, $96,000; Howard, $94,000; Cooper, $40,000; Cole,
$30,000. Failing in their efforts to secure the location of the state
university, at Fayette, the people determined to build up a school in
their own midst, that would be an honor to themselves and to the
state. A building was erected which was offered to the state during
the contest, for the location of the university. This was burned down
soon afterwards, but rebuilt previous to 1844. For a time, a school
was conducted in it, by Mr. Patterson, afterwards president of
Masonic college. In 1844, it was sold for debt, and was purchased
by Capt. William D. Finney, and by him transferred, under most
generous conditions, to the Methodist Episcopal church, for school
purposes. In the fall of 1844, Howard high school, the mother of
both Central and Howard colleges, was organized by William T.
Lucky. He began with only seven pupils. In a year or two, Presi-
dent Lucky, was joined by his brother-in-law, Rev. Nathan Searritt.
The school attained a remarkable prosperity. In 1847-48, Prof.
William T. Davis became associated with President Lucky, and the
financial affairs were conducted under the style' of Lucky & Davis.
In 1851, President Lucky temporarily retired, and Rev. Carr W.
Pritchett and Prof. Davis were associated in its management under
the style of Pritchett & Davis. In 1852, President Lucky resumed
his place, and the management was under the style of Lucky &
Pritchett. At this period, the school was very prosperous, having
an annual enrollment of about 350 pupils. January 26, 1854, the
large building of Howard high school was destroyed by fire. It
stood on the present site of Central college. This calamity caused
great inconvenience and loss, but the large school was continued in
the churches and other buildings, until provided for, by the erection
of the north addition to the building of Howard college. The main
part of this building was erected in 1852, for a boarding house for
Il^inia^iJ:!.''1!'11.^!11'1'111!1'!'1''. '■'''■':
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 185>
the young ladies of Howard high school. In the spring of 1855,
the separation of the male and female departments took place. The
male department was under the control of Prof. C. W. Pritchett,
and the female department was conducted by W. T. Lucky. The
male department in 1857, became the provisional organization of
Central college, and the female department, became Howard college.
CENTRAL COLLEGE.
At an educational convention held in St. Louis, in 1853, it was
determined to establish an institution of learning of high grade, to
be located at some central point, easily accessible from every point of
the state. The name accordingly given it was " The Central Col-
lege." It was, moreover, to be central to a number of high schools
located in different parts of the state, and which were designed to be
"feeders" to the college. A preparatory department was also estab-
lished in connection with the college.
The college began operations with Rev. Nathan Scarritt, A. M.,
president pro tern., in 1857. He resigned during the year and the
entire control passed into the hands of Prof. Pritchett. The second
president was Eev. A. A. Morrison, A. M., who also resigned in
1860, when the entire organization devolved upon Prof. Pritchett.
Pritchett was succeeded by Eev. W. H. Anderson, A. M., in the fall
of 1860. There was a large number of students and increasing pros-
perity until the war cloud burst in 1861, when, shortly after the
graduation of the first senior class, it was deemed best to suspend the
regular college exercises. A collegiate course was taught, however,
in the college building by Eev. Dr. Anderson and Eev. C. W.
Pritchett, for a couple or more of years during the war. The
threatening difficulties led to a suspension of all exercises at length,
and the college building was occupied by the military. At the
conclusion of the war the citizens of Fayette generously put the
building in a state of repair, and an excellent classical seminary
was opened under the control of Eev. H. A. Bourland. Prof. F.
X. Forster succeeded him in the management of it. Its success
led to hopes of reviving the college proper. An educational
convention was accordingly called in June, 1868, attended by
the leading men of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in Mis-
souri. Bishop Marvin presided, and Dr. Wm. A. Smith, ex-Gov.
Polk, and many other eminent men, took an active part in its pro-
ceedings.
The convention recommended that the board of curators reopeiv
14
190 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND qOOPER COUNTIES.
the college whenever a subscription of $100,000 for an endowment
fund should have been secured. Dr. Wm. A. Smith was then elected
president of the college, and addressed himself vigorously to the
work of securing the necessary endowment. Much enthusiasm pre-
vailed, and two gentlemen in the convention gave $5,000 each.
These were the late Adam Hendrix, Esq., of Fayette, and the late
Hon. Trusten Polk, of St. Louis. Over $40,000 of the amount was
subscribed by leading Methodists in St. Louis. Macon, Mexico, Chilli-
cothe, St. Joseph, and otner places responded liberally, and many
began to hope that the necessary amount could be raised in a single
year, when the broken health of Dr. Smith compelled him to desist
from his labors. He accordingly sought rest for a few months in
Virginia, where he had long labored as the honored president of
Eandolph-Macon college. He lingered only a short time, when he
died, lamented by thousands in every part of the land. Rev. W. M.
Rush, D.D., succeeded in the agency of the college, and, by the
fall of 1870, the board of curators were able to report the necessary
subsci'iption of $100,000 endowment. Dr. Rush continued in the
field as agent, to collect the endowment, while Rev. John C. Wills,
D.D., of the Southern university, in Alabama, was elected president
of the college. About half of the original endowment was collected
and funded, Fully $25,000 of the remainder was in St. Louis real
estate, which, with the other subscriptions, were so seriously affected
by the financial crisis of 1873, that they greatly depreciated in value.
The real estate promises to recover its value, but several large sub-
scriptions were lost by reason of the panic. The board of curators
still hope to realize from the uncollected endowment notes.
While the college has not been financially a success, it has made
a record for thorough scholarship and excellent discipline that is an
honor to the whole state. Dr. Wills proved himself an admirable
educator. He was aided in the faculty by such men as Profs. Forster,
Miller, Corprew, and Mumpower, besides competent instructors in the
preparatory department. The "school system" so long in vogue
in the University of Virginia was adopted in place of the few years'
curriculum of many of our American colleges. The faculty believed
that under this system, more and better work would be done, and they
seem well satisfied with the results. There has been an average attend-
ance of about 130 students for several years past.
Dr. Wills, whose health began to fail in the winter of 1877, died
in February, 1878. Despite his lamented death, the discipline which
he had established in the college was so perfect that during the rest
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 191
of the year, under the management of Prof. Forster, there was not the
slightest disorder. The board of curators at their meeting in St.
Louis, April 26, 1878, considered a proposition from the board of
trustees of Pritchett institute of Glasgow, which looked toward the
removal of the classical department of the college to Glasgow, on
which condition the endowment of the institute was to go to Central
college, and the two institutions were henceforth to be consolidated
under the name of Central college. The further condition was that
co-education should be introduced into all the departments of the
college.
The board, on advice of legal counsel, saw that such a removal
would cost them part, if not most, of the endowment of the college,
and determined not to accept the offer. The people of Fayette and
vicinity in the meantime raised a subscription of $10,000 on condition
that the college should not be removed, which subscription was accepted
by the board of curators.
An election for president of the college was held in 1878, when
Rev. Eugene R. Hendrix, A. M., was unanimously chosen. He was
formerly a student at Central college, but graduated at Wesleyan
university, Middletown, Conn., where he went to pursue his studies
during the war. He was also elected " Marvin professor of Biblical
literature." In the beautiful catalogue which was issued in 1878, we
have seen an outline of the work of this new department which was
then added to the college. There are young ministers from the Bap-
tist and Cumberland Presbyterian churches as well as from the Meth-
odist Episcopal church south, who are students, and doubtless this
class will be largely increased.
In the spring of 1878, when the present administration began,
the productive endowment of Central college was $45,000, and the
attendance of students as already stated, about 130. There was,
moreover, a debt of some $12,000, including $1,700 yet due on the
contract, for the erection of the college building some twenty years
before. The outlook was not encouraging but to those who had faith
in the final success of -the college. This faith was shared alike by the
board of curators and the faculty. Three years later the patronage
had increased to over 180 students, the debt had been entirely paid
and the productive endowment had grown to over $60,000. In the
meantime " Will's hall," a boarding-house for young men of limited
means, and a commodious gymnasium had been erected. To accom-
plish these ends members of the board and others contributed sums
192 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ranging from $100 to $5,000, several persons agreeing to give $1,000
each annually for an indefinite period.
In November, 1881, Mr. Robert A. Barnes, of St. Louis, who
had previously made large donations, to the college library, gave
$25,000 to endow the " Robert A. Barnes " chair of Greek and Latin.
In November, 1882, he gave $20,000, in honor of his mother, to
endow the " Mary Evans Barnes " chair of English and modern lan-
guages. These timely gifts, with others, prompted the board to enlarge
the college campus by the purchase of some four additional acres,
and to take immediate steps for the erection of a new college chapel
to cost some $20,000.
The standard of scholarship in Central college has always been
very high. Indolent students are not allowed to remain. A consid-
erable proportion of the students send themselves to college, and their
industrious example is contagious. To aid meritorious students who
would otherwise be unable to complete their course, Mr. A. F. Davis,
of Fayette, gave $5,000 in January, 1883,- the income to be loaned
without interest to such students as may be recommended by the
faculty. This will be known as the " Arthur F. Davis Student's
Loan Fund," in memory of the deceased son of the generous donor
of the fund.
The different chairs of the college are filled by professors who
are specialists in their departments, and well equipped to guide the post-
graduate studies of young men who annually aspire for such instruc-
tion. Original work is expected from year to year of each occupant
of a professor's chair. This, first in the form of public lectures de-
livered before the whole body of students, and afterwards, in some
instances, addressed to a yet wider public through the press, constitute
an attractive feature of the college.
The college library now numbers some 3,000 volumes. An
alumni alcove is given to works of reference. On the completion of
the new chapel the library will find better accommodation in the
present chapel, which will make a most attractive library room. In
the matter of library, as well as that of mineralogical and zoological
collections, and of scientific apparatus the foundations have been laid
with reference to superstructures of ample size. In short, the college
has sought the real and the permanent in all the work done.
President Hendrix, though young in years, brings a ripe experi-
ence, thorough culture, and a zealous and tireless energy to the work.
With such a man, therefore, to look after its interests the grandest
success may be expected for Central college in the future.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 193
PAST PRESIDENTS AND PROFESSORS.
Rev. Nathan Scarritt, D. D., president from July, 1857, to June,
1858, professor of ancient languages ; C. W. Pritchett, professor of
mathematics ; Eli Offut, principal of preparatory department.
Rev. A. A. Morrison, D. D., June, 1858 ; C. W. Prichett, professor
of mathematics ; A. J. Dyas, adjunct ; I. A. Reubelt, professor of
languages ; H. B. Parsons, adjunct.
Rev. A. A. Morrison, D. D., 1859, 1860; A. C. Dyas, professor
of mathematics ; C. W. Pritchett, professor of natural science ; J. A.
Reubelt, professor of languages; H. B. Parsons, adjunct.
Rev. W. H. Anderson, D. D., June, 1860, 1861; A. C. Dyas,
professor of mathematics ; C. W. Pritchett, professor of natural
science; A. F. Brackman, professor of languages.
Rev. W. A. Smith, D. D., June, 1868, 1870, who conducted for two
years a classical seminary, until the new college was reopened and
completed. The teachers were Professor F„ X. Forster, assisted by
Professor Rowland Daggett, Professor F. A. Taylor, Mrs. J. P. Ful-
ler, Miss A. E. Cooper, Miss Lou C. Forster.
Rev. J. C. Wills, D. D., 1870, February, 1878. Profs. F. X.
Forster, F. A. Taylor, and Dr. W. G. Miller, were elected members
of the faculty ; H. D. Groves and J. L. Taylor, tutors. In the
absence of the president, Professor Forster was appointed dean of the
faculty.
Rev. E. R. Hendrix, D. D., 1878. O. H. P. Corprew, professor
of Greek and Latin ; Edward A. Allen, professor of English and
modern languages ; Wm. B. Smith, professor of mathematics ; James
T. Anderson, professor of chemistry, physics, and astronomy ; J. W.
Kilpatrick, professor of natural history, mineralogy, and geology ;
T. G. Mumpower, principal of preparatory department ; T. H. Har-
vey, fellow and adjunct professor of Greek and Latin.
Dr. Hendrix is the present (1883) president.
CURATORS.
Rev. E. R. Hendrix, D. D., president, ex-officio ; Rev. D. R.
McAnally, D. D., vice-president; Rev. W. M. Rush, D. D. ; Rev.
T. M. Finney, D. D. ; Rev. C. C. Woods, D. D. ; W. M. Eads, Esq. ;
W. McDonald, Esq. ; Samuel Cupples, Esq. ; A. F. Davis, Esq. ;
Rev. Nathan Scarritt, D. D. ; J. E. Ryland, Esq. ; W. O. Gray,
Esq.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
E. R. Hendrix, D. D. ; Rev. W. M. Rush, D. D. ; A. F. Davis.
194 HISTORY OF HOWAKD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE.
Samuel Cupples, Esq. ; Rev. T. M. Finney, D. D. ; A. F. Davis.
ATTENDANCE OF STUDENTS SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COLLEGE
IN 1857.
1857-58, matriculates, 144, graduates, — ; 1858-59, matricu-
lates, 95, graduates, 1 ; 1859-60, matriculates, 110, graduates, — ;
1860-61, matriculates, 112, graduates, 5 ; 1870-71, matriculates, 104,
graduates, — ; 1871-72, matriculates, 105, graduates, 3 ; 1872-73,
matriculates, 125, graduates, 3; 1873-74, matriculates, 111, gradu-
ates, 1 ; 1874-75, matriculates, 107, graduates, 2 ; 1875-76, matricu-
lates, 140, graduates, 2; 1876-77, matriculates, 131, graduates, 2 ;
1877-78, matriculates, 138, graduates, 2 ; 1878-79, matriculates, 130,
graduates, 1; 1879-80, matriculates, 155, graduates, 10; 1880-81,
matriculates, 183, graduates, 5 ; 1881-82, matriculates, 168, gradu-
ates, 3. Total for 16 years — Students, 2058 ; graduates, 40.
TITLED (GRADUATES.
1859 — S. C. Major, Jr., B. S., Fayette, Mo.
1861 — E. R. Barton, A. B., Colorado; O. M. Harrison, B. L.,
Glasgow, Mo. ; F. M. Hendrix, A. B., deceased ; R. F. Luckett, A.
B., St. Charles, Mo. ; Davis Rathbun, A. B., .
1872 — D. H. Eby, Ph. B., Hannibal, Mo.; J. T. Forest, Ph.
B., Fayette, Mo. ; J. R. A. Vaughan, A. B., St. Louis county, Mo.
1873 — J. P. Godbey, Ph. B., Bates county, Mo. ; J. A.Poage, A.
B., California; T. G. Mumpower, A. M., Fayette, Mo. ; J. R. A.
Vaughan, A. M., St. Louis, Mo.
1874 — W. O. Gray, Ph. B., Louisiana, Mo.
1875 — S. M. Godbey, A. M., Cooper county, Mo.; W. C.
Arline, Ph. B., Fayette, Mo.
1876 — C. B. Rush, A. M., Prescott, Arizona; R. J. Coleman,
A. B., Fayette, Mo.
1877 — R. H. Hamilton, Ph. B., Lebanon, Tenn. ; W. D. Van-
diver, Ph. B., Caledonia, Mo.
1878 — C. R. Forster, A. M., Fayette, Mo. ; Josiah Godbey, Jr.,
A. M., Cooper county, Mo.
1879 — R. H. Payne, A. M., St. Charles, Mo.
1880 — R. E. Ball, A. M., Carrollton, Mo. ; T. S. Dines, A. M.,
Brunswick, Mo. ; S. B. Ferrell, Ph. B., O'Fallon, Mo. ; W. F. Hen-
drix, Ph. B., Fayette, Mo. ; J. N. Holmes, Ph. B., Arrow Rock, Mo. ;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 195
J. D. Lindsay, A. M., Clinton, Mo. ; J. F. Linn, Ph. B., Pleasant
Hill, Mo.; J. G. Reynolds, Ph. B., Arrow Rock, Mo.; J. W.
Vaughan,Ph.B., St. Louis county, Mo. ; T.Ward, Jr., A. M., Fayette,
Mo.
1881— J. B. Finley, A. B., Weston, Texas; B. C. Hinde, A.
B., Fulton, Mo. ; W. H. Pritchett, A. M., Fayette, Mo. ; W. C. Scar-
ritt, A. M., Kansas City, Mo. ; G. M. Smiley, Ph. B., Smithton, Mo.
1882 — Hubert M. Harvey, Ph. B., Saline county, Mo. ; Thomas
Hundall Harvey, A. M., Saline county, Mo. ; Benjamin C. Hinde, A.
M., Fayette, Mo.
GRADUATES IN SCHOOLS 1882.
A. C. Miller, school of English; S. McHenry, school of physics
and astronomy; J. E. Squires, school of moral philosophy.
HONORARY DEGREES CONFERRED. D. D.
1881 — Professor ' Isaac S. Hopkins, A. M., Emory college,
Oxford, Ga.
1882 — Professor Wallace W. Duncan, A. M., Wofford college,
Spartansburg, S. C.
HOWARD FEMALE COLLEGE.
This splendid seminary for young ladies was chartered by the
Missouri Legislature in 1859, nearly twenty years ago, and is now
presided over by the Rev. Joseph H. Pritchett, assisted by an able
and experienced corps of teachers. It is a twin offshoot with Central
college from the old Howard high school, which was founded by
Wm. T. Luckey as early as 1845, and which for ten or fifteen years
made an enviable history among western institutions, being always
distinguished for its successful discipline and advanced curriculum.
Till the beginning of the civil war the college grew more prosper-
ous every year under the new dispensation, but like most other insti-
tutions belonging to the Southern Methodist church, it suffered very
greatly during the war — being despoiled of everything. The grounds
were left exposed, the building dilapidated ; and, worse than all, the
whole property was subjected to a heavy debt. Five years after the
war, the Rev. Moses U. Payne paid off the debt from his own private
purse and restored the property to the church on the condition that
the school should thereafter be conducted upon the manual labor plan.
In order to cany out this provision, Mrs. J. P. Fuller and Miss A. E.
196 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Cooper were chosen joint principals, who, with a competent corps 01
teachers, conducted the school three years. This plan being found
impracticable, Mr. Payne so modified his conditions as to consent that
the school should be conducted as the church should conclude best.
The school was, therefore, continued under the management of Miss
Cooper as sole principal from June, 1873, to June, 1874, when Prof.
E. H. Pitman, of St. Charles county, Mo., was induced to accept the
presidency. His labors began under very flattering auspices, bringing
to the school, as he did, a fine reputation as an experienced and suc-
cessful educator. Hopes were generally entertained that his presi-
dency would be permanent, as the school had already suffered much
at home and abroad from frequent changes.
Owing to bad health and other discouragements, however, Prof.
Pitman retired in 1876, and the Eev. Joseph H. Pritchett, was elected
president of the college. The selection was wisely and judiciously
made. There were many serious embarrassments attendant upon the
office, and none but a man of tireless energy and decided executive
ability could have brought order out of the chaos which prevailed.
This, the able and efficient head of the institution, supported by a
superior faculty, successfully did. The school more than realized the
expectations of its friends the first year of the new administration.
Its second year had been one of marked prosperity. There had been
more pupils in attendance, and the classes had been larger and better
organized than at any time since the suspension of the college during
the war.
The necessary steps have been taken and a good foundation laid
for securing a library, scientific apparatus and a museum. A reading
room has been provided, where the young ladies of the boarding
department may have access to the best standard and periodical liter-
ature of Europe and America.
Howard college justly claims to stand at the head of western
schools for the education of females — especially so in the extent of
its curriculum and the thoroughness of its instruction. It lays par-
ticular stress upon fundamentals and essentials in intellectual and
moral culture — nothing for mere show or parade. There are eight
teachers employed, and instruction is given in English literature,
higher mathematics, two ancient and two modern languages, mental
and physical science ; besides a primary school, and a school of art,
including music, painting, drawing, etc.
President Pritchett resigned in 1881, and the following year H. K.
Hinde became the president of the college. Dr. Hinde is doing all
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 197
he can to build up the school and make it more perfect in every
department.
The building, however, is out of repair and needs renovating in
order to make it look neat and attractive. It is a large four-story
brick, built in the shape of the letter "L," and is located near the
Central college, a little to the right and south, fronting southwest.
PRESENT FACULTY.
1882-83— H. K. Hinde, A. M., M. D., president, professor of
mental and moral philosophy ; Charles K. Forster, A. M., professor of
ancient and modern languages; B. C. Hinde, A. M., professor of
physical science ; Miss M. W. Ewin, teacher of mathematics ; Miss
Mary G. Williams, A. B., teacher of English language and literature ;
Miss Willie Hardison, principal of school of instrumental music ; Miss
Emma Mann, principal of school of vocal music ; Miss Annie E.
Howell, principal of school of painting and drawing ; Miss Emma D.
Jackson, principal of primary department ; Mrs. H. K. Hinde,
matron.
BOARD OF CURATORS.
Rev. B. F. Johnson, president ; T. A. Swinney, vice-president ;
John Herndon, secretary ; Rev. T. J. Gooch, Rev. Wm. Penn, Rev.
H. D. Groves, Rev. H. B. Watson, Rev. W. W. Jones, Rev. S. W.
Cope, Rev. J. Y. Blakey, Rev. M. U. Payne, Rev. J. H. Pritchett,
C. E. Givens, J. L. Morrison, J. T. Sears, John Marmaduke, W. H.
Nipper, A. C. Vandiver, Jacob Mortenson, Dr. H. K. Hinde.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Rev. B. F. Johnson, president; T. A. Swinney, vice-president;
John Herndon, Rev. Wm. Penn, C. E. Givens, W. H. Nipper, J. L.
Morrison, Jacob Mortenson.
VISITING COMMITTEE.
Appointed by the Missouri annual conference : Rev. T. J. Gooch,
Rev. J. A. Mumpower, R. E. Anderson.
FORMER PRESIDENTS.
Mrs. J. P. Fuller, Miss A. E. Cooper, associate principals,
1870-73; Miss A. E. Cooper, principal 1873-74 ; R. H. Pitman,
president, 1874-76 ; Rev. J. H. Pritchett, president, 1876-81.
198 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ALUMN-ffi.
1876. — Miss Katie Wright, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Emma
Fisher, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Daisy Herndon (Mrs. Davis),
M. E. L., Salisbury, Mo.
1879.— Miss F. A. Penn, A. M., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Ella Fisher,
A. M., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Annie Eoot (Mrs. Violet), A. M., Stur-
geon, Mo. ; Miss Minnie Connevey, A. M., Moberly, Mo.
1880. — Miss Bessie Morrison, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Dixie
Duncan (Mrs. Wills), M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Stella McKinney,
A. M., Fayette, Mo.
1881. — Miss Fannie Davis, M. E. L., Hannibal, Mo. ; Miss Willie
Cardwell, A. M., New Florence, Mo. ; Miss Rosa Fisher, A. M., Fay-
ette, Mo. ; Miss Fannie Prosser, A. M., Brunswick, Mo. ; Miss Min-
nie Morrison, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss India Swinney, M. E.
L., Fayette, Mo.
1882.— Miss Lillie Bryan, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Sallie
Denny, M. E. L., Fayette, Mo. ; Miss Jennie Houck, M. E. L., Fay-
ette, Mo. ; Miss Lulu McCafferty, M. E. L., Burton, Mo. ; Miss Min-
nie Morrison, A. M., Fayette, Mo.
OFFICERS OF ALUMNA SOCIETY.
Mrs. John Morrison, president ; Mrs. A. F. Davis, vice-president ;
Miss Emma Jackson, secretary ; Miss Katie Wright, treasurer.
PUBLIC SCHOOL AT FAYETTE.
Fayette has agood public school, under the management of A. F.
Willis, county commissioner. The school building is a brick struc-
ture, erected in 1871 ; it is two stories, and contains four rooms. The
teachers are: Prof. A. F. Willis, principal ; Miss Sudie Morrison, Miss
Evaline B. Willis Anderson, teacher in colored school. One hun-
dred and thirty-eight pupils now enrolled ; eighty in daily attendance.
There is also an excellent school for the colored people. Two hun-
dred and twenty-three white children are of school age in the district ;
one hundred and thirty colored children are of school age in the district.
The public schools of Fayette were opened in 1867, under the man-
agement of Thos. G. Deatherage, assisted by Miss Lou Forster.
FIRE.
Unlike many towns not even half so old, Fayette has been wonder-
fully exempt from fires, none of any consequence occurring until July
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 199
13th, 1882. We copy the following from the Howard County Adver-
tiser :
•< Fire ! Fire ! Fire ! Fayette is on fire ! "
This was the wild cry which startled the inhabitants of our usually
quiet city and tore them in rude haste from their peaceful slumbers at
about four o'clock on last Thursday morning, the 13th inst.
Leaping from their beds and donning the first articles of wearing
apparel that came to hand, they rushed almost with one accord, and
without regard to personal appearance, into the streets, and made their
way by the lurid glare of flames to the principal business block of
town, on second Main cross street, south of the court-house. Here a
sight met the gaze which struck terror to the hearts of the bravest
men. Great sheets of livid flame were bursting forth and darting
their fiery tongues heavenward from the rear of Norris & Knaus' fur-
niture establishment, situated about midway of the block. About
one-half of the block was composed of frame buildings, and the fire
spread with almost lightning-like rapidity, and in a few moments two-
thirds of the block was a rolling, surging, roaring mass of flames.
The scene simply beggars description — men, women and children
rushing hither and thither, carrying out goods, shouting, screaming,
and gesticulating ; the blaze throwing a weird, unearthly brightness
for miles around.
So intense was the heat, and so panic-stricken did the spectators
seem, that some time had elapsed before any well directed efforts
were made to check the devastating course of the devouring element.
At length the " bucket brigade ". was formed, and did valuable ser-
vice in throwing water on the roof and rear of the Tolson Hall build-
ing, by which means the flames were subdued, after eight business
houses had been completely consumed.
But a small portion of the contents of the buildings were saved.
The wildest excitement prevailed for some time, and in the effort to save
goods and effects they were hurled indiscriminately and promiscuously
into the streets. After the first panic had somewhat subsided, both men
and women, without regard to class or condition, went faithfully to
work to remove everything of value possible to places of safety.
Following are the estimated losses and the insurance, which are
believed to be very nearly correct : —
Wills & Nipper, groceries and queensware — goods partly saved
in damaged condition ; stock $3,000 ; insurance $1,500.
Wm. Barnes, barber, loss small ; no insurance.
J. S. Dickerson, saloon, loss $1,500; no insurance.
M. Skillman, saddlery and harness, stock partly saved, loss
$2,000 ; insurance $550.
Norris & Knaus, furniture, total loss $4,000; insurance $1,600.
1. N. Houk, Independent office, loss $2,000; no insurance.
C. J. Walden, Advertiser office, total loss $6,000; insurance
$1,500.
John Kuehn, saddlery and harness, loss $2,000 ; no insurance,
stock partly saved.
200
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Henry Rose, boots and shoes, hats and caps ; goods mostly
saved ; loss $1,000 ; insurance $1,000.
John C. Graves, loss on saloon $3,000 ; insurance $1,825.
The following losses are from moving goods, which were damaged
to an unusual extent and much rendered entirely useless : —
L. S. Prosser, dry goods and notions ; stock $25,000 ; damage
by removal, $1,000 ; insurance $10,000.
Dudgeon & Swetland, druggists, stock $6,000 ; insurance $4,000 ;
damaged by removal $1,500.
Boyd & Shafroth ; stock $6,000 ; insurance $2,500 ; damaged by
removal.
J. H, Robertson, damage to law library, by water, $150.
" Spot " Jones lost about $300 worth of carpenter tools and mate-
rials, which were in his shop over Wills & Nipper's ; no insurance.
William Robertson lost about $300 worth of household goods,
which were stored in the rear of Dickerson's saloon.
The losses on buildings are : —
William Shafroth, one large double brick store house, $8,000;
insurance $4,000 ; and on two two-story frame business houses, total
loss of $4,000 ; no insurance.
Jordan Collar, two one-story frame houses ; value $3,000 ; insur-
ance $800.
Dan Kelly, frame house, total loss, $1,200. No insurance.
B. R. Patrick, two-story frame house, total loss, $2,500. No in-
surance.
J. D. Tolson, damage to store rooms and hall, $1,500.
The entire loss is estimated at $50,000, of which $15,820 are cov-
ered by insurance in companies, as follows :
German-American .....
$1,750 00
Springfield Fire, Mass. ....
400 00
Queen, of Liverpool .....
700 00
Ins. Co. of North America ....
1,700 00
JEtna, of Hartford .....
2,000 00
Fire Association .....
2,300 00
Home, of New York .....
2,300 00
Phoenix, of Hartford . ....
1,170 00
Pennsylvania Fire . .
3,500 00
AFTER THE FIRE.
By eight o'clock the fire was under control, and while some of the
people, weary, dirty, smoke begrimed, with clothes torn and dishev-
elled and hearts made sore by the terrible catastrophe, returned to
their homes to breakfast and gather their bewildered thoughts, others
remained on the scene to guard the property from pillagers and make
arrangements for its disposal.
The stocks of Messrs. Dudgeon & Swetland and Boyd & Shafroth
were returned to their rooms.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 201
L. S. Prosser's stock is temporarily stored in one of Tolson's new
rooms on First Main street, where he will remain until his former
stand is refitted.
H. Rose is located in the same building, where he will probably
remain permanently.
M. L. Skillman can be found in the room two doors south of the
post-office.
The small remnant of Wills & Nipper's stock is stored in Mrs.
Rich's building north of the court-house.
Kuehn's stock was removed to the room four doors north of the
post-office.
Wm . Barnes may be found on First Main street, two doors be-
low Mr. Prosser. He will be back to the old stand as soon as build-
ing can be erected.
Before the ground in the burned district had become cool, Messrs.
Dickerson and Graves had their forces at work erecting temporary
wooden structures, in which to do business until more substantial
buildings can be built.
E. C. Stowe, photographer, with his usual characteristic enter-
prise, managed to secure three excellent views of the smoking ruins,
of which he is having an immense sale.
INCIDENTS OF THE FIRE DEEDS HEROIC, WISE AND OTHERWISE.
To Miss Hattie King belongs the honor of having given the first
alarm. And bravely did she earn it. She was awakened by the light
from the fire shining in at her window, and hastily arising, she
snatched up a linen duster and drawing it about her as she went, ran
into the street screaming "fire!" and with wonderful presence of
mind made her way to the scales near the court-house, and seizing the
scale bell began a vigorous ringing that soon brought the startled peo-
ple to the scene.
The ladies deserve great credit for the part they took in the
morning's work. Their flashing eyes and encouraging voices urged
the men to strain every nerve to check the raging fire fiend, and their
hands did noble service in the work of saving.
J. M. Coller sustained his reputation as a hero in cases of emer-
gency, and to him, perhaps, more than any other man, are we indebted
for tne saving of the remainder of the block, and much more valuable
property. By almost superhuman effort, and at imminent risk of
his life, he ascended to the roof of Tolson's building, where by the
aid of other brave and willing hands water was brought, and the fur-
ther spread of the fire prevented.
James Tindall (colored) performed a rash and rather foolhardy
act of bravado. Rushing into Graves' saloon while the walls were
tottering on their foundations, he seized the large clock and carried it
out, reaching the street just as the walls fell with a crash, missing
him but a short distance.
'202 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
While many of the better class of colored people rendered good
assistance, a number of proverbially worthless ones stood about and
absolutely refused to make any effort, either to check the fire or save
property. No words of condemnation are too severe for any man, be
he who or what he may, who will stand idly by and see his neighbor's
property destroyed, without making some attempt at rescue.
Fortunately no lives were lost, and the personal injuries sus-
tained by any one were very slight.
Harry Bumstead had his right hand burned and shoulder bruised
by being crowded against a hot brick wall while removing goods.
Mr. W. A. Dudgeon received a bruise on the arm while helping
to carry a soda fountain.
Major M. A. Boyd sprained an ankle while tearing down a stair-
way in the rear of the Fayette bank, and was the worst hurt of any
one.
POSTMASTERS.
Fayette post-office, with the date of appointment of postmasters.
Established May 22, 1824 : —
May 22, 1824, L. J. Daly.
January 13, 1840, B. F. Jeter.
March 26, 1841, William Taylor.
February 20, 1841, Nathaniel Ford.
March 26, 184-, William Payton.
April 9, 1850, Henry W. Kring.
April 17, 1851,- W. T. Mallory.
October 20, 1863, M. A. Mallory.
October 25, 1865, Miss Alice Gardenhire.
September 9, 1867, William A. Dudgeon.
December 23, 1874, James F. Agee.
BUSINESS HOUSES OF FAYETTE.
7 Attorneys. 2 Real estate dealers.
6 Physicians. 2 Shoemakers.
1 Dentist. 6 Saloons.
3 Druggists. 1 Restaurant.
5 Dry good stores. 1 Flour mill.
2 Banks. 1 Saw mill.
4 Hardware houses. 1 Photographer.
2 Agricultural and implement 3 Blacksmiths and wagon-mak-
dealers. ers.
2 Hotels. 2 Furniture dealers.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEE COUNTIES.
203
2 Livery stables.
2 Harness makers.
2 Jewelers.
2 Lumber merchants.
1 Tailor.
2 Meat markets.
2 Grain dealers.
1 Tobacco house.
2 Insurance agents.
Depot of Missouri Kansas and
Texas railroad.
Express office.
2 Millinery stores.
CHAPTEE IX.
CHARITON TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlements — Glasgow — Its Early History — First
Churches and Ministers — Town Incorporated — City Officials — Growth and Busi-
ness—Banks and Bankers— Railroad Bridge, Telegraph, and Telephone — The Ad-
dress of W. Pope Teaman, D. D. — Salt, Sulphur, and Mineral Springs —Palmer
House — Stockholders — Description of the Building — Palmer House Opening — Secre4
Societies — Early Schools — Pritchett School Institute — Morriion Observatory-
Lewis College — Public School — Lewis Library — Present Business of Glasgow —
Postmasters.
BOUNDARY.
The territorial limits of Chariton township have not been changed
since the creation of the same by the county court, in 1821. It is in
form something like a triangle, and contains about seventy square
miles. It is bounded on the north by Chariton and Randolph coun-
ties ; on the east by Prairie and Richmond townships ; on the south
by Boone's Lick township, and on the west by Saline and Chariton
counties, being separated from Saline county by the Missouri river.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The land away from the river is generally high and rolling, and
was originally covered with a dense forest, the greater portion of which
has been cut to make room for the well cultivated farms which are
now seen in every portion of the township. A number of limestone
quarries have been opened and worked by the local trade. Rock is,
however, found in many parts of the township.
Among the streams are Doxey, Bear, Richland, and Hurricane
creeks, all of which flow westwardly and empty into the Missouri
river or one of its tributaries.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Among the early settlers of Chariton township, were Thomas M.
Cockerill, who located about two miles east of Glasgow. He after-
wards became a resident of Glasgow. He died about the breaking
out of the late war. H. Clay Cockerill, the present editor of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 205
Glasgow Journal, is a son of his. He had another son and two
daughters, who are still living.
Stephen Donohoe located two miles east of Glasgow, and died
before the war. He left a family, but none of his children are now
living in Howard county.
Henry Lewis came from Virginia at an early day and settled also
in the township. He was an uncle of Major J. W. Lewis, and died
before the war.
John Wilhoit and Talton Turner were early settlers, and are re-
membered to this day as being the only two "Whigs who voted that
ticket for years in the township.
Edmond Lewis, Wm. D. Swinney, James Earickson, Daniel
Estill, James B. Bouldin, Horton E. Barton and John Bull, were all
among the pioneers of Chariton township, and all emigrated from Vir-
ginia. Horton R. Turner now resides in Linn county, Missouri.
John Bull was at an early period a representative in congress. Pat-
rick Woods was an early settler. So was Austin F. Walden, who was
at one time a judge of the county court. William Warren was the
first justice of the peace in the township.
GLASGOW.
Glasgow owed its early existence to two facts : the healthfulness of
its location and the superior advantages that would accrue to that
location as a future trading point. Other towns had been founded
near it, one of which (old Chariton) had attained considerable impor-
tance, and at one time contained from one to two thousand inhabitants,
but after surviving a number of years, the site was finally abandoned,
on account of the malaria and other diseases, which annually proved
to be unusually malignant and fatal. Old Chariton was laid out in
1817, by Gen. Duff Green (who has since been noted in the history
of Missouri as one of her shrewdest politicians), Thomas Joyce and
Major Finley, near the mouth of the Chariton river, two miles north
of the present city of Glasgow. The town grew so rapidly, and prom-
ised so much for the future, that William Cabeen, one of the pioneers
of the place, actually exchanged his lots in St. Louis, for an equal
number of lots in Chariton.
Chariton being regarded in 1829, as too unhealthful to live in, the
town of Monticello was then located, one mile to the rear of it, on high
land. In 1832, another town was started on a point projecting into
the Missouri river, at the mouth of the Chariton, which was called
Thorntonsburg. This name, however, not suiting the citizens of the
15
206 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
place, many of whom, had emigrated from Kentucky, they determined
to change it, and finally bestowed upon the bantling for commercial
honors, the more euphonious, albeit longer appellative, Louisville-on-
Missouri-river .
We have often heard it remarked, that too much name was not
only burdensome, but at times proved fatal to its owner. Whether
the name in this instance had any effect upon the aspirations of the
town, we cannot say, but it is a fact that Louisville-on- Missouri-river,
together with its predecessors, Monticello, Thorntonsburg and Chari-
ton, have long since been numbered with the things of the past.
None of the above situations being just what was desired, upon
which to rear a permanent town or city, they were all abandoned, and
the present town site of Glasgow was selected, as possessing all the
requisites necessary for such an enterprise. Accordingly, in the fall
of 1836, the town was laid out originally on parts of sections 8, 9,
16, 17, township 51, range 17, by William D. Swinney, James
Earickson, Talton Turner, John F. Nichols, W. F. Dunnica, James
Glasgow, T. N. Cockerill, Kichard Earickson, Joseph A. Blackwell,
Thomas White, James Head, Stephen Donohoe, John Bull, C. D.
W. Johnson, Benj. G. Pulliam and Wm. J. Moore. The proprietors
of the land from whom the town site was purchased, were Talton
Turner and James Earickson. The name Glasgow was given in honor
of James Glasgow, above named, who was one of the early settlers of
Chariton and who afterwards moved to St. Louis, where he died.
The first sale of lots occurred on the 10th of September, 1830,
the land still being covered with the native forest trees. One hun-
dred lots, one sixth of the whole number, were offered for sale, &nd
these were selected with a view to an equal distribution of the lots sold
and reserved, in the more desirable or less desirable portion of the
town.
The pioneer business man of the place was a Mr. Walker, who
erected the typical log cabin on the spot where the blacksmith shop
of James Davis now stands, and opposite to the Palmer house. Here
he opened a small stock of goods, and his prime articles of trade were
whiskey and tobacco, the former being the matutinal drink of the old
settler, and the latter his chief article of luxury.
The next building was that of Charles Purdon, which was erected
on the corner of Howard and Second streets. It was designed as a
residence and chair factory, Mr. Purdon being a chair-maker. This
building, which was also constructed of logs, was destroyed by fire
during the late war. Many of the old settlers still have Purdon's
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 207
chairs, and prize them highly for the solid comfort they afford as
well as for their durability. The earliest " village blacksmith " was
Green W. Pluuket, who came from Kentucky. The old citizens who
now reside here, remember the roar of his furnace and the din of his
sounding anvil, as he "sharpened" the plow, or shod the horse.
Plunket is dead. Noah Swacker, who was, however, a contemporary
of Plunket, still resides in Glasgow.
The first store and warehouse combined was opened by W. J.
Moore & Co. Then came Dr. John Bull, Joseph A. Black-
well, Dnnnica & Barton, Mann & Ball, B. W. Lewis & Bros.,
Lewis, Nanson & Co., Bartholow, Lewis & Co., John D. Perry,
Damran Bros. & Co., William Spear & Co., White & Earickson,
H. W. Smith, Skinner & Price, and a number of others, some of
whom are now dead, while others reside elsewhere ; a very few still
remain in Glasgow. The first horse-mill and carding machine was
operated by E. Fisher. Mr. Fisher had the honor also of supplying
the town and travelling public with the first steam ferry boat, which
was named " Clark H. Green," after the editor of the Glasgow Times,
one of the early newspapers of the town. Mr. Fisher is still a citizen
of Glasgow. The first physician was Dr. James Livingston, who
went to Grundy county, Missouri. Dr. I. P. Vaughan, was
also among the first physicians in the town, and has since
remained here, excepting a short period of time spent in St.
Louis. He now resides in Glasgow, and is still devoted to his
profession, in which he has achieved much prominence and
success. Among the pioneer attorneys, were James A. De Courcy
and Thomas Shackelford. The former came in 1842, and edited a
newspaper called the Pilot. Mr. Shackelford came in 1840, from
Saline county, Missouri, where he was born, but did not begin the
practice of law until a few years later. He has constantly resided in
the town and has been one of its most prominent and successful
citizens.
Emerson & Thornton (after the latter the old town of Thorntons-
burg was called) established the first ferry here. Samuel Steinmetz,
was the original shoemaker of the place, and attended faithfully to the
soles of his patrons for many years. Jesse Arnott ran the first livery-
stable, Christian Matthews the first butcher shop, and Dr. Thomas
M. Cockerill opened the first drug store. Oliver S. Coleman was the
first tailor to exercise his trade in town. Under him worked Jos. G.
Williams, who has continued to live in Glasgow since 1837. The first
hotel-keeper, was Thomas McCoy, who was also a tailor His house was
208 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
located on Commerce, between Second and Third streets, north side,
and is now standing. Walter G. Childs was the first man who met
his death by violence. He was a Virginian, and was also the pro-
prietor of a hotel. Soon after he opened his house, one of the citizens
of the town happened to be intoxicated, and while in front of the hotel
became quite noisy. Childs politely requested him to go away. The
man immediately left, but returned again, soon after procuring a large
knife, and stepped up to Childs, who was standing near the door of
his house, and without uttering a word of warning plunged it into his
breast, killing him. The murderer started in the direction of the river,
pursued by a few outraged citizens who had seen the bloody deed, and
leaped into the water. The parties began to pelt him with rocks,
sticks and other things that they could get hold of, until he was finally
struck on the head with a chair hurled at him from the bank. After
this he sank and was seen no more. Louis Robion opened the first
saloon. John F. Nichols started the first tobacco manufacturing
establishment.
Glasgow possessed at an early date ( 1837) very good mail facilities
for a remote and distant town from St. Louis. A tri-weekly stage
was put on the route between the town and St. Louis. The stage
was large enough to carry nine persons, and the fare was $10 to St.
Louis.
W. F. Dunnica, now an old and respected resident of Glasgow, got
aboard of the stage soon after the line had been established, bound
for St. Louis, but after going about twenty miles the stage broke
down. He, with others, " footed " it to Columbia, went to the river,
bought a skiff, and continued their journey to St. Louis, where they
arrived in good time.
FIRST CHURCHES AND MINISTERS.
The first religious denomination to bear aloft the banner of peace
in Glasgow was the Methodist. Rev. Thomas Patton and Rev. Ben-
jamin Johnson, the circuit riders for this district, held services here
prior to 1840, and met at the houses of some of the citizens. Mr.
Patton is dead, and Mr. Johnson went to California. Rev. Charles
D. Simpson, Old School Presbyterian, held religious services soon
after. He was, as stated elsewhere, among the early school teachers.
He died in St. Louis. The first church edifice was erected by the
Methodists, on Fourth and Commerce streets (lot 1, block 27), frame
building, and is still standing and used as a boarding-house. The
Old School Presbyterians built the next church in 1843.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 209
TOWN INCORPORATED.
The first government of the town was derived from the county
court, the immediate governing or corrective power being in the hands
of a constable and justice of the peace. On the 27th of February,
1845,- the legislature passed "An act incorporating the city of Glas-
gow," which act established the city limits, provided for the election
of officers, and defined their powers and duties.
In 1853, an amendatory act was passed, extending the corporate
limits as follows : "Beginning at the main channel of the Missouri
river, opposite Gregg's creek ; proceeding thence up said creek one
mile ; thence due north to Bear creek ; thence down Bear creek to
the main channel of the Missouri river ; thence down said channel of
the Missouri river to the place of beeinnino-."
The city government was organized by the election of H. W. Smith
as mayor, and R. P. Hanenkamp, Jacob Zimmerman, Dr. I. P.
Vaughan, James S. Thomson, George B. Dameron, E. Billingsley,
and Jesse Arnott, council. James S. Thomson was chosen president
of the board, and Rev. C. D. Simpson, secretary.
The present officers of the city government are : A. B. Southworth,
mayor ; N. B. Weaver, C. H. Lewis, James Fitzpatrick, H. Stackland,
John W. Baker and Simeon Openhimer, councilmen. R. H. Nanson,
marshal; H. C. Grove, clerk; M. Leahman, treasurer; and J. J.
Hawkins, city attorney.
GROWTH AND BUSINESS.
The town continued to grow in business and importance until the
North Missouri railroad was constructed, twenty-seven miles north,
thereby cutting off much of the trade, which had come from that direc-
tion to Glasgow, for many years.
The next blow was the building and completion of the west branch
of the Wabash, which also took away much of the business of the
town. For many years Glasgow was the shipping point for a great
section of country, and was also a market to the farmers, who sold to
the merchants their tobacco, pork, apples, etc. After building the
railroads above named, the produce and surplus of the farmers along
the lines of these roads found a better market, as they thought, in
Chicago and St. Louis, and, consequently, withdrew their business
from Glasgow.
210
HISTOKr OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Since the coming of the Chicago and Alton railroad to the town,
Glasgow has bravely maintained its own, and has a population of
about 1,800 souls. The schools (Lewis college and Pritchett school in-
stitute) are located here (a full history of which is given in this chap-
ter), and add much to the business as well as to the educational and
literary interests of the place.
The following will show something of the business and improve-
ments of the town from 1849 to 1857 : —
The improvements made in the town in 1849, were as follows:
The Glasgow female seminary and Odd Fellows' hall, at a cost of
$3,600. A large brick hotel erected by Turner and Earickson, at a cost
of $7,000, on the corner of Howard and Water streets. Captain
John F. Nichols erected a two-story brick warehouse. Johu Harrison
commenced the erection of a large brick flouring mill.
The amount of business for that year was as follows : —
Tobacco, hogheads shipped, 5,230.
Hemp, bales, 3,577.
Bacon, casks, 118.
Bale, rope, coils. 1,250.
Lard, barrels, 259.
Lard, kegs, 320.
Green apples, barrels, 4,471.
Dry apples, bushels, 4,089.
Wheat, bushels. 21,670.
Dry hides, 953.
Pork, barrels, 450.
STEAMBOATS.
The following will show the superior facilities for river transpor-
tion in 1850, over the present time: —
Port of Glasgow — Came up.
Sacramento, April 19.
St. Paul, April 19.
Lightfoot, April 21.
Monroe, April 21.
J. L. McLean, April 21.
Went down.
Gen. La.ne, April 22.
Minnesota, April 22.
El Paso, April 22.
Pocahontas, April 23.
Tuscumbia, April 25.
Mary Blane, April 18.
Haydee, April 20.
Jas. Mil linger, April 20.
Hungarian, April 20.
St. Ange, April 21.
Princeton, April 21.
Alton, April 22.
Cambria, April 22.
Robert Campbell, April 22.
Gen. Lane, April 23.
NePlus Ultra, April 23.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 211
The population of Glasgow in November, 1852, was 800 ;includ-
ing North Glasgow, 1,000.
Population in 1856, Glasgow, 967.
Population in 1856, Fayette, 706.
Population in 1856, New Franklin, 221.
Population in 1856, Roanoke, 128.
The Central Missouri Insurance Company of Glasgow was incor-
porated in 1857.
BANKS AND BANKERS.
The, first bauking house was a private institution, operated by
Weston F. Birch & Son, from 1854 to 1859. During the latter
year, the Western bank of Missouri was organized ; its principal
stockholders were Wm. D. Swinney, Weston F. Birch, James T.
Birch, Thomas E. Birch and George W. Ward.
The second bank was the Exchange bank, which was established
in 1857, with W. C. Boon, DabneyC. Garth, Talton Turner, Richard
Earickson, Benj. W. Lewis and others as stockholders.
Thomson & Dunnica succeeded the Exchange bank in 1863.
Birch, Earickson & Co. started a bank in 1865. Glasgow Savings
bank was established in 1871 ; capital $75,000. Directors : G. W. More-
head, Thos. Shackelford, J. H. Turner, Jr., J. W. Southworth, Sydney
Shackelford, Geo. B. Harrison, Thos. E. Birch. Thos. Shackelford,
president ; Thomas E. Birch, cashier ; George B. Harrison, assistant
cashier.
Howard county bank succeeded Thomson & Dunnica in 1877.
Capital, $35,000. J. S. Thomson, president; Joseph Stettmund,
vice-president; J. P. Cunningham, cashier; A. W.Hutchinson, book-
keeper; J. H. Wayland, secretary. Board of directors: J. S.
Thomson, J. P. Cunningham, J. H. Wayland, R. W. Swinney, Joseph
Stettmund, Monte Lehman.
RAILROAD BRIDGE, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE.
Glasgow is the terminal point of the great Wabash system of
railroads. The Chicago and Alton railroad crosses the river at this
point, the company building a bridge in 1878, which cost about
$500,000.
The Western Union and Mutual Union telegraph companies, are
represented. The town will be supplied with telephonic facilities
soon, connecting the pi'incipal business houses, the hotels and springs.
212 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ADDRESS OF W. POPE YEAMAN, D. D.
When the railroad bridge at Glasgow was completed, about 7,000
persons met in a grove below the town, to celebrate the event in an
appropriate manner, by speech-making, a dinner, and general rejoic-
ing. The chief feature of that occasion, was the eloquent and happy
address of Dr. Yeaman, which we here give in full: —
Ladies, Gentlemen — Fellow-citizens: To me has been assigned
the pleasant duty of giving you a welcome to this interesting occa-
sion. In behalf of those to whom we and the wide world are in-
debted for this magnificent enterprise, the completion of which we
celebrate to-day, I welcome all. In behalf of the citizens of the old
and cultured town of Glasgow, I welcome you. To the smiling hills,
generous fields, bowing forests and hospitable homes of Howard
county, you who are visitors are thrice welcome.
I have said we welcome you to this interesting occasion. This is
truly an occasion of rare interest. We have not met as partisans to
celebrate the temporary triumph of a part of the people over another
part ; not to do homage to the valor and success of some standard
bearer ; not to wreath with laurels the brow of some personal favor-
ite ; nor for any purpose other than one in which all persons of all
sections and all parties may and do have a real and practical interest.
A great achievement in science and art has been made, and a won-
derful advance step in higher civilization has been taken.
The ever westward course of empire, in its irresistible onwardness,
has chosen our central state of the Union, our own longest river of the
continent, and our own classic town of Glasgow, as the theatre for the
enactment of the greatest performance of the greatest science of a
progressive age. I do not exaggerate. I do not use strong terms
simply because they are most convenient for speech-making. I
mean what I say. A great steel bridge, spanning a great river for
railroad crossing, is an achievement in the science of civil engineer-
ing and the art of construction, that marks the progress of thought
and_ learning, and surely indicates that steady development of mind
and wise utilization of matter, upon which is dependent the victories
for which man is so eminently suited by his God-like endowments.
The adaptation of the tangible results of mind-work to the promotion
of man to the higher phases and planes of progressive life, is an
essential factor in the forces of true improvement.
The means and facilities for safe and rapid transit of persons and
commercial commodities, are high in rank with those conditions of
life which we seek to sum up and express in a single word — civiliza-
tion. Prominent among these means and facilities is the structure
familiarly known as a bridge. Next in the march of progress, after
the improved road, came the bridge. The necessity for this structure
must have been felt at a very early period in the history of civilized
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 213
nations, but it was not until a comparatively late one that the art of
bridge building can be said to have assumed any very definite charac-
ter. From Greek histoi'ians we learn of bridges built by Semiramus,
Darius, Xerxes, Pyrrhus and others. But it would appear that the
style of these structures was rude and unscientific. It consisted sim-
ply in the erection of piers, upon the tops of which were laid hori-
zontal beams of timber or large flat stones. During the monarchy
and the early days of the republic of Rome, bridge building remained
in this primitive condition ; yet the arch was essentially a Roman in-
vention, and it was not until after their civilization had distinctly
developed itself that the art of bridge building could be said to have
existence on anything like a scientific basis. It is not improbable that
the first stone bridge of large span was the Pons 8enatorius, or
Senator's bridge, built by Caius Flavius Scipio. From this time on,
during the days of the glory of Rome, this important physical ex-
pression of civilization made steady improvements, subject to the
hindrances interposed by the civil and military vicissitudes of the
republic. Some of the Roman structures were remarkable for their
imposing effect and substantial work, and evinced a skill in engineering
that still challenges admiration. The principal material used in afi
of the great bridges of the ancients was stone, and this was the prin-
cipal material used by the scientific corps of the Ponts et Chaussees
of France, under whose skilful engineering; the beautiful bridges of
Blois, Orleans, Tours, Mohlins and others were designed and built
in the eighteenth century.
But it was not until about the year 1775, that cast iron was used
among the ordinary building material of bridges ; this was by Mr.
Pritchard, of Shrewsbury, England, in the erection of Coalbrookdale
bridge, and thus was laid the foundation of anew and valuable style of
construction. Mr. Pritchard' s example was followed by Thos. Wil-
son, at Sunderland, 1795, and shortly afterwards cast iron was
largely applied by Telford and his contemporaries.
It is to the present century that the world is indebted for the
highest attainments of science and art in meeting the demands created
by the wonderful progress of civilization, promoted by the application
of steam to railway locomotion, for bridges that combine all the
elements of safety, durability and rapidity of construction ; and to
our own land may the world turn for the highest exhibitions of learn-
ing and skill in this department of public works.
Great bridges are not built by novices. There is no department
- that requires greater or more skilled brain work. We cease to look
to the fascinations of poetry, the charms of eloquence, or the wisdom
of the forum, for the exhibitions of the power of close and systematic
thought. It is to great works of the present day like that which we
celebrate, to which we turn as the practical utilitarian monuments of
true greatness. Poetry, eloquence, law and government, are factors
of civilization, but not its highest forms. The discovery and practical
application of hidden forces to the real and actual demands of a
214 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ceaselessly progressive life, is a step far in advance of those original
elements of improved society, yet all are necessary to the complete
entirety.
If we would appreciate the soundness of this superiority of men-
tal achievement, let us contemplate, for a moment, some of the points
to be settled in designing a bridge. And first, it must be known
what is the water-way absolutely required by the most unfavorable
circumstances of the particular case. This space, as to its dimensions,
will depend upon several conditions : the area of the district contri-
buting to the stream ; the quantity and condition of its rainfall ; the
configuration and the geological character of the water-shed, the
drainage of which must be passed under the bridge. Again, the form
to be given to the piers and arches is not merely a matter of taste.
Here, close calculation must be made of the extent and peculiar
direction of water pressure ; also of the artificial weight, which, under
the most urgent demand, may be brought to bear upon the structure,
and then the properties, susceptibilities, capabilities and liabilities of
the material which it is proposed to use in the construction ; these
and many other minute and equally important points must be studi-
ously and cautiously settled.
But I now come to apply my hurried thoughts to the grand struc-
ture whose proportions of wonder and beauty are before us to-day.
Behold the first large steel bridge ever erected in the world ! To
the enterprise and public spirit of such minds as those who manage
the affairs of the Chicago and Alton railroad company, is the world
indebted for this brilliant achievement. To the learning and skill of
General Wm. Sooy Smith is the company and the public indebted
for the conception, suggestion, prosecution and completion of the
work.
It is true that steel has entered, more or less, into the construc-
tion of bridges for many years ; but until a very recent date it was used
only in the parts exposed to the greatest strain. But up to the time
that the Glasgow bridge was designed, no engineer had been so bold
ns to plan any great bridge entirely of steel. Indeed, previous to that
time there was no steel which possessed all of the requisites of a first-
class bridge material. There was steel much stronger than any other
metal, but it was brittle at low temperatures. The^miuds of engineers
throughout the world were eagerly looking out for a steel, the compo-
sitions of which united the necessary toughness at all temperatures
with extraordinary strength. Not until the scientific experiments of
an American and a Western man, Mr. A.F. Hay, of Burlington, Iowa, •
resulted favorably, was the long-sought boon found. "When this steel
was produced, it was subjected to the most careful tests, and was found
to be capable of being bent double without crack or flaw when reduced
to the lowest temperature attainable by freezing chemical combina-
tions. These tests and experiments were made by General Smith, who
recommended it for bridge building purposes ; his suggestions were
approved and adopted by Mr. Blackstone, president of the Chicago,
HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 215
Altonand St. Louis railroad company, who is himself a civil engineer of
eminent ability, as well as an executive officer of distinguished suc-
cess.
There is a little incident in the history of the bridge before us, of
which Americans may be justly proud. During the national centen-
nial exposition, General Smith met the celebrated English engineer,
Mr. Barlow, and, in a conversation on the subject of steel bridges,
banteringly said to him : " Look out, Mr. Barlow, or we will build a
great steel bridge in America before you will in Europe." It was but
a few days ago that the general had a letter from Mr. Barlow, asking
as to the " progress on the proposed steel bridge at Glasgow." Com-
mendable was the proud gratification that must have swelled the gen-
eral's heart in answering back, " Trains are crossing it." (Here the
speaker was interrupted by prolonged applause.)
We feel kindly toward the government and people of her British
majesty ; yet how can we refrain from a little exultation at the con-
stantly recurring evidences of America's more rapid progress? (Ap-
plause.)
The two or three very small and comparatively unimportant steel
bridges that hav ebeen built in Europe, still leave the Glasgow bridge
the only great structure of the kind in the world.
Since the designing of this bridge, a small steel bridge, built at
the suggestion of General Smith, has been completed in Chicago.
But, my hearers, let us go down from the superstructure, let us
leave these thousands of tons of steel, these marvellous adjustments and
curious combinations of force, and we will look at the basal structure.
Those piers excite our admiration as we behold the beauty of their
symmetry, and wonder at the gracefulness of their forms, as they
stand upholding the elegant superstructure, with its passing burdens
of wealth and thousands of living souls, in seeming consciousness of
their great mission.
Those graceful columns see safely across the great river uncouuted
millions of the treasures from the hands of industry, and the hopes
and the fears, the joys and griefs, the ambitions and disappointments
of many thousands of our fellow-mortals. Long after the youngest
person in this vast concourse of souls has stepped from the stage of
life's varied drama, will those piers bear up and see safely over our
unborn descendants. As sentinels, too, they stand reminding us that
the works of man endure more than the workman, and silently say to
us, lay broad and secure your foundations.
Well, we must go under the water. Those piers rest not upon
the sandy, muddy bed of the river. Down through the sand and mud
and debris to the bed-rock, men went excavating and taking up the
bed of the river here and there, that each pier might have a safe foot-
hold upon the foundations of the earth. The process known as the
"pneumatic,", of securing subaquatic foundations, is au invention of
an English physician, Dr. Potts, made more than a quarter of a century
ago, and introduced into this country by Chas. Pontz, about the year
1857, for bridging the great Pedee and the Santee rivers.
216 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
The wonder of this species of engineering is the pneumatic
caisson, by which foundations are built above the surface of the water,
and let down to the bed-rock that supports the bed of the river. The
first of these scientific wonders was designed by General Smith,
the engineer of the structure before us. This he proposed to sink for
the foundation of a light-house on Frying-pan shoals, but the war in-
terrupted and the work was not accomplished. After the war was
ended and the people had returned to the arts of peace, the general
designed and sunk the first pneumatic caisson ever built. This was
used for putting in a sea-wall protection for the Waugoshance light-
house in the straits of Mackinac. It surrounded the entire light-
house, which stands two and a half miles from shore, and is regarded
as one of the boldest and most successful feats in American engineer-
ing. (Applause.)
Quickly following this almost marvelous achievement, were the
foundations of the New York and Brooklyn suspension bridge, and
of the- great railroad and commonway bridge of St. Louis. Mean-
while, substructures of the Omaha, Leavenworth and Boonville
bridges were put in, under the supervision of the same master, by
the same process. Many other important bridges, both in this country
and abroad, were constructed upon piers founded in this way. The
pneumatic process has undergone much improvement and develop-
ment since its invention by Dr. Potts, and most of the appliances
used in putting in the foundations of our bridge, are the inventions of
the engineer who built it.
But now we must come up' out of the water. The work is com-
plete before us. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Beauty is here
combined with strength, durability and utility. Such combinations
awaken admiration and inspire confidence.
The metal of which our bridge is composed, has double the
strength of the very best wrought iron ; it stretches as much before
breaking, expands and contracts less with change of temperature,
corrodes less rapidly, does not weaken under heavy strains, and is far
more uniform in quality.
All the parts of that magnificent structure subject to tension
have been tested fifty per cent beyond the heaviest load they will
ever have to bear, and it is estimated that the margin of its safety is
fifty per cent greater than in the iron bridges of its class in this
country.
We thank Gen. Smith ; we thank Mr. Blackstone ; we thank the
Chicago, Alton and St. Louis railroad company, for this contribution
to the future development of a great state. The western division of the
Chicago and Alton railroad is the best built and best equipped railroad
in this mighty west. It runs through the heart of the best State of
the union. The counties of Pike, Audrain, Boone, Howard, Saline,
Lafayette and Jackson, combine all the resources of wealth of which
any country can boast, and they are peopled by men and women who,
for true patriotism, noble generosity and genuine hospitality, are not
surpassed by the noblest of the noble.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 217
It is an honor to any corporation to own and use property in such
a country and among such a people. We welcome the corporation
and we wish it success. And General Smith, whose sojourn in Glas-
gow has been a pleasure to our people, will at all times receive that
hearty welcome merited by genius, culture and enterprise.
Fellow-citizens : As the two great geographical divisions of our
state are at many points united by strong and beautiful spans on
great arches, so may the two great sections of the union, linked by
steel and iron bars, and rails and wires, be more firmly bound by the
strong chords of fraternal spirit, national love and a proper regard
for national honor ! (Applause.)
We must bridge a great chasm with a great moral and social
structure. The substructure must be laid deep in the hearts of the
people on both sides ; the piers must be built of patriotism and con-
nected by arches of wisdom, and these must support a track for the
car of a common humanity. Such a bridge cannot be built by de-
magogues— no seekers after public plunder need apply. We want
engineers skilled in the affairs of state. We must have workmen
inspired by the noble enthusiasm of true national love and pride. We
want and must have a common country bound together by the chords
of common interest and fraternity, and he who seeks to rekindle the
flames of sectional animosity must be anathematized as a miscreant
and traitor, and be to the people as a heathen and a publican.
Such a bridge must and will be built, of which we take the one
before us as a physical expression ; and he who seeks to combine a
solid section of the union against a solid section, will meet his
merited doom at the verdict of an intelligent citizenship, ever de-
manding unity of spirit in organic union.
(With this conclusion of the address, the speaker retired, follow-
ed by immense applause.)
SALT, SULPHUR, AND IRON SPRINGS.
These springs which are located near the city, were discovered
more than half a century ago, and are now highly spoken of, on
account of their medicinal virtues. As early as 1842, they were rec-
ommended by a number of the best and most prominent citizens of
the town, but until recently (1882), no special effort has been made
to brine: them into notice. Bath-houses will be erected at the different
springs by their proprietors, which will be equipped with all modern
and scientific appliances, and everything will be done for the comfort
and convenience of the sick and afflicted, who njay patronize them.
Below will be found a partial analysis of the springs prepared by
Prof. T. Berry Smith, of Pritohett institute, Glasgow, in March,
1883:—
To the Editor of the Glasgow Journal:
Last fall I made a partial analysis of some of the mineral waters
218
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
around Glasgow. I have no balances delicate enough to attempt to
find per cents by weight of ingredients, and can only judge approxi-
mately of quantities present by comparison of the precipitates. I
make out a rudely comparative table : —
Springs.
Iron Oxide.
Epsom Salts.
Plaster of Paris
and Limestone.
Salt.
Sulph. Gas.
Flow per Day
EectorBarton's
J. F. Lewis' ....
Red Bridge —
t
Large.
Small.
Medium.
Small.
Small.
Abundant.
Medium.
Medium.
Abundant.
Very small.
Very large.
None.
Abundant.
•>
Abundant.
1,000 gallons.
2,500 gallons.
750 gallons.
It will be observed that the spring near Mr. Barton's is a chaly-
beate spring, containing large quantities of iron and lime. All of the
others abound in salt and free sulphuretted hydrogen gas, with medium
quantities of iron, sulphate of magnesia and sulphate and carbonate
of lime. The approximate flow per day of twenty-four hours is also
given. I'couldnot give this in reference to Marr's well spring as it is
an artesian well 181 feet deep. It contains more iron than either J.
F. Lewis' or the Eed Bridge springs. The gas escapes and iron set-
tles when the water is kept in bottles and exposed to the air, there-
fore to get these to best advantage, the water must be used at the
springs. I hope some time to be able to make more accurate analyses.
PALMER HOUSE.
One of the largest, most costly and elegantly furnished hotels in
Missouri, outside of the three largest cities of the State, is the Palmer
house, at Glasgow.
On June 1, 1881, a joint stock company was formed, the shares
being limited to $100 each, and taken up by forty-four original stock-
holders, composed of J. P. Cunningham, J. J. Hawkins, Caples &
Hawkins, John F. Lewis, J. M. Swinney, Strouse & Co., Dr. J. W.
Hawking, N. B. Weaver, R. B. Caples, Joseph C. Drake, R. S. Mc-
Campbell, C. H. Southwortb, T. W. Morehead, Wm. A. Meyers,
George B. Harrison, Jos. Steadman, Thos. Shackelford, Yeaman &
Bowen, John H. Turner, John Walcker, Jas. C. Collins, E. Poirier,
T. M. Morgan, Philip Wahl, Major J. W. Lewis, Logan D. Dameron,
Lehman & Miller, Jos. Steadman Jr., George Steinmetz.H. W. Cock-
erill, J. W. Heryford, F. W. Heryford, C. Dautel, Joseph F. Hender-
son, H. G. Gleyre'E. Poirier, J. F. Henderson, James S. Thompson,
H. Clay Cockerill, Litman & Baer, Dr. James W. Southworth, Wm.
Wengler & Sons., Geiger & Winand, Thos. Biggs, and Henry S.
Pritchett. The board of directors were Thomas Shackelford, J. S.
Thompson, Major J. W. Lewis, John H. Turner, J. W. Heryford;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 219
officered as follows : Thomas Shackelford, president ; J. S. Thompson,
vice-president and secretary; J. W. Heryford, treasurer and superin-
tendent. Work was commenced without delay, and the building was
finished during the latter part of the year 1882.
THE BUILDING
fronts west on Main street, overlooking the Missouri river and a
beautiful stretch of country on the Saline county shore, is built of
brick, the main portion being four stories high, with handsome veran-
das from second and third stories. The dimensions of the main
building proper, are 54 X 135 feet, with an "L," 45 X 46 ; the main
entrance being in the centre on Main street, with the ladies' entrance
on the north and one on the south leading to the ladies' ordinary.
FIRST FLOOR.
Running the entire length of the centre of the building is a passage-
way eleven feet wide, with fifteen feet ceiling; in this are located all the
water and gas pipes proper; it is also a means of ventilation. Front-
ing on Main street, are six business rooms. To the rear of this hall
and under the " L," is a roomy basement, where are located the Cole-
man gas generator, the electric batteries, laundries, etc.
SECOND FLOOR
is reached by three different avenues ; north and south entrances, and by
the main stairway in front fifteen feet wide. This stairway leads to the
main hallway, running the entire length of the building, and is eleven
feet wide and twelve feet in the clear. To the right of the entrance is
located the office, which is supplied with an electric annunciator as well
as speaking tubes. The office is 22 X 22 feet in dimensions. To the
left of the entrance is a large reading-room, a ladies' parlor, and a
ladies' reception room. To the east across the hall are rooms en suite.
To the south of this is the dining-hall 24 X 45 feet, with two en-
trances. The ladies ordinary has a southern exposure, and also south
entrances, size 15 X 35 feet. To the west and between the ordinary
and main hallway are the sample-rooms.
THIRD FLOOR.
A large hall runs the entire length of the building ; the north
vnng of the third story is set apart for the ladies and family use. In
220 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the centre of main building is a large court way to a veranda in the
front. Across the hall is a "drummer's room," which is large, with
aute-rooms. The south wing in third story is taken up with single
rooms.
FOURTH FLOOR
is used exclusively for sleeping apartments. The house is equipped
with bath-rooms, hot and cold water, and the entire building is one
which would be creditable to a much larger town or city.
PALMER HOUSE OPENING.
One of the most important events that ever occurred in the his-
tory of the town was the opening of the Palmer house to the public,
which took place on the 9th day of March, 1883. The Glasgow
Journal, of March 16, 1883, said : —
As was anticipated, there was a large attendance at the opening of
the Palmer house on Friday evening, some six hundred guests assem-
bling in its spacious rooms, a large number of whom came from neigh-
boring cities. The morning train on the Chicago and Alton railroad
from the west brought in a number of guests, and still more came in on
the night train. The evening trains on both roads were literally
crowded.
The guests began assembling in the parlors soon after eight, and
continued to pour in rapidly until eleven o'clock. Dancing began
about nine, in the large dining-room which was reserved for the pur-
pose, and continued until nearly daylight. The music was furnished
by the Coates' opera house band of Kansas City. The ball-room
proved of ample dimensions, ten and twelve sets occupying the floor
at a time, and the dancers passed away the hours merrily.
The supper, prepared and served under the skilful direction of
Mrs. Wilhite, was all that could be desired, and reflected credit upon
the lady. As the large dining-room had been transformed for the time
into a ball-room, it was necessary to use a smaller room, which would
accommodate but sixty or seventy persons at a time. Some ten or a
dozen tables were spread in all, but with care and skill, the changes
were effected rapidly and without confusion.
On every side we heard praises from the guests from abroad, ar.d
surprise at the size and elegance of the building. We may safely
claim that no one was disappointed, and the expectations of the
majority were greatly surpassed.
Much of the pleasure of the evening is to be attributed to the
efficient work of the various committees, and especially to the ladies
who were appointed to assist the reception committee. There was a
sufficient number to see that none of the numerous guests were neg-
lected, and none shirked their duty.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 221
Altogether, we have never seen an entertainment of its size pass
off as pleasantly as did the opening Friday night. Our citizens endea-
vored to make it as enjoyable as possible, and our guests seemed to
appreciate their efforts.
It was impossible, of course, to obtain the names of half who
were present, but among guests from neighboring towns we noticed S.
C. Boyd, F. P. Sebree, A. J. Trigg, Leslie Orear, J. C. Patterson,
editor of the Progress, Adolph Striker, R. V. Montague, D. Monta-
gue, J. P. Strother and lady, S. Bachrach, H. Lowenstein, M. Hage-
dorn, Misses Drusilla Hutchison, Cora Hutchison, Lizzie King, Russie
Boyd, and Maud Striker, Marshall; F. H. Gilliam and lady, W. T.
Swinney and lady, G. B. Porter and lady, Miss Katie Swinney, and
Samuel Daniels, Gilliam ; A. E. Rector and lady, C. Whit Williams,
editor of the Index, Dr. T. B. Carter, and Jonas Stern, Stater; A.
J. Rodman, Wm. Walker, D. M. Willis, Chas. Harris, Ledru Silvey,
Misses Pattie Woodson, Hattie Salisbury, Laura Earickson, and Josie
Wilson, Salisbury; N. B. Parks and lady, J. D. Butler and lady, A.
C. Vandiver, editor of the Courier, and Dr. C. T. Holland, Keytes-
ville ; Judge J. B. Hyde and lady, and Dr. T. E. Martin, Dalton ; Miss
Emma Heryford, A. J. Payton, and L. Swearinger, Forrest Green ; I.
N. Houck, editor of the Fayette Independent, W. A. Dudgeon and lady,
S. B. Tolson, R. C. Clark and S. C. Major, Fayette ; Mrs. E. R. Way-
land and daughter, Col. J. R. Richardson, and D. J. Briggs, Roanoke ;
E. R. Lewis and lady, E. E. Samuels, E. Taylor, Huntsville ; Wm. Mc-
Murray, and Henry Runkles, Mexico ; Mrs. J. A. Race and daughter,
Moberly ; Chas. Dewey and sister, Kansas City; C. A. Honaker and'
lady, Leadville ; J. R. Hawpe and lady, Shackelford ; Frank Massie,
Kentucky; Misses L. and M. Walker, Pleasant Green, Cooper
county.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Glasgow has a number of secret orders. The Odd Fellows (the
oldest), the Masonic, A. O. U. W., K. of H., K. of P., the German
and Irish Benevolent Societies, and a lodge of Good Templars.
Morning Star Lodge No. 15, I. O. O. F., organized in 1846.
Charter members — Samuel Steinmetz, Thomas Davis, Ashley, Phil-
lip Foust, H. House. The charter was surrendered about the year
1872, and the lodge reorganized thereafter in 187-.
Present officers — Lewis Littmann, N. G. ; George Binks, V. G. ;
W. A. Smith, secretary ; A. C. Gillies, treasurer ; A. B. Southworth,
D. G. M.
Livingston Lodge No. 51, A. F. and A. M., organized October 12,
1876. Charter members — Chas. H. Lewis, G. W. Morehead, John
H. Turner, Jr., and others whose names could not be obtained.
First officers — J. W. Norris, W. M. ; John Seibe, S. D. ; T. W.
Morehead, S. W. ; Wm. Turner, J. D. ; T. W- Morgan, J. W. ; J.
16
222 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
J. Hawkins, S. S. : C. F. Mason, treasurer; W. T. Maupin, J. S. ;
J. C. Cunningham, secretary ; Jacob Essig, tyler ; J. O. Swinney,
chaplain.
Present officers— J. H. Turner, W. M. ; John E. Pritchett, S. D. ;
Daniel Langfeld, S. W. ; John Seibe, J. D. ; J. H. Turner, Jr., J.
W. ; James O. Swinney, chaplain; Thos. G. Digges, treasurer; E.
E. Turner, tyler ; J. H. Wayland, secretary.
Knights of Pythias — charter granted Ivanhoe Lodge No. 31
January 26, 1874. Charter members — I. and Clay Cockerill, Monte
Lehman, C. W. Vaughan, James E. Donohoe, A. B. Southworth,
James W. Eastin, John Chamberlain, A. C. Feazel, P. E. Sears,
Frank Porier, W. W. Cockerill, George D. Eastin, Clarence South-
worth, P. Baier, Jr., B. F. Eamord, E. Anderson, Wm. Lehman, E.
L. Steinmetz, James O. Finks, I. and G. Gleyre, C. T. Holland, J.
B. Lewis.
Present officers — A. C. Gillies, P. C. ; A. Littman, C. C. ; C.
G. Miller, V. C. ; L. Littman, P. ; J. S. Henderson, K. E. and S. ;
M. Lehman, M. of F. ; E. A. Wengler, M. of Ex. ; Abe Strouse,
M. of A. ; L. Bowler, I. G. ; Jos. E. Stettmund, O. G.
Meet every Thursday. Endowment rank meet once per month.
Forty-nine members.
Knights of Honor — Golden Lodge 2051. Charter members —
T. E. Birch, Jr., John H. Bowen, John W. Cox, James C. Collins,
H. C. Grove, A. W. Hutchison, John W. Hawkins, O. M. Harrison,
J. C. Hall, A. E. Johnson, G. F. Kuemmel, J. C. Marr, T. A. Mere-
dith, George Phipps, J. M. Swinney, A. Steckling, W. N. Wickes,
S. M. Yeaman, W. Pope Yeaman, D. L. Stevenson.
Officers — H. C. Grove, dictator ; A. E. Johnson, vice-dictator ;
T. E. Birch, Jr., reporter; A. W. Hutchison, financial reporter;
George Phipps, treasurer.
A.O.U.W. — Glasgow Lodge No. 112 ; charter members — Louis
M. Kail, Larkin Garnett, Max Keller, "Wm. A. Smith, H. G. Gleyre,
Theo.E. Osborne, B. C. Weiler, Thos. H. Wilson, Geo. W. Penn, Jas.
C. Hall, J. W. Wright, M. B. Collins, J. S. Henderson, E. B. Mcllhany,
D. L. Stevenson, R. T. Bond, W. H. Tatum, G. F. Keummel, Monte
Lehman, T. Berry Smith.
Officers— Dr. M. B.Collins, P. M. W. ; Geo. F. Keummel, M. W. ;
Geo. W. Jones, Foreman ; Thos. E. Birch, Jr., O. ; Jos. S. Henderson,
recorder; Gustav Rail, Eec. ; Wm. Lutz, Fin. ; M. Lehman, guide;
S. H. Trowbridge, I. W. ; J. C. Collins, O. W.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 223
EARLY SCHOOLS.
One among the first schools kept in the town of Glasgow, was
opened by Rev. Charles D. Simpson, an Old-School Presbyterian min-
ister. This was between the years 1840 and 1843. The most impor-
tant school up to 1850, was known as the Glasgow female seminary.
The building — a large, handsome brick which cost $3,600 — is still
standiug on the brow of the hill. It was erected in 1848-49, with Odd
Fellows hall in the second story. The first principal of the school
was Rev. A. B. Frazier, who was succeeded by Revs. George S. Savage
and French Strother, and others. The building is now unoccupied.
The boarding-house connected with the seminary is a large brick
building. It was erected in 1852, and cost $3,500.
PR1TCHETT SCHOOL INSTITUTE.
The collegiate school, known as Pritchett school institute, owes
its origin solely to the enterprise and benevolence of Rev. James O.
Swinney. The year 1865, following on the close of the great civil
war, found the country sadly in want of the means of academic and
collegiate education. It was to aid in meeting this want that this
school was inaugurated. It was begun in the autumn of 1866, and for
several years was conducted in the building known as the Glasgow
female seminary and Odd Fellows' hall. This building and the ad-
jacent grounds and buildings were secured for it by the influence and
at the sole cost of Mr. Swinney. The original plan and aims of the
school will be best learned from its first published circular — a liberal
extract from which is the subjoined : —
This new school for youth of both sexes, begins its first session Mon-
day, September 17, 1866. For nearly twenty years the principal has
been an earnest laborer in the cause of education in central Missouri.
Relying on his extensive acquaintance, he submits to the appreciative
communities of the State some of the claims of his school to their
confidence and patronage :
1 . Its permanency. — To make it permanent and to begin a found-
ation for present and future usefulness, Rev. J. O. Swinney has gen-
erously donated to it $20,000 in endowment and school property.
The principal, assisted by instructors of thorough competency, expects
to devote to it the best energies of his remaining life. The hope is
cherished not only by himself but by his generous friends, that it will
be, not only an institution of blessing to the present generation, but
one to increase in resources and usefulness for generations to come.
224 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
2. Accommodations. — The school building is amply commodious
for the number of pupils to be received, is eligibly situated, and is to
be fitted and furnished in superior style.
3. School Plan. — It aims to combine the advantages both of the
grammar school and college. The instructions comprise, (1) English
language and literature; (2) mathematics; (3) ancient classics;
(4) modern languages ; (5) natural science ; (0) metaphysics and
moral philosophy; (7) logic, rhetoric, and political economy;
(8) instrumental and vocal music. As soon as a charter is obtained
a detailed course of study will be published. That large class of pu-
pils who are in elective studies can receive certificates for such
branches as they complete; and the smaller number, who aspire to a
a full, collegiate course, can here receive, when they are earned, all the
customary school honors.
4. Admission. — We neither seek a large school nor crowded classes;
hence no scholar will be received who has not attained the entrance
grade. This will insure the students, (1) proper classification; (2)
systematic study ; (3) ample time to learn and recite.
5. Order and Emulation. — We reckon it a recommendation
to our school that it places boys and girls in such relation to each other
as to afford an opportunity for the most refined emulation, in learning
and manners.
6. Discipline. — This is to be firm but mild and uniform. We
desire no pupil who is not disposed to yield a ready obedience to the
internal and external regulations of the school. The discipline respects
these three circumstances: (1) attendance; (2) conduct; (3)
scholarship. Daily i-ecords of them are kept. Students who be-
come refractory, or even indifferent, to their daily record are quietly
dismissed. Both for teachers and pupils our motto will be that of a
celebrated English school, Doce, Disce, aut Discedi ; Teach, Learn, or
Leave.
7. Special Instruction. — Young gentlemen, or ladies, who wish
to pursue special branches of higher mathematics, mechanics, or
astronomy, can find no more liberal assistance in the west than we can
afford them. We expect, as soon as practicable, to furnish our school
with the more important pieces of philosophic apparatus, and with
astronomical instruments adequate to useful observation in the problem
of spherical astronomy.
8. Location. — The school site commands one of the most exten-
sive views of water, woodland and prairie scenery, to be enjoyed in
the state. The situation of Glasgow is pre-eminently healthy ; and
the society for refinement, social and religious culture is unsurpassed
in Missouri.
TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.
Ours is a Christian, but not a denominational school. In it the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 225
Holy Scriptures are to be daily read, and exercises of devotion con-
ducted. While we cultivate the intellect we would direct the spirit
to the higher life and destiny. While training the mind we would
not forget the heart. While we earn our daily bread in the toil of
the teachers' vocation, we are conscious of higher motives than tem-
poral advantage. We desire your hearty co-operation, first, in secur-
ing the regular attendance of your children ; second, in influencing
their manners and application.
For particulars apply to the principal, or to Rev. J. O. Swinney.
CarrW. Pritchett.
Principal.
In the year 1867, the school acquired a corporate existence under
the general act of incorporation. By its charter, its property and
general management is vested in a board of trustees, consisting at
first of three, and afterwards of five and seven persons. It is neces-
sary for them to be men of family, and residents in the vicinity of
Glasgow. By its fundamental law it is forever to be a Christian, but
not a denominational school, and to be open alike to youth of both
sexes. The president is the only official chosen directly by the
trustees. He has committed to him the entire responsibility of
selecting assistants, arranging the course of study, selection of text-
books, administration of discipline, graduation of pupils, etc. The
president is strictly responsible to the trustees, and all other teachers
are responsible directly and solely to him. In the first year of its exis-
tence the school had 146 pupils, and it became evident that the building
and grounds were too contracted for its wants. A fine lot of ground
on the eastern limits of Glasgow, consisting of seven acres, was pro-
cured, at the cost of Mr. Swinney, for $3,000. On this the present com-
modious building was erected, at a cost of about $20,000, all of which
was furnished by Mr. Swinney, except a donation of $5,000 from Mr.,
Richard Earickson, now deceased. The building is of brick, three
stories high, and has a metallic roof. It is 65 X 55 feet, and
has ample halls, a chapel, and numerous rooms for lectures, recitations,
laboratories and museum. Two hundred pupils can find ample accom-
modation within its walls. Into this building the school was removed
in the autumn of 1869, and the building in town was sold to Lewis col-
lege. The school remained under the sole management of Mr. Pritchett
for seven years, till the close of the scholastic year 1872-73. The suc-
cessor of Mr. Pritchett in the presidency of the institute, was Prof.
Oren Root, Jr., who held the position for three consecutive years,
till the close of the scholastic year 1876-77. He was succeeded by
Rev. R. T. Bond, who held the position for the next four years —
226 history or Howard and cooper codnties.
till the close of the scholastic year 1880-81. Rev. Joseph H.
Pritchett, was then elected president, and has now held the position
two years.
Previously to 1874, in order to maintain the high standard of
instruction, for which the president was solely and pecuniarily re-
sponsible, several gentlemen of Glasgow made liberal annual con-
tributions ; and it is the special wish of Mr. Pritchett, to transmit to
the future, the names of James O. Swinney, John Harrison, Thomas
E. Birch, Sr., Richard Earickson, Thomas Shackelford, Mrs. Lucy
A. Swinney, Mrs. Eleanor Lewis, L. F. Hayden, John F. Lewis, and
Geo. B. Harrison, as contributors to an annual fund, which enabled
him without an endowment, to maintain a collegiate school.
In 1874, the institution received a great impulse by the magnifi-
cent donation of $50,000, from Miss Berenice Morrison. This sum,
together with "other vested endowments, now amounts to nearly
$60,000, the annual interest of which, in addition to tuition, consti-
tutes the income of the institute.
The patronage and comparative success of the school has varied
in different years ; but in all this time a steady growth has been main-
tained ; and to-day in its appointments and facilities for thorough
academic and collegiate instruction, it holds a high rank among the
colleges of Missouri. While it has steadily aimed to produce scholars
rather than graduates; yet more than forty young ladies, and fifteen
young men have received their diplomas here, many of whom, are
now iu positions of honorable trust ; and all in positions of useful-
ness.
In addition to the original school property, the trustees have
'lately purchased the residence and grounds formerly owned by Mr.
Pritchett. This property, joined with the adjacent grounds and build-
ings, constitutes the whole, one of the most valuable school proper-
ties in central Missouri.
MORRISON OBSERVATORY.
In connection with the endowment of $50,000, made to Pritchett
school institute, Miss Morrison made an additional donation of
$50,000 to found and endow an astronomical observatory. This
fund and the acquired property, is under the control of the same
persons as trustees, who for the time are trustees of Pritchett school
institute. But the trusteeship of the observatory is a separately
acquired investiture — pertains to the same persons, but not as a part
of the original trust, but for a distinct trust and purpose.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 227
In 1874, Miss Morrison, then in Europe, in her own name author-
ized and empowered Prof. C. W- Pritchett, to proceed at once to
erect and equip an astronomical observatory — subject to the direc-
tion, in certain particulars, of her legal representative, Eev. J. O.
Swinney. In the execution of this work, — the selection of site,
the erection of building, the selection, purchase, transporta-
tion and mounting of instruments, — Mr. Pritchett had the
generous and hearty co-operation of Mr. Swinney. The building
was erected in 1875, on a lot of ground one and a half miles east of
Glasgow, especially donated for this purpose by H. Clay Cockerill
and John F. Lewis. Its geographic position is 1 hr. 3 m. 5.93 sec,
west of the dome of the United States naval observatory, Washing-
ton, and in latitude 39°, 16', 16.75", north. The building
consists first of the equatorial room and tower on the east.
It is of brick, with very massive walls, carried up from a
depth of ten feet below the surface. In the centre is the great
pier for the equatorial — twelve by twelve feet at base, twelve
feet below the surface. This building is surmounted by a hemis-
pherical dome, and metallic roof and shutters. The dome is
made to revolve by a system of gearing and wheel-work on six spher-
ical balls of gun metal, which roll in a groove between two sets of iron
plates — the lower set firmly attached to the heavy limestone capping
of the tower, and the upper to the heavy sill of the dome. The
metallic shutters, in four sections, are raised and lowered by an end-
less chain connected with a system of pulleys. Beneath this dome is
mounted the splendid equatorial, by Alvan Clark & Sons, mounted in
December, 1875. It is twelve and one-fourth inches clear aperture
of objective and seventeen feet focal length.
Directly west of the equatorial-room and attached to it is the
room for the meridian circle, collimator and sidereal clock. All these
instruments are mounted on heavy insulated pins of solid masonry,
extending ten feet below the surface. The meridian circle is by Wough
ton & Simms, London — six inches clear aperture of objective and
seven feet focus with twenty-four inch circles, reading to single seconds
by eight microscopes. The sidereal clock is by Frodsham, London.
West of the transit circle-room is the library and work-room. Here is
stored a very valuable astronomical library and various minor instru-
ments, — the telegraphic instruments and electric chronograph. The
chronograph is used for recording observations by electro-magnetism,
and the telegraph is chiefly used for sending out time signals from the
standard clock. The cost of building and instruments was about
$25,000.
228 HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
The main object of the observatory is to make exact and system-
atic observations of the heavenly bodies, and to reduce, record aud
publish them. For the last seven years, in despite of its small annual
income, it has done a large amount of work, much of which is of per-
manent value. Many of its observations have been published in the
scientific journals of Europe, and a much larger number awaits publi-
cation in a more suitable form. Part of this time, Mr. Pritchett was
assisted by his son, Prof. Henry S. Pritchett, now professor of mathe-
matics and astronomy in Washington university, St. Louis. He now
has the assistance of his youngest son, C. W. Pritchett, Jr.
LEWIS COLLEGE.
[Prepared by Prof. Jas. C. Hall.]
Lewis college is located in Glasgow, Howard county, Missouri,
and had its origin in the benevolence of two prominent citizens of
the place, Colonel Benjamin W. Lewis and Major James W. Lewis.
These brothers, by industry and the skilful management of a large
manufacturing business, had acquired considerable wealth, and de-
sired t6 use it for the benefit of their fellow-men, and especially for the
community in which they had spent so many happy and prosperous
years. Accordingly a plan was formed for the establishment of a
college ; but in the few years preceding the war aud during its con-
tinuance, the times were so troubled and society so divided, that im-
mediate action was not considered prudent.
The war developed new issues and surroundings, and forced
changes upon individuals which had not been anticipated, and culmi-
nated events suddenly which thoughtful minds had seen coming, but
for which they were yet unprepared. The brothers were strongly in
sympathy with the government in the preservation of the union and
in the principles it sought to maintain ; it seemed, therefore, fitting
that they should put themselves in accord with their principles in their
religious as well as their political associations. They and their fami-
lies had always been in fellowship with the Southern Methodist
church, but finding themselves out of accord with it in the new issues
developed by the war, they deemed it best to sever their relations
with that denomination and unite with the. Methodist Episcopal
church, in the interests of which the Eev. D. A. McCready had then
been sent to Glasgow. Accordingly, they and their wives, together
with Noah Swacker and wife, joined that church and were by Mr. Mc-
Cready organized into the first Methodist Episcopal society formed in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
229
230 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Howard county since the great division in 1844. The immediate
outgrowth of this step was the purchase of a church building ou
Market street, and the establishment of a school in the basement
which was called the Lewis high school. Of this school Rev. D. A.
McCready was appointed principal and achieved encouraging success.
This was the initial step, and precipitated the plan for the proposed
college, which now took definite shape. The enterprise might per-
haps have been more rapidly developed and commanded more imme-
diate success had not the course of events been changed by the hand
of Providence.
In 1866, Colonel B. W. Lewis died from the effects of a carbun-
cle on the neck, but in his will he directed his executors to set apart
the sum of ten thousand dollars for the purchase and maintenance
of a library in the city of Glasgow, which should be under the con-
trol and management of a board of trustees appointed by the annual
conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in Missouri, and
should be open to the citizens of the town as a circulating library.
He also proposed to make a proportionately liberal provision for the
future college, of which this was intended to be a part, but died before
his plans could be developed. In the same year, his widow, Mrs.
Eleanor T. Lewis, his son, Benjamin W. Lewis, Jr., and Major James
W. Lewis erected, at a cost of nearly $26,000, the handsome build-
ing known as the Lewis library buildiug, which they proposed to
deed to the M. E. church as soon as the trustees should be ap-
pointed by the said church to receive it and the above bequest. In
March, 1867, the matter was brought before the Missouri conference,
in session at Independence, and the following persons were appointed
as trustees, viz. : Major James W. Lewis , Joseph D. Keebaugh,
Charles E. Barclay, Nathan Shumate, David A. McCready,
Benjamin W. Lewis, Jr., John Wachter, Hon. George Young, Hon.
David Landon, Joseph H. Hopkins and William S. Wentz — "for
the purpose of carrying out the provisions of said will and taking
possession of said bequest, buildings and other property, and for the
further purpose of establishing a permanent institution of learning in
the city of Glasgow," and, pursuant to previous notice, the said trus-
tees met on the 24th of May, 1867, in the city of Glasgow, and
adopted articles of association, and on the 23d day of Sep-
tember, following, became by due course of law a body politic and
corporate under the corporate name of the Lewis college and library
association.
On this new basis, Lewis college was opened in October 1867,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 231
with Eev. J. S. Barwick, A. M., president, assisted by L. Bremer,
A. M., Miss S. E. Eichelberger and Mrs. E. S. Barwick as teachers.
One hundred and forty pupils were enrolled. A few were classed in
the college department, but the principal work of the school was in
the academic grades. Prof. Barwick remained only a part of two
years as president, and in 1869, Eev. L. M. Albright took charge.
The library building proving inadequate, steps were taken by Major
James W. Lewis and others to purchase the seminary building on
Third and Market streets, then owned by the trustees of Pritchett
school institute. This purchase, including the brick building imme-
diately adjoining, was effected sometime in 1869, and the college was
opened there. The surroundings were even more pleasant and the
institution was better prepared to provide for its students. About
the same time the trustees came into possession of the large frame
building known as Bartholow hall, situated on the corner of Fourth
and Commerce streets, Avhich was fitted up with all the necessary ar-
rangements for a club-house, where young men could board them-
selves or be boarded at cheap rates. By the munificence of its
founders, everything was done that could be to secure patronage and
to elevate the grade of the school, but, notwithstanding their efforts,
the growth was slow. The local patronage by political preferences
and social relationships, was naturally turned to other institutions,
and the church to which the school looked for patronage was able to
do but little, for the reason that its membership were for the
most part new comers, young married people with but little more
money than was necessary to buy land and stock and to meet the
wants of their growing families. These facts were not altogether un-
expected, and yet they were somewhat discouraging to those who
compared the progress with that made with older and more favored
colleges.
In the spring of 1881, President Albright resigned and the trust-
ees at their meeting in June, elected Rev. T. A. Parker to fill the
place. Prof. Parker did not personally take charge of the school
but, by the permission of the board, employed James C. Hall, A.
M., and Mrs. Olive K. Hall, A. M., to manage the affairs until the next
year. At the next meeting of the trustees, in June, 1882, Rev.
James C. Hall, A. M., was elected president and Mrs. Olive K. Hall,
professor of Latin and Greek. The circumstances surrounding the
school were not such as to inspire confidence, or develop enthusiasm,
yet the college took no step backward ; local sympathy was slow in
growth, but it came at last and a creditable respect was won.
232 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Several efforts were made to secure endowment and various
plans adopted, but none of them were productive of much fruit.
The patronizing conferences of the church were divided in feeling,
partly on account of dissatisfaction with the local surroundings,
and partly on account of efforts to secure their influence in estab-
lishing schools in other parts of the state. The want of<
endowment made it impossible to meet the necessary expenses
for instruction, and the work would necessarily have been aban-
doned had not the deficiencies from year to year been promptly
met by Major James W. Lewis, who generously expended thousands of
dollars in this direction. In the year 1877, some changes were made
in the general management, and the school was thrown more fully
upon its own income for support. In the spring of 1880, proposi-
tions were made to the trustees for the consolidation of Lewis col-
lege and Prichett school institute into one school, under the control
of the M. E. church, and a contract for such consolidation was made
by representatives of both institutions, but before the opening of
the fall session it was again dissolved.
In the spring of 1882, Bishop H. W. Warren, D. D., visited the
college for the purpose of examining its condition, needs and pros-
pects, and in council with prominent citizens it was resolved to ap-
peal to the citizens of Glasgow for aid to supply better buildings and
more ample grounds, and in case they neglected or refused to do
so, then the college should be removed. This was fully set forth
in a public meeting held at the M. E. church in Glasgow, March,
1882. At the next annual conference of the church held in Chilli-
cothe, a committee was appointed to act with another committee to
be appointed by the St. Louis conference of the M. E. Church, as
a joint commission to determine the location and to relocate if neces-
sary, Lewis college. This commission met at the annual commence-
ment of the college, May 31, 1882, and decided to relocate the col-
lege at one of the several suitable cities which should make the most
liberal bid in lands, money and building. This committee met again
on June 28, to open the bids received — Sedalia offering twelve acres
of land suitably located, and $10,000 cash, and Glasgow offering
twenty- five acres of land, the building and apparatus of the college,
two pianos, the boarding-house and the building known as Bartholow
hall, and a subscription of $7,600,
Glasgow was selected, and the necessary arrangements for the
transfer of the property to the trustees were made. Steps were im-
mediately taken to purchase the handsome residence just north of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 233
city known as the Lewis mansion. On November 22d, the negotia-
tion was effected, and on the 21st of December, the new premises
were taken possession of by the college.
A full report of the action of the commission and board of trus-
tees in the location of the college and the purchase of property, was
made to the Missouri and St. Louis annual conferences and endorsed
by them. Eev. J. J. Bentley was appointed financial agent, and
plans were adopted which promise to make the college at once a suc-
cess. A general retrospect of the entire history of the college
shows a slow but continued advance. From its humble betrinnino'
in the basement of the church, through all the viscissitudes of its for-
tune, it has won every step it has gained by determined and perse-
vering effort. Whatever of Utopian dreams may have hovered over
its early years have been dispelled by the struggles through which it
has passed. Those who administer its affairs grasp its interests with
a strong hand, and upon the new and permanent foundation, with
the handsomest surroundings of any college in Missouri, Lewis col-
lege sets out with flattering prospects to achieve the noblest ambi-
tion of its founders, and to bring to their names the honor due.
LEWIS LIBRARY.
The Lewis library was founded by the late Colonel Benjamin W.
Lewis, who ordered in his will that the liberal sum of ten thousand
dollars should be set apart to be invested in a library, to be located in
the city of Glasgow, Howard county, Missouri ; and that the said
library should be under the control of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Since his death, a handsome buiding has been erected by Mrs. Eleanor
Lewis, his widow, Benjamin W. Lewis, his son, and Major J. W.
Lewis, his brother, in which the library is now kept.
Since its foundation, it has been steadily increasing in favor and
prosperity. Its influence is widely felt, and its interests begin to find
a response in the hearts of the people, who already regard it with pride
as the ornament of the city, and a fitting monument of the life and
labors of its benevolent founder.
It is replete with all the standard authors, leading magazines, and
a fine collection of mineral specimens ; is arranged somewhat after the
style of the public school library, St. Louis, and the works contained
are estimated to have cost $5,000. Many rare and ancient curiosities
are to be found here, affording large speculative theories, and themes
for earnest and candid study, The building is a handsome two-story
structure of modern architecture, the second floor being devoted to the
234 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
library aud reading-room. The first floor is a public lecture hall.
The building is 40x90 feet in dimensions, and cost $30,000. This is
without doubt one of the finest institutions of its kind in the state, and
has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Board of trustees — Rev. J. H. Hopkins, John Wachter, Eev.
John Gillies, Eev. J. E. Sassine, Eev. Benj. St. J. Fry, D. D., Major
J. W. Lewis, B. W. Lewis, Jr., Eev. W. F. Clayton, Eev. G. W.
Durment, Eev. W. J. Martindale, Eev. T. J. Ferril. Officers of the
Board — Eev. J. H. Hopkins, president ; Major J. W. Lewis, vice-
president; Eev. J. D. Keebaugh, secretary ; John Wachter, treasurer.
Executive committee — Eev. J. H. Hopkins, Major J. "W. Lewis,
Eev. W. J. Martindale. Librarian — Mrs. Jeanie Almond Frost.
r PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools of Glasgow were organized about two years
after the war of 1861.
There are at this time (1883) two hundred and forty white
pupils* and two hundred and fifteen colored pupils enrolled.
Present teachers — George W. Jones, superintendent; Miss
Lizzie Feagel, first assistant; Miss Blanch Hieronymus, second assist-
ant ; Miss Nettie Sears, third assistant ; Miss Ella Hams, fourth as-
sistant. Colored school — A. E. Chinn, L. F. Payne," Miss Nancy I.
Farel.
POST-OFFCE.
Glasgow post-office was established September 27, 1837. The
list of postmasters with date of appointment is as follows : —
September 27, 1837, E. P. Hanenkamp.
September 30, 1839, Thomas A. Lewis.
November 30, 1841, Daniel Maynard.
January 29, 1842, E. P. Hanenkamp.
November 13, 1846, Henry W. Smith.
April 11, 1849, W. F. Dunnica.
December 24, 1852, John C. Crowley.
February 4, 1853, James S. Thompson.
August 24, 1853, John T. Marr.
November 11, 1856, Gideon Crews.
December 31, 1861, Frank W. Diggs.
* A number of white pupils attend other schools and colleges, which largely decreases
the number attending the public schools.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
235
February 14, 1862, Christian Dantel.
May 22, 1862, Frank W. Diggs.
March 24, 1869, Joseph D. Keebaugh.
January 20, 1871, Enoch B. Cunningham.
March 19, 1875, J. P. Cunningham.
DIRECTORY OF GLASGOW.
5 dry goods houses,
1 beot and shoe store,
3 boot and shoe makers,
7 grocery stores,
4 drug stores,
5 saloons,
2 silversmith shops,
3 tailor shops,
1 millinery store,
2 bakers,
1 furniture store,
4 blacksmith shops,
2 tin and stove shops,
2 dentists,
1 saddler shop,
1 saw mill and veneering manu-
facture,
2 flouring mills,
1 Baptist church,
1 Christian church,
1 Catholic church,
1 German Evangelical church,
1 M. E. Church, south,
1 M. E. church,
1 Presbyterian church,
1 M. E. church (colored),
1 African M. E. church (colored).
CHAPTER X.
PEAIEIE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Armstrong — Roanoke — Secret Orders —
Moniteau Township — Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Sebree —
Burton Township — Boundary — Physical Features — Burton — Bonne Femme Town-
ship . — Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers.
BOUNDARY.
Something more than one third of this township was taken
off in 1880, to form Burton township, leaving it as it is now in area,,
about fifty square miles. It is bounded on the north by Kandolph
county, on the east by Burton township, on the south by .Richmond
township, and on the west by Chariton township.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township unlike any other in the county, included originally
a prairie, which constituted about one-fourth of its area. This portion
of the same was called Foster's prairie, after Silas Foster, who settled
there at an early day. The surface of the township consists of hills
and undulations, but the soil is rich and constitutes a fine agricultural
region. Bonne Femme creek finds its source in this township, in a
number of small confluents which drain the southern part of the
same. Cabin creek with other streams, water the township in various
directions.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Prairie township being a little remote from the river, was not
settled as early as some other districts of the county. The pioneers
were partial to large streams and great forests. They drew much of
their sustenance from both, and so long accustomed were they to the
sound of the winds passing through the branches of the trees, that
sheltered the door-yards of their former homes, that, in the selection
of a site for a new location, they did so, with special reference to the
convenience of the former and immediate proximity of the latter.
Prairie township not presenting to the eye of the early settler, the
(236)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 237
advantages of timber and water to such an extent as he desired, it
was not so early and so densely populated as the townships bordering
upon the Missouri.
The first persons to locate in the township were Silas Inyart,
Wm. Harvey, Durlin Wright, Umphrey Bess and John Titus. These
took claims about three miles south of the town of Roanoke. Thomas
Patterson, father of Rice Patterson, settled the place where Captain
Finks now lives, in 1817, where he made small improvements. Pres-
ley, William and Frank Holly, came in 1821 ; also, Stephen, John
and William Green, and Wesley, Asa and George Thompson. Wil-
liam Shores, a Methodist preacher, was an early settler. Benjamin
Williams opened a farm about four miles west of Roanoke at an
early day.
Lott Hackley located in the southern part of the township, and
David Crews in the central portion of the same. Richard Lee was an
early settler. The following parties settled in the township from
1819 to 1825: Nathaniel Morris, Alfred Williams, Harrison Daly,
James Hardin, Love Evans, George Foster, Robert James, Levi
Marklaud, Asa O. Thompson, Michael Robb, Jonas Robb, Reuben
Anderson, Philip Prather, Patrick Woods, William Padgett, Silas
Foster, Leyton Yaucy, William Drinkard, Haman Gregg, Garland
Maupin, Charles Denny, James Ramsey, A. Williams, Joseph Foster,
Martin Gibson, John Cross, Jackson Thorp, Joseph Rundel, William
Maupin, William Green, Wesley Green, John King, James King,
Thomas Graves, John Snoddy, Walker Snoddy, David Martin, Will-
iam Richardson, David Gross, William Hutson, Stokely Mott, John
Fennel, Thomas Simmons, David, James and Irvin Lee, John Page,
William Montgomery, Peter Ford, Sr., Asa Kerby, M. Lane, Frank-
lin Wood, Garrett Trumble, William Arch and Paddy Woods, David
White, John Warford, James Snyder, Lynch Turner, James Denny,
John T. Cleveland, John Broadus, James Hackley, Charles Harvey,
William James, William McCully and George Jackson.
ARMSTRONG.
This is a bright, new town, located on the line of the Chicago
and Alton railroad, and was laid out in the spring of 1878. It
is surrounded by a beautiful and fertile country, about eight miles
from Glasgow. The first business house was completed and occupied
by P. A. Wooley. Flagg and Prather, began the erection of a build-
ing about the same time, but did not get their stock of goods into it
17
238 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
as soon as Wooley. Samuel Prather was the first postmaster. The
next building was a hotel, and erected by one, Mileham. The town
contains one church edifice, built by different denominatibns as a
union church ; three dry goods stores, two groceries, two drug stores,
one lumber yard and two blacksmiths.
ROANOKE.
Eoanoke was originally settled by Virginians, who were great ad-
mirers of that eccentric, but talented man, John Randolph, of Roanoke,
and named the new town after his elegant country seat — Roanoke. It
was laid out in 1834, on the east half of the southeast quarter of sec-
tion 10, and west half of the southwest quarter of section 11, town-
ship 52, range 16.
James Head erected the first house in the town, as a business
house (general store) ; he was also the first postmaster. C. K.
Evans is the present postmaster.
The town contains two churches, one a Missionary Baptist and
the other a Union church, two dry good stores, two groceries, two
drug stores, one tin shop and stove store, two saddlers, two milliners,
two blacksmiths, one furniture store, one excellent public school, and
one boarding-house.
Roanoke was the place for holding the great central fair for
several years after 1866 ; this fair was sustained by Howard, Randolph
and Chariton counties.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Roanoke Lodge, No. 75, A. F. and A. M. Date of charter May 25,
1854. Charter members — Anthony Walton, W. M. ; J. B. Bradford,
S. W. ; Michael H. Snyder, J. W. ; James Nelson, W. N. Nelson, M.
D. Ryle, John Chonstant, T. J. Brockman, R. J. Mansfield, W. P.
Phelps, William J. Ferguson, P. B. Childs and T. J. Blake.
Present officers —J. D. Hicks, W. M. ; C. R. Evans, S. W. (no
Jr. Ward) ; Reuben Taylor, treasurer ; J. W. Bag by, secretary ; Yew-
ell Lockridge, S. D. ; J. C. Wallace, J. D. ; J. A. Snyder, tyler.
Bethel Lodge No. 87, I. O. O. F., was organized July 30, 1855,
and worked under a dispensation until May 21, 1856, when the lodge
received its charter.
The charter members were B. F. Snyder, J. A. Snyder, J. W.
Terrill, Martin Green, T. L. Williams, W. L. Upton, and M. H.
Snyder ; the first oflicers were B. F. Snyder, N. G. ; J. W. Terrill, V.
G. ; W. L. Upton, secretary; M. H. Snyder, treasurer, and T. L.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 239
Williams, warden. The present officers are as follows : A. T. Prewitt,
N. G. ; T. Gr. Montgomery, V. G. ; J. S. Peters, secretary ; J. H.
Crisler, treasurer ; W. E. Kichardson, warden.
MONITEAU TOWNSHIP — BOUNDARY.
There have been no changes made in Moniteau township since its
reorganization and establishment, in 1821. It is one of the largest
municipal divisions in the county, embracing an area of about seventy
square miles. It is bounded on the north by Bonne Femme township,
on the east by Boone county, on the south by Boone and Cooper
counties, and on the west by Franklin and Richmond townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township was once covered with a fine growth of timber.
The land away from the river and the larger streams is usually high
and rolling. The soil is rich, and many farmers have here builded
elegant homes. Water facilities are good. The Moniteau creek,
after which the township received its name, traverses the entire length
of its territory, while Salt creek waters other portions of the same.
Plenty of building stone and coal, the latter but poorly developed, is
found.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The settlement of this township began comparatively early —
1812. At this period Price Arnold located on section 23. He was
from Mercer county, Kentucky, and arrived in Franklin township in
1811. Here he remained until the following year, and took a claim
where his grandson, Matthew Arnold, Esq., now resides. The same
year he was joined by William Head, who came from Washington
county, Virginia. In the latter part of that year (1812), these two
gentlemen selected a sight and began the erection of Fort Head,
named in honor of Mr. Head, named above, who was chosen captain
of the little band, formed for the defense of the small colony against
the anticipated attacks of the aborigines. It is impossible to give
the names of all the settlers at this late date, who sought refuge in the
fort. We will, however, give the names of such as we have been en-
abled to get, and felicitate ourselves over the fact that we have
snatched even these from the sea of forgetf illness, whither they, and
all recollections concerning them, are so rapidly tending. Their names
:ire Price Arnold, William Head, James Pipes, William Pipes, Joseph
Austin, Perrin Cooley, a Methodist minister, Peter Creason, and
240 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Henry Lemons. After the close of hostilities, in 1815, immigration
at once set in, and many valuable accessions to the population were
made.
Gerrard Robinson arrived in 1819 ; Patrick in 1819 ; Waddy T.
Curran in 1819 ; George Pipes in 1817 ; Pleasant Pipes in 1818 ; John
Gray in 1817 ; Ephraim Thompson in 1817 ; James Hollom in 1817 ;
Solomon Barnett and Zaccheus Barnett in 1818 ; Thomas Tipton in
1820 ; and Federal Walker in 1823. These were generally from Ken-
tucky, the others from Virginia. In 1819, quite a number of settlers
came from Todd county, Kentucky, and made a settlement in the
northeastern part of the township, chief among whom were Colonel
Benjamin Reeves, afterwards lieutenant-governor of Missouri, William
L. Reeves, Benjamin Givens, Edward Davis, Colonel Joseph Davis,
Judge Edward Davis, and Colonel Horner.
SEBREE.
The town of Sebree was laid out on a part of the southeast
quarter and part of the northeast quarter of section 18, township 50,
range 14. The town was located on the projected line of the Lou-
isiana and Mississippi railroad. The road, however, never having
been built, the town did not thrive.
BURTON TOWNSHIP. BOUNDARY.
Burton township was created in 1880. It was taken from
Prairie, Richmond and Bonne Femme townships. Its boundary as
fixed by the county court, is as follows : Beginning at the Randolph
county line between ranges 15 and 16 ; thence south to the line
between sections 19 and 30, township 51, range 15 ; thence east one
mile ; thence south one mile to the line between townships 50 and 51 ;
thence east to the line dividing sections 35 and 36, township 51,
range 15 ; thence north to the county line ; thence west with said line
to the beginning. It adjoins Randolph county on the north, Bonne
Femme township on the east, Richmond township on the south, and
Prairie township on the west.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
A portion of this township is prairie. The general surface is
uneven, but as an agricultural region it is perhaps not surpassed by
any other township in the county. The township is watered by the
Bonne Femme and Salt Fork creeks. Both limstone and coal are
found.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 241
For early settlers, see Prairie, Eichmond and Bonne Femme
townships.
BURTON.
This town is located on the line of the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas railroad, and contained a population in 1880, of 129 ; the
population now (1883) is considerably more. The business includes
several stores, general assortment, a blacksmith shop, etc. The
Patrons of Husbandry have at this point (the only one in the county)
a co-operative store. There is a hotel and one church edifice. The
railroad company have here a good and sufficient depot.
BONNE FEMME TOWNSHIP. BOUNDARY.
Bonne Femme township remains as it was originally formed, in
1821, excepting sections 11, 14, 15, 22, 23, have since been taken off,
and added to the new township of Burton. Bonne Femme is situ-
ated in the northeastern portion of the county, and is bounded on
the north by Randolph, on the east by Boone county, on the south by
Moniteau township, and on the west by Burton and Prairie townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township, like Howard county generally, is a timbered dis-
trict, there being all the varieties known to this latitude. ^The surface
is hilly and undulating, and in some portions of the township, the
country is broken and the soil is thin. Limestone abounds. The
Bonne Femme and Moniteau creeks, which empty into the Missouri
river, are fed by numerous small tributaries, which have their source
in this township.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The first settlers of Bonne Femme, like the early settlers of the
other townships, have all passed away. Among these, .were Mr.
Winn, the father of Judge G. J. Winn ; there was also Henry Myer,
whose father lived at Myer's post-office (Bunker Hill), which was
named after him. Bunker Hill contains a post office, a blacksmith
shop, and store. Myer was prominent in politics, having been a
member of the State senate. There were among the prominent old
settlers Ellis Walker and Charles Literal. Among others, were
James Dougherty, St., Franklin Dougherty, John T. Dougherty,
Joel J. Greggsby, Benjamin T. Saunders, M. H. Baily, Thomas
Ancill, John Ashbury, John E. Hitt, George W. Potter, Bird New-
242 HISTOfir OF HOWARD and cooper counties.
man, James G. Muir, George Kirby, J. H. Blakely, Enyard Moberly,
Daniel Palmatory, Daniel Gilvion, Jacob C. Williams, Jackson
Harris, William K. Woods, Peter Woods, Silas B. Naylor, Joseph B.
Andrews, Wm. Jones, Wm. Arnett and John Fisher. The present
population of the township has principally sprung from Kentucky
and North Carolina. The people are a moral, industrious class of
citizens, and are successful farmers, their principal products being
wheat and tobacco, though grass is grown to advantage. The first
church in this township, was organized by the Baptists, in 1819, at
Myer's.
CHAPTER XI.
BENCH AND BAE AND CRIMINAL RECORD.
Introductory Remarks — Bench and Bar of Old Franklin — Judge David Barton — Judge
George Tompkins — Judge Mathias McGirk — Judge Abiel Leonard — A Duel — Judge
Leonard and Major Taylor Berry the Participants — Correspondence between Them —
Their Trip to Wolf Island — The Duel — Result — Judge David Todd — Charles
French, Esq. — Governor Hamilton R. Gamble — Judge John P. Ryland — Bench and
Bar of Fayette — Judge James H. Birch — Hon. Joe Davis — Judge James W. Mor-
row— Hon. Robert T. Prewitt — Governor Thomas Reynolds — General Robert Wil-
son — General John B. Clark, Sr. — Judge Wm. B. Napton — Present Members of the
Fayette Bar — Criminal Record — General Ignatius P. Owen — Washington Hill and
David Gates — Price Killed Allen Burton — Lucky and Paffarans — Hays Killed
Brown — Oliver Perry McGee Killed Thomas P. White — John Chapman Killed —
Stephen Bynum Killed Joel Fleming — Murder at a Picnic.
Horace Greely once said that the only good use a lawyer could be
put to was hanging, and a great many other people entertain the same
opinion. There may be cause for condemning the course of certain
practitioners of the law, but the same may be said within the ranks of
all other professions. Such men should not be criticised as lawyers,
doctors, or the like, but rather as individuals who seek through a pro-
fession that is quite essential to the welfare of the body politic as the
science of medicine is to that of the physical well being, or theology to
the perfection of the moral nature, to carry out their nefarious and
dishonest designs, which are usually for the rapid accumulation of
money, although at times far more evil and sinister purposes, and which
are the instincts of naturally depraved and vicious natures. None of
the professions stand alone in being thus afflicted. All suffer alike.
The most holy and sacred offices have been prostituted to base uses.
And it would be quite as unreasonable to hold the entire medical fra-
ternity in contempt for the malpractice and quackery of some of its
unscrupulous members, or the church, with its thousands of sincere
and noble teachers and followers, ill derision for the hypocrisy and
deceit of the few, who simply use it as a cloak to conceal the inten-
tions of a rotten heart and a corrupt nature, as to saddle upon a pro-
fession as great as either, the shortcomings of some of its individual
members.
(243)
244 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
By a wise ordination of Providence, law and order govern every-
thing in the vast and complex system of the universe. Law is every-
thing— lawyers nothing. Law would still exist, though every one of
its professors and teachers should perish from the face of the earth.
And should such a thing occur, and a new race spring up, the first in-
structive desire of its best men would be to bring order out of chaos
by the enactment and promulgation of wise and beneficial laws. Law
in the abstract is as much a component part of our planet as are the
elements, earth, air, fire and water. In a concrete sense, as applied
to the government of races, nations, and people, it plays almost an
equally important part. Indeed, so grand is the science and so noble
are the objects sought to be accomplished through it, that it has in-
spired some of the best and greatest men of ancient and modern times
to an investigation and study of its principles, and in the long line of
great names handed down to us from the dim and shadowy portals of
the past, quite as many great men will be found enrolled as members
of the legal profession as in any of the others, and owe their greatness
to a sound knowledge of the principles of law, and a strict and impar-
tial application of them. Draco, among the first and greatest of
Athenian law-givers, was hailed as the deliverer of those people be-
cause of his enacting laws and enforcing them for the prevention of
vice and crime, and looking to the protection of the masses from op-
pression and lawlessness. It is true that many of the penalties he at-
tached to the violation of the law were severe, and even barbarous,
but this severity proceeded from an honorable nature, with an earnest
desire to improve the condition of his fellow-men. Triptolemus, his
contemporary, proclaimed as laws: "Honor your parents, worship
the Gods, hurt not animals." Solon, perhaps the wisest and greatest
of them all, a man of remarkable purity of life and noble impulses,
whose moral character was so great, and conviction as to the public
good so strong, that he could and did refuse supreme and despotic
power when thrust upon him, and thus replied to the sneers of his
friends : —
Nor wisdom's plan, nor deep laid policy,
Can Solon boast. For, when its noble blessings
Heaven poured into his lap, he spurned them from him.
Where were his sense and spirit, when enclosed
He found the choicest pray, nor deigned to draw it?
Who to command fair Athens but one day
Would not himself, with all his race, have fallen
Contented on the morrow?
What is true of one nation or race in this particular is true of all,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 245
viz. : that the wisest and greatest of all law-makers and lawyers have
always been pure and good men, perhaps the most notable exceptions
being Justinian and Tribonianus. Their great learning and wisdom
enabled them to rear as their everlasting monument, the Pandects and
Justinian Code, which, however, they sadly defaced by the immoralities
and excesses of their private lives. Among the revered and modern
nations will be found, conspicuous for their great services to their fel-
lows, innumerable lawyers. To the Frenchman the mention of the
names of Tronchet, Le Brun, Portalis, Roederer, and Thibaudeau ex-
cites a thrill pride for greatness and of gratitute for their goodness.
What Englishman, or American either, but that takes just pride in the
splendid reputation and character of the long line of England's loyal
lawyer sons? The Bacons, father and son, who, with Lord Burleigh,
were selected by England's greatest queen to administer the affairs of
state, and Somers and Hardwicke, Cowper and Dunning, Elden,
Blackstone, Coke, Stowell, and Curran, who, with all the boldness of
a giant and eloquence of Demosthenes, struck such vigorous blows
against kingly tyranny and oppression ; and Eskine and Mansfield and
a score of others.
These are the men who form the criterion by which the profes-
sion should be judged. And in our own country, have we not names
among the dead as sacred and among the living as dear? In the bright
pages of the history .of a country, founded for the sole benefit of the
people, and all kinds of people, who, more than our lawyers, are re-
corded as assistiug in its formation, preservation, and working for its
perpetuity ?
The American will ever turn with special pride to the great
Webster, Rufus Choate, William Wirt, Taney, Marshall, and a hun-
dred others, who reflected the greatest honor upon the profession in
our own country. And among the truest and best sons of Missouri
are her lawyers, and even in the good county of old Howard, some of
her most highly esteemed and most responsible citizens are members
of this noble profession.
BENCH AND BAR OF (OLD) FRANKLIN.
Franklin was especially noted for its corps of able and profound
lawyers, many of whom afterwards attained state and national repu-
tations. Below, will be found brief, biographical sketches of the
earliest and most prominent members of the Franklin bar beginning
with —
246 HISTORT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JUDGE DAVID BARTON.
He was a native of Greene county, Tennessee ; of poor, but re-
spectable parents. Settled in St. Louis, before Missouri was admitted
into the Union. He was the first United States senator elected from
Missouri. Col. Thomas H. Benton was his colleague. He was the
presiding officer of the constitutional convention of the state in 1820.
Served in the state senate from 1834 to 1835. He was the first
circuit judge, that presided over a Howard county court — in 1816 —
residing at Franklin. Although deficient in his early education, he
possessed a good command of language and was an eloquent, sarcastic
and witty speaker. He died near Boonville, Cooper county, in
September, 1837, and left no family.
JUDGE GEORGE TOMPKINS.
Was born in Carolina county, Virginia, in March, 1780. Came
to St. Louis, about the year 1803, and taught school and read law at
the same time. He located in Old Franklin about the year 1817. He
was a member of the legislature (territorial) when that body sat at
St. Charles. In 1824, he was appointed judge of the supreme court
of Missouri. He died at Jefferson City in 1846. That he was a fine
jurist and a man of spotless integrity, admits of no doubt. Like Judge
Barton, he left no family.
JUDGE MATHIAS M'GIRK.
This popular and able jurist, was one of the first three judges
appointed to the supreme bench of Missouri, in 1820. He was a
native of Tennessee. Was born in 1790. Came to St. Louis when
quite young ; moved to Montgomery county, and afterwards settled
in Franklin. He remained on the bench until 1841. His opinions
will be found in the first six volumes of Missouri reports. He was a
member of the territorial legislature and was the author of the bill to
introduce the common law into Missouri.
JUDGE ABIEL LEONARD.
This eminent lawyer, was born in Windsor, Vermont, May 16,
1797. In 1819, at the age of 21 years, he came to St. Louis, descend-
ing the Ohio river in a skiff from Pittsburgh. Remained in St. Louis
but a few days and then started on foot for Franklin, which he reached
after recovering from a spell of sickness, which he had at St. Charles.
He, however, after teaching a six months' school in the vicinity of
Franklin, located first at Boonville, where he remained two years and
then returned to Franklin. In 1834, he was elected to the legislature ;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 247
revised the laws of the state in 1834-5, and was appointed a judge of
the supreme court upon the resignation of Gov. Gamble. As a jurist,
he had no superior in the state. Judge Leonard moved to Fayette in
1824.
A DUEL.
Having given above a brief biographical sketch of Judge Leonard,
we deem it proper, in this connection, to mention the duel he had
with Major Taylor Berry, and reproduce the correspondence that
passed between the two gentlemen, prior to their meeting, which
terminated so fatally to one of the participants. Major Berry, at the
time of the difficulty, was residing in the town of Old Franklin. He
was a Kentuckian by birth, high strung and quick to resent an insult,
whether offered to himself or to his friend.
In June, 1824, a law suit occurred in the town of Fayette, in
which Judge Leonard and Major Berry were interested as attorneys.
Leonard had cross-examined a witness in court — a witness who had
testified in the interest of Major Berry — and had done it in such a
manner as to greatly offend both the witness and Berry. After court
had adjourned for noon, the witness threatened to make a personal
assault on Leonard in the street, should he meet him. Berry hearing
of what the witness had said in reference to assaulting Leonard, told
him to never mind, let him attend to Leonard. It was noticed that
Berry held in his hand, a black, horse whip, and after Leonard had
repaired to his boarding-house, and eaten his dinner, he was met by
Berry, in front of the hotel, who struck him several times with the
whip. Berry being a much stronger man physically than Leonard,
the latter being unarmed too, could make but slight resistance. The
insult thus offered, and the manner in which it was done, so outraged
the feelings of Judge Leonard, as a man and citizen, that he at once
determined to send Berry a challenge which he accordingly did.
The following is the correspondence which took place between
the parties : —
[Leonard to Berry.']
Franklin, June 26, 1824.
Sir : I demand a personal interview with you. My friend, Mr.
Boggs, will make the necessary arrangements on my part.
Yours, etc.,
A. Leonard.
Major Berry.
To which Major Berry replied as follows : —
Franklin, Mo., June 28, 1824.
Sir: Your note of the 26th has been received. Without
248 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
urging the objections which I might have to the note itself, or to the
demand it contains, I shall answer it, to redeem a promise which I
made at Fayette (in passion) that I would give you the demanded
interview. My business, which embraces many duties to others, will
require my personal attention until after the first of September next,
after which time, any further delay will be asked from you only.
To make any arrangements, Maj. A. L. Langham will attend on
my part. Yours, etc.,
Taylor Berry.
Shortly before the meeting took place between Judge Leonard
and Major Berry, Leonard was arrested by direction of Judge Todd,
and required to give bond in the sum of $5,000 to keep the peace.
He said to the judge, " Name the amount of the bond, for I am de-
termined to keep my appointment with Major Berry." Near the close
of August, the parties, with their seconds and surgeons, proceeded
down the river, having previously entered into — through their sec-
onds— the following stipulation, to meet at some point near New
Madrid on the Mississippi river, in the southern part of the state : —
We, Thomas J. Boggs and Angus L. Langham, appointed by
Abiel Leonard and Taylor Berry to act in the capacity of their friends
in a personal interview they are to have, and to agree upon the terms
by which the said parties shall be governed in the combat, do agree,
the said Thomas J. Boggs for and on behalf of Abiel Leonard, and
the said Angus L. Langham for and on behalf of Taylor Berry, to
the terms and regulations following, to-wit : The place of meeting
shall be at some point, either in Kentucky, Tennessee or Arkansas,
which shall be most convenient to the town of New Madrid — the
particulars to be determined by the seconds, who, for that purpose,
as well as for the making of any other necessary arrangement, shall
meet in the town of New Madrid on the third day previous to the time
specified in this instrument for the personal meeting of the parties,
at ten o'clock, a. m. The time for the personal meeting of the par-
ties is fixed on the first day of September next, at ten o'clock in the
morning. The arms to be used by the parties shall be pistols, each
party choosing his own, without any restriction as to the kind, except
that rifle pistols are prohibited. The distance shall be ten paces of
three feet each. The position of the parties shall be side to side, so
as to fire without wheeling. When the parties have taken their po-
sitions, the question " Are you ready? " shall be asked, to which the
answer shall be " Yes. " If either party answer negatively, or in
other terms, the question shall be repeated. When both parties an-
swer " Yes, " the word " Fire " is to be given ; upon which the par-
ties shall fire within the time of counting eight, which shall be slowly
and audibly done. As soon as the person counting finishes, he shall
order " Stop, " which shall .be the word of cessation for that fire.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 249
The choice of positions shall be determined by lot, as well as the giv-
ing the word. The counting shall be done by the second who loses
the word. If the pistol of either party shall snap or flash, it shall
be considered a fire. If a shade cannot be obtained, the parties shall
stand on a line across the sun. A. L. Langham,
T. J. Boggs.
Franklin, July 1, 1824.
The time for the meeting of the parties is changed to four
o'clock, p. m. The dress, an ordinary three-quartered coat.
T. J. Boggs,
A. L. Langham.
Point Pleasant, Aug. 31, 1824.
On their way to New Madrid, Judge Leonard and his second
stopped over night at St. Louis, and while at the hotel, some of the
police, who had, in some unknown way, heard of what was going on,
went to the hotel to arrest Judge Leonard, but was frustrated by the
ingenuity of Mr. Boggs. As they entered the room they asked for
the judge, when Mr. Boggs rose and said, " That is my name. " They
at once arrested him, which gave Leonard a chance to escape. Finding
they had the wrong man, Mr. Boggs was released and proceeded on
his way to New Madrid, where he arrived in good time. The place
selected was Wolf Island, which is located in the lower Mississippi
river, about thirty miles below Cairo, Illinois. The writer hereof,
visited the island in 1860, and can testify to the fact that no more
fitting spot for such a meeting could have been found in all the coun-
try. Here on this island, isolated from the main shore, with only
their seconds and surgeons present, and beneath the shadows of an
almost impenetrable forest, they fought a bloody duel — one of the
actors therein trying to vindicate his insulted honor, and the other
fighting to redeem a promise " made in passion. " Berry fell at the
first fire, shot through the breast, and would have finally recovered
from the wound, which was not considered mortal, had it not been for
taking cold. He had nearly recovered and was preparing to return
home, when he contracted a cold and died at New Madrid. Dr. J. J.
Lowery was Major Berry's surgeon, and Dr. Dawson, of New Madrid,
was Judge Leonard's.
JUDGE DAVID TODD.
Few of the early judges of Missouri were better known than
David Todd. He was a native of Kentucky, where he was born about
the year 1790, in Fayette county. He came to Missouri at an early
250 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
day, and located in Old Franklin. He was appointed judge of the
Howard circuit. He was an impartial, conscientious and upright
judo-e. He died in Columbia, Boone county, in 1859.
CHARLES FRENCH, ESQ.
Like Judge Leonard, the subject of our sketch was born in New
England, — Hillsboro' county, New Hampshire, — about the year 1797.
Soon after he attained his majority, he emigrated west and settled in
Old Franklin, where he remained in the practice of law until 1839,
when he settled in Lexington, Missouri. As a lawyer, his style was
clear and strong. He was offered the judgeship of his circuit, but
declined. In a fit of mental derangement, while visiting a friend near
Lexington, Missouri, he cut his throat and terminated his life.
GOV. HAMILTON R. GAMBLE.
The subject of this sketch was a native of Winchester county,
Virginia, where he was born November 29, 1798 ; came to St. Louis
in 1818, and soon after removed to Old Franklin. He was appointed
prosecuting attorney just after his arrival at Franklin. In 1824, he
was appointed secretary of state by Gov. Bates. He then removed
to St. Louis. In 1846, he represented Franklin county in the legisla-
ture. In 1851, he became a judge of the supreme court — presiding
justice. In February, 1861, he was made governor of Missouri. He
filled every position to which he was called with marked ability, and
died in 1864.
JUDGE JOHN F. RYLAND.
King and Queen county, Virginia, was the birthplace of Judge
Eyland, that event occurring in November, 1797. He settled in Old
Franklin in 1819 and practised law until 1830, when he was appointed
judge of the sixth judicial circuit. In 1848, he was appointed judge
of the supreme court. He died in 1873. He was one of God's
noblemen, and bore the judicial robe with a dignity suited to the high
and responsible position — neither strained nor assumed, but easy,
natural and commanding.
BENCH AND BAR OF FAYETTE.
Having given short sketches of the bench and bar of Old
Franklin, we will now refer briefly to the early bench and bar of
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 251
Fayette, which became the county seat of Howard county in 1824 : —
JUDGE JAMES H. BIRCH '
came to Fayette, Howard county, Missouri, in 1827, and established
the Western Monitor. He was formerly from Montgomery county,
Virginia, where he was born in 1804. He was clerk of the lower
house of the General Assembly in 1828-9 ; afterwards secretary of
the senate and a member of the state senate. In 1843, he was ap-
pointed register of the land office ; in 1849, he was appointed judge of
the supreme court of the state. He was a member of the consti-
tutional convention in 1861. He died in Clinton county, near,
Plattsburg, in 1878.
HON. JOE DAVIS.
He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, in January, 1804,
and came with his parents to Missouri in 1818 and settled near
Fayette. He was a clerk in the land office at Franklin, pursued
the study of his profession part of the time with Gen. John Wil-
son and the remainder with Edward Bates, of, St. Louis. He first
opened an office in Old Franklin, but afterwards removed to Fayette.
He was one of the commissioners to lay out a road from Missouri
to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was made colonel of a regiment
in the Indian war, and commanded a brigade in the Mormon diffi-
culties. He served in the legislature from 1844 to 1864. He died
in October, 1871.
JUDGE JAMES W. MORROW.
Like a vast majority of the early settlers of Howard county,
Judge Morrow came from Kentucky (Bath county), where he was
born in 1810. He settled in Fayette in 1836, and was soon after
appointed judge of the Cole circuit, which position he held till
his death . He made a good judge, and gave general satisfaction.
HON. ROBERT T. PRE WITT.
The subject of this sketch was a native of Bourbon county,
Kentucky, and was born in August, 1818. His father emigrated
to Howard county in 1824, and Kobert, after getting his license,
entered upon the practice of the law about 1845, at Fayette. In
1852, he was appointed circuit attorney of the second judicial dis-
trict. He became a member of the constitutional convention in
252 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1863. He was a man of noble impulses and of the highest integ-
rity. He died in 1873.
GOV. THOMAS REYNOLDS
was also a Kentuckian, and was born in Bracken county in 1796.
He came to Illinois in early life, and filled the several offices of clerk
of the house of representatives, speaker of the house, attorney-
general, and judge of the supreme court. In 1829, he moved to
Fayette, Missouri, and was soon elected a member of the legislature
and then appointed a circuit judge. In 1840, he was elected gov-
ernor of Missouri. In 1844, he died the death of a suicide from a
gun-shot wound, inflicted by his own hands. His mind was as clear
as a bell, and his power of analysis very great.
GEN. ROBERT WILSON.
In November, 1796, near Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia,
General Robert Wilson was born. In the spring of 1820 he located
at Old Franklin. After the removal of the county seat of Howard
county to Fayette he located there. He was appointed probate judge
in 1823, of Howard county. About 1828, he was appointed clerk of
the circuit and county courts of Randolph county. Was appointed
brigadier-general of militia in 1838. He was a member of the legis-
lature in 1844-45, and soon after of the state senate. Was a mem-
ber of the constitutional convention in 1861, and a member of the
United States senate in 1862. He died in 1877, in California.
GENERAL JOHN B. CLARK, SR.
Among the many distinguished professional men who came to
Howard county at an early day was General John B. Clark, Sr., who
still survives at his home in Fayette, at the advanced age of eighty
years. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1802, and came
with his father's family to Howard in 1818. He was appointed clerk
of the county court in 1823 ; elected captain of militia in 1823, colo-
nel in 1825 ; participated in the Indian war in 1829 ; in the Black-
hawk war in 1832 ; twice wounded ; elected brigadier-general of
militia in 1830, major-general in 1836. In 1849, he was elected to
the legislature, and in 1854 elected to congress, whither he went for
three successive terms. Became brigadier-general in the Confederate
army in the war of 1861 ; was a member of the Confederate states
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 2b'->
congress and senate. The general, even now (1883), possesses a
strong mind and a vigorous memory, and were it not for the fact that
he is almost blind from disease of the eyes, he would be a remarkably
active man, notwithstanding his great age. During many years of
his eventful life he was one of the most prominent whig politicians of
Missouri, and made, in behalf of his party, some of the ablest and
most aggressive campaigns that were ever made in the state. He has
affiliated with the Democratic party since 1854. As a lawyer General
Clark was very successful and was always strong before a jury.
JUDGE WM. B. NAPTON.
Among the prominent men of Fayette was Judge Wm. B.
Napton. He was a native of New Jersey, where he was born about
the year 1810. Came to Fayette in 1833, and began the publication
of the Boone's Lick Democrat. He was soon afterwards appointed
attorney-general of the state, and about the year 1840, was appointed
a judge of the supreme court. Judge Napton was a modest, unob-
trusive man, but made one of the best judges of the supreme court
the state has had. He died in 1882.
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
J. H. Robertson, A. J. Herndon,
John B. Clark, Jr., John C. Herndon,
Samuel C. Major, W. C. Arline,
Leland Wright, Robert C. Clark.
John J. Hawkins, resides at Glasgow.
John V. Turner, resides at Glasgow.
Thomas Shackelford, resides at Glasgow.
R. B. Caples, resides at Glasgow.
CRIMINAL RECORD.
Considering the fact that Howard county has been organized for
the period of sixty-seven years, one would naturally suppose that the
number of crimes committed within its borders would be large,
especially during the first thirty years of its existence ; but such is not
the case. Upon the contrary crimes have been fewer in number than
in almost any other county in the state, in proportion to the popula-
tion and the age of the county.
GENERAL IGNATIUS P. OWEN.
The first important criminal case that was tried at Fayette, was
18
~2J± HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
entitled the "State of Missouri against Joseph Davis," who killed
General Ignatius P. Owen in the fall of 1835.
Davis was a lawyer of some eminence, and afterwards filled
several important official positions in Howard county. General Owen
had commanded the militia in the early history of the county, and
had been honored with the title of brigadier general. At the time
he was killed, he was the proprietor of a hotel which stood upon the
corner now occupied by the business house, of Boughner, Tolson &
Smith. Davis had a law office on the same side of the street, south-
east of the hotel, which was located where the millinery store of Mrs.
Jasper is now situated. Owen and Davis had quarreled, and each
entertained for the other very bitter feelings ; the former had been
especially violent and denunciatory. Davis (known as Colonel Joe
Davis) was sitting in his ofEce, as already stated, in the
fall of 1835. It was nearly noon. General Owen came to
the door of the office and spoke in threatening language to
the colenel, intimating that he would take his life when he
attempted to leave his office. Colonel Davis told the general, in
a quiet way, that if he did not leave, he would kill him. Owen, how-
ever, remained, continuing to abuse Davis, until the latter was ready
to go to his dinner. Davis having, in the meantime, had his gun
(a rifle) brought to him, raised it, and took deliberate aim at Owen,
killing him almost instantly. Owen, physically, was a much larger
man than Davis. The latter was acquitted. Davis was said to have
been one of the finest shots in the country, and so skilled was he, in
the use of his rifle, that he could as often drive the centre at sixty
paces as the most sturdy and experienced hunter.
WASHINGTON HILL AND DAVID GATES.
The above named persons, were slaves, the former being the
property of Judge C. C. P. Hill, and the latter, the property of
Daniel Gates.
In the spring of 1837, there lived a family of three blind brothers,
within a few miles of Fayette. They earned their living by making
chairs, which were prized more on account of their durability, than
for their neatness of style and construction. These men were the
owners of real estate, and sold a piece of land, from which they had
realized a small sum of money. The day after the sale, the negroes
went to their house, for the purpose of getting the money, and in their
efforts to accomplish their hellish design, they killed one of the
brothers.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 255
For this they were arrested and tried at the June term of the
court in 1837, found guilty and condemned to be hung, and were ac-
cordingly executed, being the first persons ever hung in pursuance of
a sentence of law in Howard county. The place of the execution,
was a pasture north of Fayette, which was then the property of Gray
Bynum. Here stood a large oak tree, from one of the limbs of
which, they were suspended, thus paying the penalty for their crime.
PRICE KILLED ALLEN BURTON.
John R. Price was the brother of General Sterling Price ; he
resided in Fayette and had been keeping hotel for several years at the
period we mention (1838), and was at that time operating a hotel at the
east corner ef the public square. Price was generally respected as a
quiet, law-abiding citizen, and being a lame man, he never engaged in
personal encounters. Allen Burton was an offensive braggart, and
when drinking, an overbearing, violent and abusive man.
Burton went to Price's house one evening, about supper time, and
began to curse and upbraid him in an outrageous manner. Price told
him not to attempt to enter his house. Burton, however, disregarded
any and all warnings, started in, when Price shot and killed him. The
sympathy of the people was all on the side of Price. He was arrested,
tried and acquitted, and when the verdict of " not guilty," was an-
nounced in the court-room, there was the wildest excitement among
the large number of interested spectators, who had been present dur-
ing the progress of the trial. The demonstrations of rejoicing were
so great and continued, that the judge threatened to send the parties
making the disturbance to jail.
LUCKY KILLED SAFFARANS.
In the spring of. 1858, Enoch Lucky killed Rufus Saffarans.
Lucky was a man well advanced in years, but strong and active
for one of his age. Saffarans was young and stalwart, and physi-
cally was said to be the equal of any man in the county. Both
men frequented saloons when in Fayette, and had had one or two
altercations when discussing their strength of limb and achieve-
ments as " fighters." On the day of the tragedy they had been
drinking, and met in a saloon, when Saffarans took a walking caue
from Lucky and beat him over the head and body, bruising him badly.
On the night succeeding that day, Lucky prepared himself with a
shot-gun, and took his position on the west side of the public square,
secreting himself in a narrow alley between two houses, about midway
256 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the block, where he remained until near midnight waiting and watch-
ing for Saffarans, who passed that way in going to and returning
from the saloon, which was at that time located in the rear of Bell's
present (1883) grocery store.
The unfortunate victim, not knowing the terrible fate that was
awaiting him, finally passed in front of the concealed man, who hailed
him and told him that he was going to kill him, and at the same
moment discharged his weapon, killing Saffarans upon the spot.
The trial of this case elicited great interest. Lucky was confined
in jail, where he remained for about a year before his trial took place,
which was conducted in the Christian church edifice (the present court-
house being then in process of erection). The prisoner was finally
acquitted. John F. Williams, prosecuting attorney, conducted the
case in behalf of the state. Colonel Joe Davis, Robert T. Prewitt,
John B. Clark, Jr., and A. J. Herndon appeared for defendant.
HAYS KILLED BROWN.
Ethelred J. Hays lived near the Chariton county line (Missouri),
and was a farmer. John W. Brown was a book-peddler and mer-
chant, residing in Glasgow, Howard county. In the year 1854, Hays
had business relations with Brown, and asked him to change for him
a fifty dollar bill. Hays was drinking at the time (he was in the
habit of taking an occasional spree), but was considered a very honest
man. He charged Brown with having stolen his fifty dollars.
Brown sued him for slander, and with the consent of the
defendant and his attorneys, Brown was permitted to get a judgment
for costs. Hays was a malicious, revengful man, and being in front
of Brown's store afterwards, he took out his knife, remarking at the
time, " that he had sharpened it to kill Brown with." He went into
the store immediately from the pavement, and struck Brown on the
head with a spade, which he got in the store, cleaving his skull, which
caused instant death.
Hays was taken to Randolph county on a change of venue, where
he was tried and sentenced to be hung. General Sterling Price was
governor of the state at the time, and commuted his sentence to
imprisonment for life. After he had served a few years in the peni-
tentiary, Governor Robert M. Stewart pardoned him.
OLIVER PERRY M'GEE KILLED THOS. J. WHITE.
This was a case brought from Macon county on a change of
venue, and was tried in 1852, at Fayette. Charles H.Hardin pros-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 257
ecuted, and Clark & Gilstrap defended. After an interesting trial the
prisoner was cleared.
JOHN CHAPMAN.
This was also a case transferred from Boone county, in 1858.
Chapman was indicted for killing , while he was plow-
ing in his field. John F. Williams prosecuted, and James S. Eollins,
Odon Guitar and A. J. Herndon defended. Chapman was hung.
L. A. WILLOUGHBY SHOOTS AND KILLS R. L. COM8TOCK.
On Saturday, the 15th day of August, 1878, at a barbecue
twelve miles east of Fayette, L. A. Willoughby shot and killed R. L.
Comstock, a prominent and worthy citizen of the county.
Comstock, and his friend, a Mr. Davis, were conversing, when
Willoughby walked up to where they were. Davis put his hand in a
friendly way on Willoughby' s shoulder. Just as he did so Wil-
loughby drew back and asked Davis if he meant to collar him.
Davis told him that he only put his hand on his shoulder supposing
he was his friend. While this conversation was going on between
Davis and Willoughby, Comstock very innocently put his hand in his
pocket; as soon as Willoughby, who, it is said, was under the influ-
ence of liquor, saw Comstock's hand in his pocket, said " What do
you mean by fingering your pocket?" Comstock answered coolly,
that he did not think it was any of his business. Willoughby drew
his pistol and said : "I will show you whether it is or not," at the
same time firins on him. The ball took effect in the abdomen of
Comstock, who lived long enough to say, " I'm shot." Willoughby
was afterwards captured and taken to Fayette, but the murdered
man's friends became so indignant that it was not thought prudent to
confine Willoughby in Howard county ; he was, therefore, taken to
Cooper county and incarcerated. After being tried three times (hav-
ing been sentenced to the penitentiary at one time ten years), he
was finally cleared.
CHAPTER XII.
THE PRESS.
Introductory Eemarks of a Historical Character — Missouri Intelligencer — Western
Monitor — Missourian — Boone's Lick Times — Boone's Lick Democrat — Demo-
cratic Banner — Howard County Banner — Howard County Advertiser — Plough-
man— Independent — The Pilot — The Banner — Glasgow Times — Glasgow News
— The Glasgow Journal — Central Missourian — Armstrong Autograph.
The press, the great luminary of liberty, is the handmaid of
progress. It heralds its doings and makes known its discoveries. It
is its advance courier, whose coming is eagerly looked for and whose
arrival is hailed with joy, as it brings tidings of its latest achieve-
ments. The press prepares the way and calls mankind to witness the
approaching procession of the triumphal car of progress as it passes
on down through the vale of the future. When the car of progress
stops, the press will cease, and the intellectual and mental world will
go down in darkness. The press is progress, and progress the press.
So intimately are they related and their interests interwoven, that one
cannot exist without the other. Progress made no advancement
against the strong tides of ignorance and vice in the barbaric past
until it called to its aid the press. In it is found its greatest discovery,
its most valuable aid, and the true philosopher's stone.
The history of this great industry dates back to the fifteenth cen-
tury. Its discovery and subsequent utility resulted from the follow-
ing causes and in the following manner : Laurentius Coster, a native
of Haerlem, Holland, while rambling through the forest contiguous to
his native city, carved some letters on the bark of a birch tree. Drowsy
from the relaxation of a holiday, he wrapped his carvings in a piece
of paper and lay down to sleep. While men sleep progress moves,
and Coster awoke to discover a phenomenon, to him simple, strange
and suggestive. Dampened by the atmospheric moisture, the paper
wrapped about his handiwork had taken an impression from them, and
the surprised burgher saw on the paper an inverted image of what he
had engraved on the bark. The phenomenon was suggestive, because
it led to experiments that resulted in establishing a printing office,
the first of its kind in the old Dutch town. In this office John Guten-
(258)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES . 259
burg served a faithful and appreciative apprenticeship, and from it, at
the death of his master, absconded during a Christmas festival, taking
with him a considerable portion of the type and apparatus. Guten-
burg settled in Mentz, where he won the friendship and partnership of
John Faust, a man of sufficient means to place the enterprise on a se-
cure financial basis. Several years later the partnership was dissolved
because of a misunderstanding. Gutenburg then formed a partner-
ship with a younger brother, who had set up an office at Strasburg,
but had not been successful, and becoming involved in law suits, had
fled from that city to join his brother at Mentz. These brothers were
the first to use metal types. Faust, after his dissolution with Guten-
burg, took into partnership Peter Schoeffer, his servant, and a most
ingenious printer. Schoeffer privately cut matrices for the whole al-
phabet. Faust was so pleased that he gave Schoeffer his only daughter
in marriage. These are the great names in the early history of print-
ing, and each is worthy of special honor.
Coster's discovery of wood blocks or plates, on which the page to
be printed were engraved, was made some time between 1440 and
1450, and Schoeffer's improvement — casting the type by means of
matrices — was made about 1456. For a long time printing was de-
pendent upon most clumsy apparatus. The earliest press had a con-
trivance for running the forms under the point of pressure by means
of a screw. When the pressure was applied the screw was loosened,
the form withdrawn and the sheet removed. Improvements were
made upon these crude beginnings from time to time, until the hand
press now in use is a model of simplicity, durability and execution.
In 1814, steam was first supplied to cylinder presses by Frederick
Konig, a Saxon genius, and the subsequent progress of steam print-
ing has been so remarkable as to almost justify a belief in its absolute
perfection. Indeed, to appreciate the improvement in presses alone,
one ought to be privileged to stand a while by the pressman who op-
erated the clumsy machine of Gutenberg, and theu he should step
into one of the well-appointed modern printing offices of our larger
cities, where he could notice the roll of dampened paper entering the
great power presses, a continuous sheet, and issuing therefrom as
newspapers, ready for the carrier or express. The Komans, in the
times of the emperors, had periodicals, notices of passing events,
compiled and distributed. These daily events were the newspapers of
that age. In 1536, the first newspaper of modern times was issued at
Venice, but governmental bigotry compelled its circulation in manu-
script form.
o
260 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
In 1663, the Public Intelligencer was published in London, and
is credited with being the first English paper to attempt the dissemi-
nation of general information. The first American newspaper was
the Boston News-Letter, whose first issue was made April 24, 1704.
It was a half-sheet, twelve inches by eight, with two columns to the
page. John Campbell, the postmaster, was the publisher. The
Boston Gazette made its first appearance December 21, 1719, and the
American Weekly, at Philadelphia, December 22, 1719. In 1776, the
number of newspapers published in the colonies was "thirty-seven ; in
1828, the number had increased to eight hundred and fifty-two, and at
the present time not less than eight thousand newspapers are sup-
ported by our people. Journalism, by which is meant the compiling
of passing public events, for the purpose of making them more gen-
erally known and instructive, has become a powerful educator. Ex-
perience has been its only school for special training, its only text for
s.tudy, its only test for theory. It is scarcely a profession, but is
advancing rapidly toward that dignity. A distinct department of lit-
erature has been assigned to it. Great editors are writing autobiosxa-
phies and formulating their methods and opinions ; historians are
rescuing from oblivion the every-day life of deceased journalists ; re-
priuts of interviews with famous journalists, touching the different
phases of their profession, are deemed worthy of publication in book
form. Leading universities have contemplated the inauguration of
courses of study specially designed to fit men and women for the du-
ties of the newspaper sanctum. These innovations are not untimely,
since no other class of men are so powerful for good or ill as editors.
More than any other class they form public opinion while expressing
it, for most men but echo the sentiments of favorite journalists.
Even statesmen, ministers and learned professors not unfrequently
get their best thoughts and ideas from the papers they read.
NEWSPAPER AT (OLD) FRANKLIN.
On the 23d of April, 1819, Nathaniel Patton, and Benjamin Holli-
day, commenced the publication of the Missouri Intelligencer in (Old)
Franklin. The size of the sheet was 18x24 inches, and was printed
on what is known to the printers as the Eamage press, a wooden con-
trivance, with cast-iron bed, joints and platten, and which at this day,
is a great curiosity. About the year 1858, Col. Wm. F Switzler, of
Columbia, Mo., presented this press to the Mercantile Library Associ-
ation of St. Louis. From April 23d, 1819, to June 10, 1820, Na-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. , 261
thaniel Patton and Benjamin Holliday were the publishers. (Mrs. E.
W. McClannahan, who now resides near Columbia, Missouri, is a
daughter of Mr. Holliday.)
June 10, 1820, Mr. Patton retired as publisher, leaving Mr. Hol-
liday in charge, who continued till July 23, 1821, when John Payne,
a lawyer, became the editor. He was a native of Culpeper county,
Virginia, and died in Franklin, September 15, 1821, aged twenty-four
years.
September 4, 1821, Mr. Payne retired and Mr. Holliday again as-
sumed control.
From August 5, 1822, to April 17, 1824, Nathaniel Patton and
John T. Cleveland were the publishers. Mr. Cleveland died some
years ago at Austin, Texas.
April 17, 1824, Mr. Cleveland retired, leaving Mr. Patton sole
publisher, which position he continued to hold until the sale of the
paper by him to Mr. Fred A. Hamilton, December 12, 1835.
The last issue of the Intelligencer at Franklin, June 16, 1826.
The paper was then moved to Fayette, the first paper appearing
June 29, 1826.
July 5, 1827, John Wilson, then a young lawyer in Fayette, was
announced as editor, which position he held till July 25, 1828. Mr.
Wilson died in San Francisco, California, February 2, 1877, aged
eighty-seven years.
April 9, 1830, last issue of the Intelligencer at Fayette.
May 4, 1830, first issue of the Intelligencer at Columbia, Mis-
souri.
December 5, 1835, last issue of the Intelligencer at Columbia.
Near the close of the year 1835, it became known that Mr. Pat-
ton, owing to failing health, intended to dispose of the Intelligencer
office, and as the presidential and state elections of the following
year were approaching, the possession of the paper became an object
of interest to the politicians and the people. Both parties wanted it,
and the Democrats under the leadership of Austin A. King, then a
lawyer resident of Columbia, Dr. William H. Duncan, Dr. Alexander
M. Robinson and others of Columbia, made some efforts to secure the
office. While negotiations to this end were pending, Robert S. Barr,
Oliver Parker, William Cornelius, Warren Woodson, Moses IT. Payne,
A. W. Turner, Joseph B. Howardj John B. Gordon, Sinclair Kirtley,
David and Roger N. Todd, Dr. William Jewell, James S. Rollins,
Thomas Miller and possibly other whigs, raised the money and pur-
chased the press and the materials, with the understanding that Fred-
262 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
erick A. Hamilton, a practical printer, should take charge of the pub-
lication, andKollins and Miller, then two young lawyers of Columbia,
the editorial conduct of the paper, the name of which was changed to
Patriot, December 12, 1835.
The Intelligencer was the first newspaper published west of St.
Louis.
The next paper published in Howard county was the Western
Monitor. This was commenced in Fayette in August, 1827, by
"Weston F. Birch, who continued it until about 1837, when he retired,
and was succeeded by his brother, Colonel James H. Birch, who
changed the name of the paper to the Missourian. After running the
Missourian for about three years, he disposed of it to Clark H. Green,
who changed the name to the Boone's Lick Times. The Monitor, the
Missourian, and the Boone's Lick Times,were all whig papers.the Times
being the last whig paper that was published in Fayette. Almost sim-
ultaneously with the Times, was established the Boone's Lick Demo-
crat, which was edited by Judge William Napton, and afterwards by
Judo-e William A. Hall, who ran it until about 1844. The Times was
finally taken to Glasgow, where it was published until about the year
1861.
The Democratic Banner was published in 1868, by J. H. Robert-
son, who remained editor and publisher till 1872, at which time he
disposed of his interest to Connedy & Kingsbury. The press was
sold for debt in 1875, when the paper was discontinued.
The Howard County Banner was moved from Glasgow, Missouri,
in 1853, by R. C. Hancock, who purchased the office from W. B.
Twombly. It was published by Leland Wright a short time after-
wards ; then again by R. C. Hancock. In 1858, Hancock sold to
Randall & Jackson, who continued the publication of the paper until
the breaking out of the civil war, when the publishers entered the
Confederate army. During their absence the office was seized and
sold, and passed into the hands of I. N. Houck, who changed the
name of the paper to the Howard County Advertiser. Houck &
Jackson purchased the paper from Randall. Randall sold out to
Houck in 1861 and entered the southern army. Mr. Houck contin-
ued to publish the paper until the summer of 1864, when he went to
Illinois, where he remained until April, 1865. In June of that year,
he returned to Fayette, where he soon thereafter resumed the publi-
cation of the Advertiser. In 186.8, he sold a half interest to General
John B. Clark, Jr., and the paper was published under the firm name
of Houck & Clark for about ten months, when Houck sold his inter-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 263
est to Clark. In 1871, Houck again purchased the Advertiser, which
was continued until December, 1872, when it was sold, and became
the property of its present owner, Charles J. Walden. On the 13th
of July, 1882, the entire office was consumed by fire, nothing being
saved except the files for the past five years and the subscription
book. The paper appeared regularly, however, without missing an
issue. It was printed at the Boonville Advertiser office until new
material and machinery could be bought and put in.
In the spring of 1874, Houck & Frederick started a paper in the
interest of the Patrons of Husbandry called the Ploughman. It was
printed a short time, when Houck purchased the interest of Frederick
and continued the publication seven months, when he sold the paper.
In September, 1879, Houck & Butler commenced the publica-
tion of the Fayette, Missouri, Independent, which was run a year under
the firm name of Houck & Butler, when the latter sold his interest to
Houck, who published it until July 13, 1882, when it was- destroyed
by fire. Mr. Houck, however, nothing daunted, recommenced the
publication of the Independent the following September.
Hardly had the town started on its way in the race to commer-
cial prosperity before the printing press was put in motion.
The first newspaper was the Pilot, and published by J. T. Ques-
enbury prior to the year 1840. This paper was afterwards published
by different parties, among whom were Dr. John H. Blue and James
A. DeCourcy.
The Banner, T. W. Twombly, editor, was among the first papers.
The Glasgow Times was run by Clark H. Green for a number
of years, and until 1861.
The Glasgow JVews was published by Walter B. Foster.
The Glasgow Journal was established in 1868 by General Lucien
J. Eastin, who, with his sons, continued the publication of the same
until 1881, when Colonel H. W. Cockerill purchased the paper, and
has since run it.
The Central Missourian began its existence in 1879, the first
number being issued July 31, by Yeaman & Bowen, who were suc-
ceeded byBowen &Ruffel, who are the present (1883) proprietors.
The Armstrong Autograph, published at Armstrong, Prairie
township, was started in January, 1883, by Dentith & Ferlet.
CHAPTER XIII.
MEXICAN WAE — CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS OF 1849-50 — THE
WAR OF 1861.
Howard County upon the Eve of the Civil War — Union Meeting at Fayette — Ladies' Union
Meeting at Fayette — Eloquent Address by Miss Jane Lewis — Howard County during
the War — Confederate Soldiers, Officers and Privates — Howard County Militia — Col-
ored Recruits — Sale of Slaves — Colored Recruits from Howard County — Attack on
Fayette — Affair near New Franklin — Cason's Attack on Two Steamboats — An Act of
Brutality — Capture of General Thos. J. Bartholow — Battle at Glasgow — Incidents
of the Battle — Quantrell — Robberv — Mass Meeting after the War — Unconditional
Union Convention — Result of the Election.
MEXICAN WAR.
We have elsewhere stated in this work, that the Mexican war
began in May, 1846, and that during the middle of that month, Gov-
ernor Edwards, of Missouri, called for volunteers to join the "Army
of the "West " — in an expedition to Santa Fe. The full complement
of companies to compose the first regiment was raised from Jackson,
Lafayette, Clay, Saline, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway coun-
ties. The volunteers from Howard county, were made up of excel-
lent men — men who proved themselves to be good soldiers, a number
of whom had already seen military service in the Black Hawk and
Florida wars. The first company from Howard was composed of the
following persons : —
Captain — Joel W. Hughes.
Lieutenant — Samuel G. Ward.
Sergeants — F. Kitchie, E. Powell, J. W. Hall and S. C. Wolfs-
kin.
Corporals — J. W. Rollins, Waldo Lewis, J. Mahone and Wm.
Sterns.
PRIVATES.
H. H. Hughes, L. Sterns,
T. T. Gibbs, J. Love,
Jacob Schmidt, J. Jones,
J. W. Cruse, J. Campbell,
E. W. Diggs, W. Newcomb,
C. H. Mead, J. Wilson,
T. Robinson, J. Tucker,
Z. W. Elkin, J. McKeehan,
(264)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
265
E. Burton,
J. E. White,
E. Casey,
Wm. McCord,
T. J. Basye,
B. Wilson,
A.J. Sims,
T. W. Cawthorn,
J. B. Eeid,
W. W. White,
J. M. Duff,
Benjamin Halstead,
W. P. Adams,
J. B. Blythe,
T. Childs,
W. J. Pe'echer,
H. Turner,
T. S. Donohoe,
L. P. Collins,
J. Wilds,
J. C. Becket,
J. Embree,
W. M. Scott,
J. Cravens,
H. Hulitt,
J. Quimby,
J. McCord,
A. Wilson,
W. T. Wilson,
J. Odell,
A. Rice.
SECOND COMPANY.
Captain — William A. Hall.
Lieutenant — R. L. Coleman.
Ensign — T. J. Bartholow.
Sergeants — Hardin A. Wilson, James A. Douglass, James Kunkle
and John H. Jackson.
Corporals — James Marley, S. J. Craig, W. P. Miles and Wil-
liam B. Wilson.
PRIVATES.
Isaac J. Burnam,
J. D. Patton,
J. Fray,
J. W. Craig,
J. S. Williams,
G. F. Hackley,
A. G. Ellis,
John J. Hackley,
W. Thorp,
W. H. Leveridge,
J. J. Greer,
J. Lynch,
J. E. Corbit,
E. K. Atterbury,
W. W. Ayres,
W. McDonald,
J. W. Collins,
W.G. Quim,
S. Swetnam,
A. S. Leveridge,
W. Peacher,
F. J. Tramil,
J. L. Harry,
J. McLin,
W. Cooly,
D. Hooton,
H. Ford,
R. Grant,
A. G. Mansfield,
D. A. Waterfield,
L. W. Sweetnam,
R. Kirby,
J. B. Alexander,
R. C. Hancock,
S. G. Bailey,
H. Bynum,
W. H. Martin,
J. S. Brundege,
266 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
G. W. Haekley, W. S. Clack,
W. R. Siinonds, C. J. Murray,
J. F. Haekley, Jr., C. W. Pendleton,
T. Thorp, W. Montgomery,
J. Reynolds, E. Montgomery.
T. Wright,
The volunteers embarked at Glasgow, on the 25th day of May,
1846, on the steamer Wapello, for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
After the arrival of all the volunteers at that place, from Missouri, an
election was held, which resulted in the choice of Alexander W. Doni-
phan, colonel; C. F. Huff, lieutenant-colonel, and William Gilpin,
major.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
In June, 1847, after the volunteers had been gone about one
year from Howard county, public meetings were held at Fayette and
Glasgow to make arrangements for giving a proper reception to the
returned volunteers from Mexico.
The committee (at Fayette) of arrangements consisted of A. W.
Morrison, C. H. Green, A. J. Herndon, J. Headrick, B. Watts, L.
Crigler, R. L. Coleman, C. C. P. Hill, C. F. Jackson, William Buster,
J. C. Haekley, S. Brown, John C. Ross, R. W. Boggs, James Cooper
and others.
The committee on reception at Glasgow was composed of Jesse
Haston, Thomas Peery, Richard Dicken, Richard Earickson, L. S.
Eddins, Thomas Shackelford, May B. Collins, J. C. Thomson,
William F. Dunnica and others.
The reception at Fayettee occurred July 23d. Early in the
morning of that day, a salute of thirteen guns was fired from one of
the cannons captured at the battle of Sacramento, by the Howard
county soldiers. William A. Hall welcomed the volunteers in an elo-
quent speech. Joseph Pulliam served as host at the dinner table.
The Glasgow brass band was present, and discoursed some excellent
music.
The reception took place at Glasgow, on Thursday, July 8th,
1847. Hon. Thomas Shackelford made the address of welcome.
Major Gilpin and Governor C. F. Jackson also addressed the meeting.
CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS OF 1849-50.
" The plague of gold strikes far and near —
And deep and strong it enters ;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 267
Our thoughts grow dark, our words grow strange,
We cheer^the pale gold diggers ; *
Each soul is worth so much on change,
And marked like sheep with figures." '
No doubt the desire for gold has been the mainspring of all pro-
gress and enterprise in the county, from the beginning till the
present time, and will so continue till remote ages. Generally, how-
ever, this desire has been manifested in the usual avenues of thrift,
industry and enterprise. On one occasion it passed the bounds of
reason and assumed the character of a mania.
The gold mania first broke out in the fall of 1848, when stories
began to be spread abroad of the wonderful richness of the placer
mines in California. The excitement grew daily, feeding on the
marvellous reports that came from the Pacific slope, and nothing was
talked of but the achievements of gold diggers. The papers were re-
plete with the most extravagant stories, and yet the excitement was
so great that the gravest and most incredulous men were smitten
with the contagion, and hurriedly left their homes and all that was dear
to them on earth, to try the dangers, difficulties and uncertainties of
hunting gold. Day after day, and month after month, were the
papers filled with glowing accounts of California.
Instead of dying out, the fever mounted higher and higher. It
was too late in the fall to cross the plains, but thousands of people in
Missouri began their preparations for starting in the following spring,
and among the number were many from Howard county. The one
great subject of discussion about the firesides that winter (1848), was
the gold of California. It is said at one time the majority of the
able-bodied men of the county were unsettled in mind, and were con-
templating going to California. Even the most thoughtful and sober-
minded, found it difficult to resist the infection.
Wonderful sights were seen when this emigration passed through —
sights that may never be seen again in Howard county. Some of
the emigrant wagons were drawn by cows ; other gold hunters went on
foot and hauled their worldly goods in hand-carts. The gold hunters
generally left the moralities of life behind them, and were infested
with a spirit of disorder and demoralization. The settlers breathed
easier when they passed. Early in the spring of 1849, the rush began.
It must have been a scene to beggar all description. There was one
continuous line of wagons from east to west as far as the eye could
reach, moving steadily westward, and, like a cyclone, drawing in its
course on the right and left, many of those along its pathway. The
o
268
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
gold hunters of Howard crowded eagerly into the gaps in the wagon-
trains, bidding farewell to their nearest an«l dearest friends, many of
them never to be seen again on earth. Sadder farewells were never
spoken. Many of the emigrants left their quiet and peaceful homes,
only to find in the " Far West" utter disappointment and death. At
the time of the treaty of Oaudaloupe Hidalgo, the population of
California did not exceed thirty thousand, while at the time of which
we write there were more than three hundred and fifty thousand peo-
ple, who had found their way thither, fully one hundred thousand of
these being gold hunters from the states.
The evil effects of this gold mania upon the moral status of the
United States are still seen and felt, and in all classes of society. It
has popularized the worship of Mammon to an alarming extent, and
to this worship, in a great measure, is attributed the moral declension
of to-day.
Among the scores of men who went to California from Howard
county, we record the names of the following : —
John Dunn,
Sashall Bynum,
E. K. Atterbury,
Paul Shirley,
George Douglass,
William Davis,
Joseph W. Pulliam,
William Pulliam,
James Hill,
General John B. Clark, Jr
Wesley Hill,
John L. Morrison,
William Morrison,
John Boggs,
Colonel John Williams,
John P. Musler,
Henry Thrager,
Atler,
Pleasant Wilson,
William Wilson,
James Wilson,
Clay Wilson,
Frank Brandus,
Barnet Fernish,
Joel Fernish ,
William Burris,
Charles Burris,
Perry O 'Neal,
Zack Benson,
James Douglass,
General John Wilson and family,
William McDonald,
James Sanders,
James Crews,
Ly curgus Crews,
William Stapleton,
John Lowery,
Jack Wilcox,
Jeff Wilcox,
"Big" Jim Hill,
Andrew Wilhoit,
William Martin and brother,
Hampton McCauley,
George Ward,
Kobert Hughes,
E. M. Patrick,
Garrison Patrick,
Weston F. Birch,
Thomas Birch, Sr.,
Dr. Parrish,
Jacob Head rick,
Bradford Pulliam,
Garret Tatum,
Stephen Wethers,
Josiah Tindall,
James Tindall,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 269
Reuben Basket, James Tolson,
Robert Payne, James Morrison,
Henry Bynum, John Kring,
Warren Adams, Morrison Hughs,
Humphrey Cooper, Robert Lynch,
Luther Cooper, Sumpter Lynch,
Stephen Hancock, Frank Becket,
Nathaniel Arben, Jacob Green abaum,
John Mahone, Robert Bohanan,
Brand, Allen Raines,
John Crigler, John Shelton,
James Hanna, Cale Wilcox.
Of course there were many others who went to California from
Howard county, but after making diligent inquiry we failed to get
their names.
HOWARD COUNTY UPON THE EVE OF THE CIVIL WAR.
A complete history of what was said and done in Howard county,
just preceding the great civil war, which swept over our country like
a besom of destruction , would fill a large book. Of course, we have
neither the time nor space to devote to such a work. Even if we had
and were inclined to write it, we should doubt the propriety of doing
so. One of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of the county,
when questioned upon this subject said : " Better let bygones be by-
gones," and so we think.
There were, however, some things that transpired upon the eve
of that gigantic struggle which were quite significant of the character
of the spirit and temper of the people, and of these we shall briefly
speak.
UNION MEETING IN FAYETTE.
The citizens of Howard county, or at least a large number of
them, met in the court-house on the third day of December, 1860, to
consult in reference to the welfare of the county. The Glasgow
Weekly Times gives an account of that meeting as follows : —
On motion of R. T. Prewitt, the meeting was organized by the
election of the following gentlemen : —
President — Hon. Abiel Leonard,
19
270 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Vice-Presidents .
W. M. Jackson, M. A. Taylor,
Richard Earickson, F. E. Williams,
Joseph Davis, William Payne,
Richard Patton, S. C. Major,
L. S. Eddins, JohnM. Rivett,
Joseph Cooper, Owen Rawlins,
Rice Patterson, Bird Deatherage,
Jefferson Payne, A. W. Lee,
James R. Estill, Girard Robinson,
David Peeler, J. F. Finks,
Dr. J. C. Heberlin, W. D. Swinney,
John C. Woods.
Secretaries.
A. E. Randall, Dr. W. C. Boon.
On motion of A. J. Herndon, a committee of sixteen was ap-
pointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
The chair appointed the following gentlemen on said committee:
A. J. Herndon, J. M. Marmaduke,
Benjamin J. Payne, N. G. Elliott,
J. F. Williams, John P. Sebree,
C. H. Green, W. P. Jackson,
Thomas Shackelford, S. E. Graves,
James S. Thomson, J. F. Hughes,
Andrew Cooper, James Simms,
S. T. Hughes, R. T. Prewitt.
On motion of N. G. Elliott, an additional committeeman from
each township was added to the above list, viz :
Richmond township, Neriah Todd.
Chariton township, M. B. Collins.
Bonne Femme township, J. Hockersmith.
Prairie township, Joseph B. Bradford.
Boone's Lick township, William M. Burton.
Franklin township, R. H. Robinson.
Moniteau township, John Walker.
During the progress of the meeting, and in the absence of the
committee, the citizens present were ably and eloquently addressed by
Judge A. Leonard, of Howard county, Judge William A. Hall, of
Randolph county, and Major James S. Rollins, of Boone county.
The committee on resolutions made the following report : —
Resolved, 1. That the election to the presidency of any person,
constitutionally eligible to that office, according to the forms of the
constitution, is no cause for disunion.
2. That we regard the election of Abraham Lincoln as a triumph
of sectionalism over nationalism — of fanaticism over patriotism ; but
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 271
while we have in the northern states a million and a half of patriotic
freemen, voting and battling with us for our country, we will not dis-
pair of the republic.
3. That resistance to the fugitive slave law by the people, and
virtual nullification of its provisions by the legislature of the
states of the north, are an actual grievance of which we have a right
to complain, as illegal, unconstitutional, and unfriendly to us ; but we
believe that the proper remedy is not to dissolve the union and fight
against the constitution, but to stand by the union and maintain the
constitution and enforcement of the laws.
4. That we have a majority of both houses of congress with us,
who can and ought to require and compel the strict enforcement of
the fugitive slave law, and all other legally enacted laws of the United
States, no matter what the cost.
5. That the proposed resignation of southern congressmen at
this juncture, which may have the effect of giving the republicans a
majority in congress, would be an injudicious and improper desertion
of their friends.
6. That our senators and representatives in congress are re-
quested to offer a resolution requiring the general government to
enforce the fugitive slave law with all the power of the government,
and pledging the congress to supply the means.
Another monster union meeting was held in Fayette, in Feb-
ruary, 1861. At this meeting, Thomas Shackelford, of Glasgow,
received the nomination as a candidate to the convention at Jefferson
City.
LADIES' UNION MEETING.
The ladies of Fayette held a union meeting at the court-houae,
January 29, 1861, and unanimously adopted the following resolu-
tions : —
Resolved, 1. That the 100 ladies, whose names are here enrolled,
do still love our country, our whole country, and our country's con-
stitution ; and we feel that it is perfectly consistent with the char-
acter of refined, intelligent, and patriotic ladies to make a public
demonstration of our feelings in this time of peril to our country and
our liberties.
2. That as the most appropriate manner of doing this, we will,
with our hands, make a national flag, to be presented to the man who
shall be selected for a union representative from this county.
3. That on Monday night, February 4th, several gentlemen be
invited to address us, and upon that occasion, we will present our
flag to the union candidate, praying him in the name of our state,
and for the sake of that flag, to do all in his power to keep Missouri
true to her allegiance to the union and the constitution.
On the evening of the 4th of February, the Methodist Episcopal
church building, in Fayette, was crowded with an eager and interested
272 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
audience. Miss Jane Lewis had been invited to make the presenta-
tion address, and as it is a most appropriate, eloquent, and patriotic
address, we here present it : —
The time of danger is at hand. Our republic is shaken to the
centre. The American union, the standard-bearer in the onward
march of the nations, has paused in its splendid career ! Our con-
stitution, the ablest work of .uninspired mortal minds, is decried and
attacked. Our beloved country, our mighty and magnificent union,
is convulsed by a moral earthquake, which threatens to rend it
asunder, and leave it a hopeless ruin, a " by-word and a shaking of
the head to the nations." Our flag, our stainless banner of the stars
and stripes insulted ! Yes ! torn down, trampled under foot, by those
who owe to its protection all the rights of sovereign citizens ! Now,
indeed, the time has come when "man must rise and woman call to
God!" To man belongs the privilege of defending in the council
and on the field the honor of his country, and the rights of its
citizens. Woman can only weep over the woes of her native land,
pray to the Great Ruler, in whose hands are the destinies of all
nations, and trust, implicity trust, to the wise heads, the stronger
arms, the braver hearts of her countrymen. The time of trial draws
near. A few days will decide whether Missouri will throw off her
allegiance to the federal union, violate her most solemn pledges, or
remain loyal to her own constitution, to the whole nation, to the
human race, to Almighty God ! Missouri is in the centre, the very
heart of the union. And our county, our noble old Howard, is the
heart of Missouri. Let that heart remain steadfast and true, and its
every throb shall be felt throughout its political body. And through
you, that heart must find a voice. I, then, in the name and by the
authority of my countrywomen of Fayette, whose names are recorded
•on it, present to you, and through you to the citizens of Howard
county, this flag, made with our own hands ; it is offered from our
hearts. With it we commit to your guardianship all that we hold
most sacred. By all the hallowed associations clinging around this
spotless banner of our country, we pray you, in the coming struggle
to stand fast to the cause of the union and the right. Through your
voice, let the heart of old Howard speak in thrilling tones to the
state, to the union, to the world ! In the hour of high and solemn
debate, remember us and our flag and all of which it is a symbol.
This flag knows no north, no south ; the whole undivided, glorious
union is its own !
*
Remember and vote for the union ! Remember £hat disunion
means war, civil and servile war. Then by the thought of all of
war's tremendous horrors, by the thought of outraged women and
murdered children, burning homes, of a desolated country, of a ruined
race, save the union ! Take, then, our flag, and with it take our
highest hopes, our heartfelt prayers for the union. Bv the memory
of the day when its starry folds were first uurolled to" the winds of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 273
heaven, proclaiming to the world that a nation was born, guard our
flag! By the memory of our ancestors, who stood by it for seven
long years in many a hard fought field, in want, in cold, in pesti-
lence, in famine, guard our flag ! By the memory of the all cloudless
glory of Washington, who, in death, left the union a sacred bequest
in charge to his countrymen, guard our flag ! By the memory of
Bunker Hill, where haughty England first learned that American
arms were wielded by a nation's heart, guard our flag! By the
memory of Jackson and his heroic band, who saved the Crescent
City, guard our flag! By the memory of the unconquered, the un-
conquerable hearts
"Who scorned to yield,
On Buena Vista's bloody field."
By the memory of those who sleep beneath the walls of Monterey,
guard our flag ! Theme of the poet ! hope of the exile ! refuge of
the oppressed ! signal of civilization and progress ! type and pledge
of the freedom and union of all lands ! Go ! flag of our country,
our whole country ! To faithful hands, to fearless hearts we commit
thee ! Once more unfurl thy radiant colors ! Let not one star grow
dim ! Let not one glowing tint grow pale ! But, high above the
storms of faction, triumphant over every unworthy strife, still float
on ! And, for ages to come, yes, to the eyes of all future generations
"The star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave,
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
There was a similar presentation of a flag at Glasgow on the
evening of the 6th of February, 1861, Miss Bettie C.Jackson making
the presentation address.
Mr. Shackelford still has the flag (1883).
Union sentiments continued to predominate in Howard county
until the surrender of Camp Jackson, after which time the people
began to change their views in reference to the war which had been
inaugurated, and boldly avowed their determination to unite with their
brethern of the south in resisting coercion upon the part of the
government.
HOWARD COUNTY DURING THE WAR OF 1861.
Compared to many other counties in Missouri, Howard county
suffered but little during the war. The border counties suffered the
most, especially those lying on the southwestern boundary, including
Jackson, Cass and Bates. These counties coming specifically within
the jurisdiction of General Ewing's order No. 11, they were almost
wholly given up to pillage, and, in many localities, to the torch —
notably was this the case in Bates county, where but a few houses
were left standing at the close of the war. No large battles
were fought in Howard, nor were her citizens subjected to any
274 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
very great privations at the hands of the soldiery from either army,
nor were they generally greatly molested by the robbers and cut-
throats who took the advantage of the country's condition of war,
to indulge their thieving and murderous propensities.
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS, OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
We have no accurate means of knowing the number of men who
entered the Confederate army from Howard county. The number
could have not been less than 1,500 men, from the beginning of the
war to its close. It is supposed from the best information that can
now be obtained, that between 500 and 700 men joined General Sterling
Price while on his last raid through this portion of the state. These
soldiers were composed of all classes and ages, from men of three
score years to the mere stripling of fifteen. Probably not more than
one-third of the entire number who entered the army remained until
its close, or did the duty of a soldier for any considerable length of
time.
We have made every effort that we could to get the names of
these soldiers, but failed, except as to a portion of them, which we
have classed under the heads of officers and privates.
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS.
Officers.
John B. Clark, Sr., brig. -general ; Hugh Stewart, captain ;
John B. Clark, Jr., brig. -general ; J. L. Calaway, lieutenant;
Stephen Cooper, colonel ; James H. Finks, major ;
H. H. Hughes, major ; William Merick, major ;
G. H. Willis, captain ; H. Q. Martin, captain :
Robert H. Walden, 1st lieutenant ; Thomas Turner, captain ;
William O. Keeble, 2d lieutenant ; Abe Hayter, lieutenant ;
Joseph Richards, lieutenant ; Frank Hargis, sergeant ;
Sid. B. Cunningham, ensign ; Garris Allen, lieutenant ;
C. D. Holtzclaw, captain ; William Todd, captain ;
William Holtzclaw, lieutenant ; Eugene Todd, lieutenant ;
Jack Cooper, captain ; Thomas Todd, captain ;
John Cooper, lieutenant ; William B. Strode, captain ;
Congrieve Jackson, colonel ; Calvin Sartin, lieutenant ;
William F. Cunningham, captain ; William C. Boon, surgeon ;
August Elgin, captain ; Layton Mansfield, lieutenant ;
Tip. Elgin, lieutenant ; Virginia Leland, sergeant;
Benjamin Clark, lieutenant ; Thomas Howard, captain ;
Hays Farris, captain ; James Chorn, captain ;
James A. Walden, lieutenant; Samuel Morrison, captain;
L. B. Cooper, lieutenant ; John M. Hickey, captain ;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
275
Joseph Green, captain ;
B. M. McCraig, captain ;
John Robertson, lieutenant ;
James Cason, captain ;
€. B. Harris,
Thomas B. Brooks,
Brack Brown,
John Brown,
William Brown,
J. K. Moss,
Silas Moser,
Tip. Ditzler,
G. Settle,
F. G. Canole,
M. V. Sims,
Elijah Sims.,
G. W. Knox,
Benjamin Ray,
James Ray,
Captain Brooks,
James Jordan,
G. H. Jordan,
Nick Jeter,
Wilton Robertson,
Neriah Brashear,
William W. Hancock,
Samuel Ray,
Uriah Breashear,
Alfred Gleary,
Oliver Bailey,
George Eaton,
John Turner,
E. W. Turner,
William Wilkerson,
N. B. Hughes,
Robert Ainsworth,
Parkinson Hocker,
James Hocker,
William Hocker,
George Carson,
Stephen Carson,
James Todd,
James Richards,
William E. Walden,
Barl. Harris,
John Watkins,
Q. Cary, captain ;
George Stapleton, surgeon ;
Dr. McGirk, surgeon.
Privates.
Enoch Crews,
B. Scott,
John Kile,
Nero Thompson,
George Craig,
D. W. Whitt,
John Phillips,
Caleb Thomas,
John D. Craven,
Z. Yates,
Given Johnson,
Thomas Farmer,
Robert Hughes,
Clint Calaway,
A. McCraig,
Hardin Harris,
Mack. Wilcox,
John Holtzclaw,
Benjamin Holtzclaw,
James Holtzclaw,
Robert Bobbitt,
John Rossou,
Milton Elkin,
John Moore,
John A. Walden,
Sarshall Cooper,
C. J. Walden,
H. C. Tindall,
Charles Cunningham,
J. P. McCraig,
Ezekiel Harris,
John Thurman,
William H. Hardin,
James Colvin,
James Cooper,
Walter Cooper,
H. N. Kivett,
Henry Wilkerson,
James Ashcraft,
C. S. Swearingen,
Joseph Swearingen,
John H. Cooper,
:i
276
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
A. J. Howard,
Thomas P. Newman,
Thomas Worden,
Coleman McCraig,
Kichard Pearce,
John Robertson,
M. Cropp,
Austin Jones,
Strother Jones,
O. Brown,
A. Scrip,
Townsend Wright,
Patrick Woods,
Henry Heberling,
Turner Patterson,
Turner Williams,
Dick Childers,
Shalen Ayers,
Dick Jackson,
Thomas Grider,
William Jones,
Simpson Nelson,
Joshua Lakey,
Abner Nash,
Thomas Shields,
Lafayette Marens,
John Heberling,
James C. Heberling,
J. P. Witt,
Joel Witt,
James R. Hickerson,
Henry Ditzler,
James Jackson,
Claib. Carson,
James Bobbitt,
John Garven,
William Boyd,
Frank Dey,
William Shields,
John A. Woods,
George Heberling.
Alfred Silvey,
L. Silvey,
Leroy Silvey,
James Silvey,
Joseph E. George,
Dick Nichols,
Joseph Jackson,
John Cooper,
Thomas Gibson,
Joshua Wisdom,
Frank Anderson,
John Peyton,
John S. Elliott,
George Hackley,
Patrick Allen,
John D. Taylor,
Thomas Creson,
James Creson,
James Muir,
George Kirby,
George R. Kirby,
David Wilson,
Alfred Yeager,
Morris Owens,
Richard Enyard,
Joseph Cropp,
Brown Chancellor,
William Hackley,
William Finney,
James Robertson,
James Linn,
Oliver Rose,
John Embree,
William Kirby,
John Krouse,
David Yeager,
John F. Tippett,
Patrick O'Mely,
George Robb,
Benjamin Cropp,
Abe Bobbitt,
John Hackley,
Benjamin Ashbury,
John Finney,
W. B. Miller,
William Linn,
George Muir,
Benjamin Embree,
Frank Kirby,
J. M. Moore,
A. F. Yeager,
James Wiley,
Press. Walls,
Robert Smith,
Jason Smith,
Alexander Dudgeon,
Logan Shipp,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
277
Joseph Todd,
Asa Smith,
Harvey Liggett,
Jasper Stapp,
Milton Jackson,
Joseph Rasser,
John Ridgway,
Thomas Embree,
John Rosebury,
F. M. Thorp,
William R. Carson,
Jesse Spence,
John Gowe,
James Campbell,
Barney Ballew,
William Rosser,
James Ridgway,
John Cloyd,
William Rosebury,
Ike Stanley,
Joseph Peacher,
John Spence,
John Gothan,
William Watts,
Martin Ballew,
Benjamin Shipp,
Henry Wills,
Riley Boon,
Ed. Bo wen,
John Cavens,
Peter Peacher,
Emmet Spence,
Stephen Campbell,
Bud. Watts,
Arch. Ballew,
Robert Shipp,
George Bobbitt,
John Boon,
Sock. Robertson,
Dol. Minor,
William Markland,
Thomas Jordan,
Ambrose Callaway,
James Wilson,
George B. Tolson,
Strother McDonald,
William Carson,
James Burrows,
Joseph Boggs,
Hiram Shipp,
William Coleman,
Hamp. Boon,
Robert Tinsley,
Et. St. Clair,
Luther Markland,
Len. Smith,
Neriah Todd,
Barney Dudgeon,
James Flemming,
John Taylor,
Mat. Stapp,
Newton Stapp,
H. B. Watts,
John T. Markland,
Charles Canole,
William Smith,
John Dudgeon,
Si. Todd,
Press. Smith,
Ike Taylor,
William Stapp,
George Fisher,
Samuel Rosser,
Gus. Sears,
James Grigsby,
W. W. Cloyd,
Thomas Warren,
Thomas Croley,
George Chorn,
Ed. Ramey,
Dick Crews,
George Carter,
Moses Ashbury,
Marion Forest,
William Harris,
Newton Swearingen,
Lewis Railey,
Ebenezer Rankin,
Asa Thompson,
Joseph Lakey,
Elliott Alsop,
John C. Heath,
James Laudram,
Obadiah Swearingen,
Samuel Hackly,
Samuel Hardin,
John Thompson,
Lewis Collier,
278 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Theo. Stapleton, John Wheeler,
'Harvey Hughes, W. B. McKinly,
Charles Boulder, James G-lover,
Oscar Willis, Achilles Carson,
James Eaines, Ike Garvin,
Owen Chora, William Burrows,
George Kamey, H. H. Boggs,
George Maupin, George Whitlow,
Nick Ashbury, Jule Massey,
Harvey Vivion, Willis Mason,
Eichard Fristol, John Keyser.
Roland Fisher,
HOWARD COUNTY MILITIA.
The following are the names of the officers of the various militia
companies of Howard county :
Boonsboro Township — W. A. Elkins, captain; G. A. Knox,
first lieutenant ; W. B. Quinly, second lieutenant.
Franklin Township — Hugh W. Stewart, captain; Charles
Canole, first lieutenant ; N. Rollins, second lieutenant.
Moniteau Township — George M. Pipes, captain; M. M. Basey,
first lieutenant; Zach. Crews, second lieutenant.
Bonne Femme Township — Platoon — J. N. Smith, first lieu-
tenant.
Prairie Township — W. S. Lynch, captain; W. A. Green, first
lieutenant ; Thomas Montgomery, second lieutenant.
Chariton Township — June Williams, captain; Martin Green,
first lieutenant ; Peter Land, second lieutenant.
Richmond Township — James H. Feland, captain ; Joseph Peeler,
first lieutenant ; William Shafroth, second lieutenant.
Colored Companies. — Richmond and part of Bonne Femme, —
R. J. Patton, captain; Woolman Gibson, first lieutenant; A. M.
Fielding, second lieutenant.
Moniteau and part of Bonne Femme — No officers.
Franklin and part of Boonsboro — No officers.
Chariton — W. P. Etheridge, captain.
Prairie Platoon — John Quinn, first lieutenant.
COLORED RECRUITS.
The former owners of slaves, and their descendants in Howard
county, may feel some interest in looking over the list of negroes who
enlisted in the war of 1861. The list does not contain the names of
all the slaves who entered the army from Howard county. The num-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 279
ber enrolled and in the service (U. S. army) was 600; the whole
number fit for military duty was 930. This was in 1864. One of
the most remarkable facts connected with the history of those times —
a fact showing the astonishing credulity of the people — was the belief
that the institution of slavery would either remain intact, or that the
owners of slaves would be compensated for their loss. Notwithstand-
ing the enrollment of negroes was going on in their very presence,
where they could be seen drilling daily for service, they were bought
and sold as though the existence of the "peculiar institution" had
not been imperiled by the war. The sale of the following slaves took
place as late as January, 1864 ; they were owned by Philip Robert-
son's estate, and were sold at the court-house door in Fayette : —
Dick, aged 31 years, bought by David E. Hays, price $140. Bal-
timore, aged 25, by David Dennis, $100. Elizabeth, aged 13, by
Jos. Robb, $200. Caroline, aged 9, by A. J. Robertson, $174.50.
William, aged 11, by by Hiram Robertson, $211. Susan, aged 6, by
"Wm. Shields, $78.85. Kitt, aged 3, by Jno. Mauion, $48.50.
COLORED RECRUITS FROM HOWARD COUNTY.
Cyrus, owned by Elizabeth Hughes.
Turner, owned by John Burton.
Squire, owned by Frank Williams.
George, owned by John H. Withers.
Sam, owned by Henry Knouse.
John, owned by Joseph Hockersmith.
Lewis, owned by A. W. Morrison.
Ben, owned by A. W. Morrison.
Henry, owned by Narcissus Snoddy.
Ollie, owned by Wesley Green.
Cyrus, owned by Richard Earickson.
Harrison, owned by Wesley Green.
Walter, owned by Roxanna B. Hern.
George, owned by Roxanna B. Hern.
Samuel, owned by L. T. Patrick.
Henry, owned by Colonel John F. Williams.
William, owned by S. T. Crews.
Frederick, owned by Thos. C. Boggs.
Howard, owned by Thos. C. Boggs.
Toby, owned by John Kirby.
Stephen, owned by Hampton Green.
- Polk, owned by Wesly Green.
Oscar, owned by P. W. Hawley.
James, owned by W. P. Hawley.
Baddies, owned by W. P. Hawley.
Jacob, owned by P. W. Hawley.
280 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Edward, owned by J. R. Estill.
Joseph, owned by estate of Roland Hughes.
Frank, owned by Joe Swan Hughes.
Martin, owned by J. H. Hughes.
Andrew, owned by John Blakely.
Lowry, owned by J. R. Estill.
Olie, owned by J. R. Estill.
Dennis, owned by John Hickerson.
Ben, owned by Wm. Wigham.
Robert, owned by James Ferguson.
Martin, owned by Thomas Knouse.
Jacob, owned by John Q. A. Bibb.
Benton, owned by Ira C. Darby.
"William, owned by R. T. Prewitt.
James, owned by B. Eddins.
Andrew, owned by S. T. Crews.
Robert, owned by James P. Beck.
Lewis, owned by J. P. Morrison.
William, owned by J. P. Morrison.
Martin, owned by J. W. A. Patterson.
Jackson, owned by L. D. Brown.
Jackson, owned by J. W. A. Patterson.
George, owned by Nancy Snell.
Sanford, owned by Nancy Snell.
William, owned by R. J. Payne.
William, owned by I. S. Brooks.
Booker, owned by Willoughby Williams.
James, owned by W. L. Reeves.
John, owned by estate of John A. Talbott.
Jeff, owned by W. L. Reeves.
Richard, owned by Benj. Reeves.
Samuel, owned by estate of J. Q. Hicks.
William, owned by Benj. Reeves.
Mack, owned by Willoughby Williams.
Solomon, owned by Dr. Thomas Dinwiddie.
Merit, owned by Jeff Payne.
Alexander, owned by Hiram Robertson.
John, owned by estate of David Johnson.
Green, owned by John Embree.
Reuben, owned by Mary Ann Cake.
Howard, owned by S. T. Crews.
Granderson, owned by Mary Withers.
Henry, owned by T. H. Richards.
Jackson, owned by John Snoddy.
Ben, owned by Sarah Barnes.
Jackson, owned by estate of William Brown.
Charles, owned by Ann Miller.
Lewis, owned by William Payne.
Daniel, owned by estate of William Brown.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 281
George, owned by Susan Jackson.
Sam, owned by James Means.
Benton, owned by James Means.
Willis, owned by Samuel Maddox.
Lewis, owned by W. P. Jackson.
Alfred, owned by Andrew Tolson.
Bartlett, owned by Rice Patterson.
William, owned by John R. White.
Adam, owned by John R. White.
Alfred, owned by John R. White.
Sam, owned by John R. White.
Andy, owned by John R. White.
Preston, owned by John R. White.
Jacob, owned by John R. White.
Thomas, owned by W. B. Muir.
Perry, owned by Ira C. Darby.
Charles, owned by Gideon Wright.
Shelby, owned by FederalWalker.
Daniel, owned by Federal Walker.
St. Andrew, owned by Federal Walker.
Charles, owned by Gerard Robinson.
William, owned by Wade M. Jackson.
James, owned by David Isaacs.
Ben, owned by David Isaacs.
Barny, owned by Mark Jackman.
Charles, owned by L. S. Eddins.
Thomas, owned by L. S. Eddins.
Judd, owned by L. S. Eddins.
Oliver, owned by M. G. Maupin.
Garland, owned by Ann Adams.
Jim, owned by Bainer Spotts.
Abraham, owned by estate of George P. Bass.
Thomas, owned by Mrs. Sallie Patton.
Jim, owned by Archie Woods.
Warren, owned by estate of A. Leonard.
Joseph, owned by A. Cooper.
Henry, owned by A. Cooper.
George, owned by A. Cooper.
Robert, owned by Luther Cooper.
Lunzen, owned by C. E. Givens.
Isaac, owned by C. E. Givens.
Thomas, owned by Stephen Mott.
Edmon, owned by C. E. Givens.
Jake, owned by estate of A. Leonard.
Anderson, owned by Jack Haden.
John, owned by Archibald Hill.
David, owned by G. W. Stapleton.
Harrison, owned by J. T. Carson.
Charles, owned by Solomon Barnett.
282 HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Antony, owned by George Harvey.
Ambrose, owned by G. F. Stapleton.
John, owned by Ira C. Darby.
Amos, owned by James Perkins.
James, owned by G. W. Stapleton.
Aaron, owned by Wm. Long.
Jacob, owned by Mrs. J. Blythe.
Henry, owned by Moses Burton.
Adam, owned by estate of F. E. Williams.
Mack, owned by Eliza Stapleton.
Lee, owned by James Proctor.
Isaac, owned by estate of Wm. Elgin.
George, owned by Thomas Dinwiddie.
Allin, owned by estate of F. E. Williams.
Ambrose, owned by H. Dudgeon.
Pleasant, owned by Mrs. Sallie Patton.
Alex, owned by Jo Davis.
John, owned by Ben Beeves.
Charles, owned by J. H. Petty.
Sam, owned by B. W. Lewis.
William, owned by J. G. Long.
BATTLES AND INCIDENTS.
There were a few engagements, and one or two incidents that
occurred in Howard county during the war, that we deem of sufficient
importance to be chronicled in this history. We copy from Major
John N. Edwards' " Noted Guerillas."
ATTACK ON FAYETTE.
A long night march and a dark one, succeeded to the evening
of the fight, but by sunrise the next morning Todd had formed a
junction with Quantrell , Poole, Anderson, Perkins and Thomas Todd,
these two last being Confederate officers. Aggregated, the force
numbered 277 rank and file, not a formidable force to do effectively
the important work General Price required of it. Poole commanded
52 men ; George Todd, 53 ; Anderson, 67 ; Quantrell, 16 ; Thomas
Todd, 42, and Perkins, 47. All eyes were now turned towards Fayette,
the county seat of Howard county, eleven miles north of the ren-
dezvous, where 400 Federal soldiers did garrison duty, strongly forti-
fied and capable of stout resistance. The command was first offered
to Quantrell, but he refused it, next to Anderson who accepted.
Quantrell argued in the counsel against attacking Fayette, and voted
against it, as a piece of military folly. So did George Todd ; but the
balance overbore them and decided to, make the venture.
On the morning of September 20, 1864, the march towards
Fayette began. Anderson moved first, Poole next, Stuart next, and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 283
Quantrell fourth. In the rear were George Todd, Perkins and Thomas
Todd. Fayette had a strong stockade on the north as a defensive
work, and in the town itself both the court-house and a female academy
were strongly fortified. Anderson, Poole, and Quantrell were to
charge through Fayette and invest the stockade, while the two Todds
and Perkins were to look after the buildings on the inside of the cor-
poration. Tom Todd led the advance in the attack on the town, as
Fayette was his home.
Fayette was reached about eleven o'clock and attacked furiously.
Anderson, Poole, and Quantrell dashed through the square, losing
some of their best men, and the two Todds and Perkins faced the two
fortified buildings, and did what was possible to be done — bear
breasts against brick and mortar. Sergeant McMurtry, of George
Todd's company, fell first and close to the court-house fence. Oil
Thompson was mortally wounded, Perkins lost ten men in as many
minutes, Tom Todd seven, and Poole eight. Anderson lost in killed,
Garrett, Cravens, Agen, Grosvenor, and Newman Wade; and in
wounded, Thomas Maupin, Silas King, William Stone and Lawrence
Wilcox ; Lieutenant Little, one of the oldest of Quantrell' s veteran's
was badly wounded. Every attack was repulsed both upon the court-
house and the stockade, and the guerrillas retreated finally, but un-
pursued, with a loss of eighteen killed and forty-two wounded.
Eichard Kinney and Jesse James volunteered to bring McMurtry out
from under the guns of the enemy, and they dashed in afoot, and
succeeded safely amid a shower of balls. Quantrell, infuriated at a
loss of so many splendid fellows, fought with a recklessness unusual
with him. Leading in person three desperate assaults upon the
stockade, and wounded severely in the second assault, he would have
commanded a fourth if Poole and Anderson, convinced at last of the
uselessness of the sacrifice, had not shown the insanity of the effort
and argued him out of his reckless purpose. Many feats of individ-
ual and heroic daring were performed. Thomas Todd, his long red
beard waving in the wind, and his black plume floating free where the
fight was the hottest, dashed up once to the main gate of the court-
house and emptied six chambers of a revolver into a door, from which
twenty muskets were protruding. Peyton Long, losing his horse
early in the fight, rushed desperately into a corral under cover of the
stockade, coolly chose the horse which suited him best, mounted him
bareback and galloped away unhurt into his own ranks again. Harri-
son Trow, procuring from a citizen an excellent shot-gun, crept to a
sheltered place close to the academy and silenced one window of it by
the accuracy and rapidity of his fire. He was so cool and so calm
always in danger, that his comrades called him " Iceberg." The
night of the retreat, Oliver Johnson died. Only twenty-five years of
age, he was six feet two in height, and large in proportion. Of im-
mense physical strength, in a charge or close hand to hand fight he
was simply resistless. Wounded six times, the seventh wound killed
him. To find one to fill his place, who could be braver, more deadly,
284 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
or more constantly in the saddle, was to hunt for' gold dust in a straw
pile. There were none such.
The above account is correct in the main, but is wide of the
truth in reference to the number of men that were stationed in
Fayette. The garrison consisted of 300 men all told. On the day
of the attack Major Reeves Leonard was out ot town on a scouting
expedition, and had with him 250 men, leaving 50 men in Fayette,
but only 45 of these were able to bear arms. The Federals lost two
men killed, and had one man wounded. One of the men killed,
however, was not at the time a soldier. Had the guerrillas known at
the time of the attack that there were only 45 effective men opposed
to their number — 277 — they would have probably made a more des-
perate effort to have captured the garrison. One of the men killed
by the guerrillas was scalped, and this trophy of the bloody deed was
found pinned to a tree south of Fayette, with an inscription badly
written and badly spelled, stating in substance, " This is the way we
do business."
AFFAIR NEAR NEW FRANKLIN.
While Colonel S. D. Jackman was on his last recruiting expedi-
tion in Howard county, in the spring of 1863, and while in the
neighborhood of New Franklin, his company, consisting of about twenty
men, was attacked by a detachment of Federals under Captain
Samuel Steinmetz, from Glasgow. ' The guerrillas had taken a strong
position in a ravine, and after pouring a single volley into Steinmetz's
ranks, the latter scattered in every directiou, and did not halt until
they reached Fayette. Major Reeves Leonard, commander of the
post at Fayette, and a member of Colonel Guitar's regiment, aroused
at the signal failure of Steinmetz to break up Jackman' s recruiting
camp, hurried out himself at the head of sixty picked troopers. A
combat ensued, brief but savage. Jackman and Leonard met face to
face and fought a single-handed fight. Leonard was wounded
severely in the leg. Jackman and his men retreated.
CASON'S ATTACK ON TWO STEAMBOATS.
On the 17th of August, 1861, the guerrilla, Captain Cason, ascer-
tained that two steamboats, the White Cloud and the McDowell,
were coming down the Missouri river en route to St. Louis.
An ambuscade was immediately formed on the Howard county side,
and almost opposite Saline city. Here the current of the river
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 28")
sweeps almost to the shore, which would of necessity bring them
within rifle range of the concealed guerrillas. Unsuspicious of danger
and crowded with human freight, the boat swept swiftly along. A
sudden flame leaped out from the bushes as though some hidden fire
was there, and then on the crowded decks were terror, confusion,
bleeding and dead men. For nearly an hour Cason fought the boats,
making of every embankment and earthwork, and of every tree a
fortress. Finally a landing was effected and two pieces of cannon
hurried ashore, and used for shelling the timber that concealed the
guerrillas. Cason held on. As the infantry advanced he fell back,
as it retired he advanced. Night alone ended the savage duel, the
Federal loss being about sixty-two killed and more than that number
wounded. The guerrillas lost no men.
AN ACT OF BRUTALITY.
The following seems to illustrate the villainous and brutal char-
acter of that inhuman butcher, who reveled in the blood and sufferings
of his unfortunate victims : —
[From Colonel Switzler's History of Missouri.]
After the abandonment of Glasgow, the guerrilla chief, Bill
Anderson, and his band of outlaws, came at night to the house of
William B. Lewis, in the vicinity, 'and in the presence of his family
and of Mrs. Clark, mother of the rebel general, John B. Clark, Jr.,
and Mr. Dabney Garth, brother-in-law of Sterling Price, both con-
nected by marriage to Mr. Lewis, subjected their victim to the
grossest and crudest indignities. He was knocked down with the
butts of heavy pistols, bruised and battered while helpless on the
floor, his clothes cut open, his flesh pricked with knives, and his body
singed with the flash of pistols fired within a few inches of his face.
In their savage cruelty, the villains stuck the muzzles of their pistols
into the mouth of their unresisting victim, and threatened to blow out
his brains, accompanying their threats with ribald oaths and impreca-
tions. All this was done partly to wreak their fury on a Union man,
and partly to extort money from him. Mr. Lewis, who was a wealthy
citizen, gave his tormentors $1,000, which was all the money he had
in the house, and was then permitted to go in the streets under guard,
and borrow as much more as he could from his neighbors. Anderson
demanded $5,000 for his ransom, and this sum by the active aid of
neighbors and personal friends he was enabled to raise. It was paid
over to his greedy persecutors, and he was released. Next day ho
escaped from the town, together with several other citizens, and made
his way to Boonville.
(20)
&
286 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CAPTURE OF GENERAL THOMAS J. BARTHOLOW.
We clip from the Howard county Advertiser, of April 30,
1863: —
On Wednesday night last, Brigadier-general T. J. Bartholow, com-
manding the eighth military district of Missouri, was taken from bed
at Glasgow, Missouri, by Jackmau's guerrillas, and was not heard
from till yesterday. There was a company of enrolled militia in the
town, but the general, having recently lost by death his wife and
mother, was staying for the night (Wednesday) at his mother's late
residence, situated on the outskirts of town. During the night the
guerillas entered and carried him away. Yesterday, however, Gen-
eral Gray received the following dispatch from General Bartholow :
Glasgow, April 24.
General John B. Bray, A. G,: I was released by Jackmaii yes-
terday evening; have just arrived at headquarters. I positively
refused to take any oath or accept any parole, or compromise my
honor. Particulars by mail. T. J. Bartholow, Brig. Gen.
THE ABDUCTION OF GENERAL BARTHOLOW.
General T. J. Bartholow, who was taken from his residence in
the suburbs of Glasgow, Missouri, on the morning of the 23d inst.,
by Jackman and a band of his guerrillas, has communicated the par-
ticulars of the affair by letter to General Gray. From the communi-
cation, we learn that on the morning of the 23d of April, 1863, at
about two o'clock, General B. was awakened by a few raps upon the
front door of his residence. He arose from bed, struck a light, went
to the door and demanded what was wanted. A man replied that he
was a messenger to him from General Guitar, having a verbal mes-
sage, and he desired an interview to enable him to deliver it. Gen-
eral B. replied that he did not know him and would not admit him.
He then turned off with the apparent intention of leaving, but in ;i
few moments returned with the remark that his information was of
an important nature, and hoped General B. would grant him an inter-
view, so that he might return immediately to Columbia. General B.
then looked out one of the sidelights by the door but could discern
but one man. He then concluded to open the door, as he was armed
with a navy revolver. As soon as General B. had admitted the man,
he closed and locked the door and invited him into his chamber,
where they had an interview of some ten minutes, during which Gen-
eral B.'s suspicions were to a considerable extent removed, although
he held his pistol in his hand all the time. The interview closed and
the man started out. General Bartholow followed him to the door
with his pistol in one hand and a lamp in the other. As he
approached the door he observed that the man suddenly quickened
his pace. This again excited General B.'s suspicions, and he sprang
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 287
towards the door hoping to get hold of the key, but failed. The door
was then suddenly opened and a large man forced his way in, despite
of his efforts to prevent him. General B. then pointed his pistol at
his breast, and was almost in the act of firing, when one of them
caught his pistol, and the other took hold of him. Finding himself
thus overpowered, he had no alternative but to surrender, which
he did. General Bartholow was now informed that he was Colonel
Jackrnan's prisoner, and that the alleged messenger from General
Guitar was Major Rucker, lately escaped from Gratiot street prison.
They were accompanied by ten men.
General Bartholow was ordered to dress and go with them.
They took him to his stable, and as soon as his horse was saddled, they
started with him in a southeasterly direction at a brisk pace through
the woods and farms, avoiding all public roads until daylight, when
Major Eucker left with all the men but one, General B. remaining
with Jackman and the man in the woods all day, some twelve miles
from Glasgow where he had a good deal of conversation with the
colonel, in which General B. told him that he would not take an oath
or accept a parole from him, to which Jackman replied that he would
then have to hold him.
Late in the afternoon General B. proposed to Jackman that in
consideration of his i-elease, he would give protection to the person
and property of a man named Maxwell, of Howard county, at whose
house a party of Jackrnan's men were captured last winter, in conse-
quence of which Maxwell left home to avoid arrest, as he was under
oath and bond. General B. having learned that Maxwell did not
willingly harbor those men, but begged them to leave, stating that he
was under bond and would suffer if they were known to have been at
his house. This statement was corroborated by Jackman and his
men. Jackman accepted the proposition, and General Bartholow was
released.
It is proper to say that General B.'s residence is nearly outside
the town, and some distance from any other house, and the force in
Glasgow at the time being small, it was impossible to picket all the
roads.
These are all the facts connected with the affair. General Barth-
olow is now at his post in attendance upon his ordinary duties, his
standing as an officer of the militia unimpeached, and his honor in no
wise jeopardized by the unfortunate occurrence. His course- under
the trying circumstances in which he acted, cannot but be approved by
-all judicious and just persons.
BATTLE AT GLASGOW.
The most important engagement that occurred between the Fed-
erals and Confederates during the war, in Howard county, took place
at Glasgow.
While General Sterling Price was making his last raid into Mis-
288 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
souri in 1864, and while he, with a portion of his forces were occupy-
ing Boonville, Cooper couuty, he ordered General John B. Clark, Jr.,
to attack Glasgow. Clark's command consisted of his own brigade
of cavalry, Marmaduke's brigade, Shelby's forces, which numbered
at the time some three hundred men, and Colonel S. L. Jackman'g
command, all told, about seventeen hundred men, with seven pieces
of artillery.
Glasgow was occupied by Colonel Chester Harding, who com-
manded the 43d regiment of Missouri Volunteers. General Shelby,
with one piece of artillery, commenced the attack on the morning of
the 15th of October, 1864, at the dawn of day, from the western
bank of the river. General Shelby moved his forces about sunrise up
the eastern bank of the river, and opened a hot fire from his battery
of six pieces (Major Pratt's artillery), which he stationed on the hills
south of town.
Shelby first directed his fire against The steamer Western Wind,
which was lying at the wharf and occupied by Union soldiers. The
boat was soon disabled and abandoned, when he turned his guns up-
on the city hall, which was used by the Union forces as a commissary
depot. Before ten o'clock a. m. the garrison defendiug the town
was compelled to take to their rifle pits, which had been prepared at
one of the highest points of ground in the town. The Confederates
had completely surrounded the place and were closing in on the rifle
pits, when the city hall was set on fire. A strong wind was blowing
at the time from the northwest, and the fire was communicated to
twelve or fifteen houses, which were entirely consumed with their
contents. About 1 o'clock p. m. the garrison surrendered. There
was fifty or sixty men killed and wounded of the Union forces, and
about an equal number on the Confederate side.
The prisoners were sent under an escort to Boonville, at their
own request, fearing that if they remained unarmed at Glasgow, they
would be killed by the guerrillas and bushwhackers.
INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE.
Dr. J. P. Vaughan, one of the oldest residents of Glasgow,
went voluntarily out of the city during the engagement to the place
where General Clark was sitting on his horse, watching the progress
of the fight, to prevail upon the general if he could, to cease firing
upon the city. He volunteered to be the bearer of a flag of truce, and
actually returned to the city with a flag from General Clark, which he
carried to the headquarters of Colonel Harding. General Clark in-
j J J .;
1 i I i i
HISTOKT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 289
formed the writer that while the doctor was making his way back to
the Federal commander's presence, on foot, he could occasion-
ally see the dust rise from the ground, in front and upon every side of
the doctor, which was thrown by bullets from guns in the rifle pits.
The doctor, however, nothing daunted, delivered his message and re-
turned to General Clark with Colonel Harding's answer.
During the engagement a battalion of Confederates occupied the
elegant residence of W. F. Dunnica, which was located about 225
yards from the rifle pits. The house had ten openings fronting the
pits, which were filled with sharpshooters. Six of the soldiers were
wounded in the house ; the building and furniture were greatly dam-
aged, as the house was pierced by about three hundred bullets (this
number being afterwards counted on the side fronting the rifle pits).
QUANTRELL.
After the fight, the noted guerrilla chief, Quantrell, came up to
General Clark and told him that he (Quantrell) was the first man to
reach the rifle pits after the surrender. The General said that he was
not aware of Quantrell' s presence at any time during the engagement,
but saw him afterwards.
ROBBERY.
On the evening of the second day, after the surrender, Quantrell,
with his company of marauders, cut-throats and thieves, entered
Glasgow, and sent two of his men to Mr. W. F. Dunnica's residence,
commanding them to bring him to his bank (bank of Thomson & Dun-
nica), which they did. After reaching the bank, Mr. Dunnica was com-
pelled to unlock the bank vault and safe and deliver their contents to
the thieves. Mr. Dunnica had anticipated something of the kind and
had, the day before, buried $32,000, which he saved. Quantrell took
all the money in the safe ($21,000) and told Mr. D. that he would
conduct him home, so his men on the streets would not molest him,
and did so.
MASS MEETING AFTER THE WAR.
At a mass meeting of the citizens of Howard county, held at the
court-house in Fayette on the 5th day of March, 1866, the object of
which was to indorse the restoration policy of President Johnson, and
to sustain him in his veto of the freedmen's bureau bill, the follow-
ing proceedings were had and resolutions adopted : —
At the request of the chairman, A. J. Herndon explained the
objects of the meeting in a clear and forcible manner.
290 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
A committee, consisting of I. N. Houck, G. C. Eaton and S. C.
Major, of Eichmond township ; David Wilson and W. J. Talbot, of
Bonne Femme ; E. P. Kirby and Jno. D. Eickets, of Moniteau; W.
J. Baskett and N. G. Elliott, of Franklin ; Wesley Hyeronemus and E.
H. Turner, of Boone's Lick; J. V. Bastin and A. W. Eoper, of Char-
iton, and Eice Patterson and John Dysart, of Prairie, were appointed
to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
During the retirement of the committee, Colonel Joe Davis, un-
der repeated calls, addressed the meeting in well-timed remarks.
The meeting was also addressed by S. C. Major, Jr., and H. Clay
Cockerill in support of the resolutions.
The committee reported the following, which, upon motion, were
unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Andrew Johnson, as president of the United States,
in exercise of the powers vested in him by the constitution, has re-
cently sent to the senate of the United States a message vetoing the
act known as the freedmen's bureau bill ; and
Whereas, He has been threatened and insulted for so doing by
members of the senate and house of representatives in congress, and
also by the concurrent resolutions passed by the radical members of
the Missouri legislature, who in that, as in other acts passed by them
in the present session, are misrepresenting the known wishes of the
people of the state ; and
Whereas, The president, in his messages and speeches, has
submitted his cause to the judgment of the people, who are his con-
stituents ; therefore be it
Resolved, 1st, That the message of President Johnson vetoing
the freedmen's bureau bill, meets the unqualified approval of the
citizens of Howard county, and we hold that no enlightened and pa-
triotic citizen can fail to discover evidence of profound statesmanship
and heroic fidelity to the constitution.
2d. That the system which the freedmen's bureau bill proposed
to establish is radically repugnant to the principles of republican lib-
erty ; that it would pauperize the negro race and tax the white race
to maintain them and perpetuate the subordination of the civil to the
military power.
3d. That the disfranchisement of eleven states of the union is
a usurpation of power, and is calculated to fill the public mind with
alarm and keep alive the passions and prejudices kindled by the war,
and make chronic disloyalty on the one hand and tyranny on the
other.
4th. That all legislation by congress solely affecting the eleven
States which are denied representation, is unconstitutional and invalid,
and should be so treated by the president of the whole country.
5th. That we denounce without stint the action of the General
Assembly in condemning, by concurrent resolutions, the veto message
and declaring for negro suffrage ; that it is a gross misrepresentation
of the public sentiment of Missouri ; that we tender those senators
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 291
and representatives who opposed the passage of these resolutions, our
warmest gratitude.
6th. That the preservation of this government depends upon
the maintenance of the foregoing principles, and that we pledge our-
selves to cordially co-operate with the citizens of whatever former
political complexion or party, who will honestly labor for them.
7th. That we heartily approve and indorse the course of Hons.
John Hogan and Thomas E. Noell, representatives in congress, for
their able support of the chief magistrate in his elForts to maintain
the supremacy of the constitution.
8th. That we deem radicalism as antagonistic to the principles
of a republican form of government ; that taxes cannot rightfully
be imposed where there is no representation.
9th. That we regard the new constitution of Missouri as objec-
tionable to the people of the state, and an. infraction upon and depri-
vation of the liberties of the citizens, and we pledge ourselves to use
all lawful and proper means to repeal its odious provisions.
10th. That we hereby invite all good citizens to unite with us in
restoring to the people of this state and nation, the liberties guaran-
teed to them by the constitution of the United States.
11th. That Wm. H. Seward, secretary of state, by his co-op-
eration with, and indorsement of, the acts of President Johnson, has
given unmistakable evidence of patriotism and a desire for the perpe-
tuity of the union of these states, and that however we may have
differed with him in times past as to his political views, we tender
him our thanks for the noble stand he has taken in upholding the
president, and exhibiting his desire for the preservation of republican
liberty.
Mr. Herndon offei-ed the following, which was unanimously
adopted :
That we heartily indorse the course of Hon. F. P. Blair in first
standing in the breach throughout the war, fighting gallantly for the
union, and then in manfully and fearlessly opposing the reckless and
revolutionary policy of the radicals of the country generally, and
particularly of this state ; and we tender him our thanks, with a re-
quest that he continue his work until the radical factionists and dis-
unionists be hurled from power.
On motion, it was adopted that the secretary furnish for publi-
cation, a copy of these proceedings to the Howard county Advertiser,
Glasgow Times and Missouri Republican.
On motion, the secretary was directed to send a copy of same to
President Johnson and Hon. Wm. H. Seward, secretary of state.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
E. P. Graves, Chairman.
H. Clay Cockerill, Secretary.
October 18, 1866, there was held in Fayette an unconditional
union convention, as will be seen by the notice below, for the pur-
pose of making nominations for the different offices : —
292 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
UNCONDITIONAL UNION CONVENTION NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES.
The unconditional union convention of Howard county assem-
bled at the court-house at Fayette at 1 o'clock v. m., and was organ-
ized by electing Judge E. S. Davis president, and William Selman
secretary.
Nomination of candidates being hi order, the following gentle-
men were unanimously nominated :
State superintendent of schools — T. A. Parker.
Kepresentative — J. D. Keebaugh.
Judges of county court — David Wilson, E. S. Davis, Larkin T.
Patrick.
Clerk of circuit court — John H. Lewis.
Assessor — W. Con. Boon.
County school commissioner — Wm. Watts.
Supervisor of registration — James Andrews.
The Democratic, or Conservative party had already made their
nominations. The election resulted as follows : —
For state superintendent common schools, J. F. Williams,
980; congress, J. M. Glover, 1,011 ; state senate, T. B. Eeed, 986
legislature, Cockerill, 618; Patterson, 375 ; sheriff, J. L. Morrison
746 ; P. M. Jackson, 454 ; county justice, Heath, 928 ; Taylor, 933
Hanna, 756 ; Minor, 277 ; circuit clerk, Stewart, '754 ; Holliday, 307
county clerk, A. J. Herndon, 1,034 ; school superintendent, T. G
Deatherage, 973 ; supervisor of registration, J. D. Eicketts, 834
assessor, H. P. White, 818 ; Boon, 370 ; treasurer, T. W. Kadford,
767 ; Ewing, 269.
The following is the Radical vote of the county : —
Superintendent common schools, Parker, 200 ; congress, Judas
P. Benjamin, 204 ; state senate, Dr. Hays, 161 ; representative, J.
D. Keebaugh, 213, justices county court, D. Wilson, 214; E. S.
Davis, 214; L. C. Patrick, 213; circuit clerk, J. H. Lewis, 149 ;
supervisor of registration, Andrews, 210.
CHAPTBE XIV.
Agricultural Societies, Railroads and Miscellaneous Matters — Howard County Agricul-
tural Society— Great Central Fair — Its Organization— Howard County Grange —
Railroad History of Howard County — First Meeting of Citizens — First Vote — Sub-
scriptions to Tebo and Neosho Railroad Company — Louisiana and Missouri River
Railroad— Missouri and Mississippi Railroad — The St. Louis, Kansas City and Chi-
cago Railroad — Bonded Indebtedness — Miscellaneous Matters.
HOWARD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY.
The above-named society was organized in the year 1852 and in-
corporated in 1855, on the 28th day . of February. Rice Patterson
was the first president, John F. Williams and A. J. Herndon were
the succeeding presidents. The last fair was held in 1860. It was a
success financially, but the war of 1861, prevented the parties inter-
ested from attempting thereafter to hold another. One or two efforts
have been made since the war to reorganize the society, but without
success, until May 26, 1883.* The premium lists were always full,
aud the prizes offered by the managers and stockholders were of such
a character as to attract the attention of the farmer and the mechanic,
and stir up the spirit of honest and commendable competition.
GREAT CENTRAL FAIR.
The above-named enterprise was inaugurated in the year 1866,
the object being to hold an annual fair at Roanoke, Randolph county,
Missouri, which is located on the edge of Prairie township, on the
* At a meeting held in the circuit court room on Saturday, May 26th, the following
action was taken in reference to county fair : Meeting called to order by the chairman.
Minutes of the last meeting read and adopted. The committee on organization made their
report. On motion report adopted and the following were then selected directors to serve
until their successors are elected. Richmond township, R. P. "Williams, A, F. Davis, Wm.
Shrafroth, Solon Smith. Moniteau township, John Hammond. Franklin township, John
H. Estill. Chariton, A. W. Morrison. Prairie township, Jos. H. Finks. Boone's Lick,
Stephen Cooper. Bonne Femme, Geo. J. Winn. Burton, N. A. Taylor. All present
signed the articles of association and paid in fifty per cent of their subscribed stock. All
papers and minutes were turned over to the board of directors. Meeting adjourned.
J. H. Estill, Chairman.
W. F. Mitchell, Secretary.
(293)
294 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
line between Howard and Randolph counties. It was to be held under
the auspices of Howard, Randolph and Chariton counties. We copy
from the Howard county Advertiser: —
At a meeting of the citizens of Howard, Randolph and Chariton
counties, held in Roanoke on the first day of August, 1866, to take
into consideration the propriety of getting up the great central fair
grounds for North Missouri, William Wayland was called to the chair
and W. V. Hall appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was
explained in an able manner by the chairman, whereupon the follow-
ing-named gentlemen were appointed as a committee to meet and
draft resolutions : —
James M. Richardson, Rice Patterson, W. Y. Lockridge, J. H.
Patterson, Geo. M. Quinn, Alex. Denny, W. P. Phelps, W."V. Hall,
W. C. Harvey, R. J. Bagby, Rector Barton, Wm. Barton, Lewis
Tinnell, J. T* Wallace, Judge Henry Blake, T. P. Fristoe, Jr., W.
Wayland, C. F. Wright, A. T. Prewitt, J. R. Yancey, S. Phelps,
W. E. Viley, J. W. Viley, R. Gilman, J. D. Head, W. Smith, R.
Samuel, G. T. Green, J. H.Austin, Hon. W. A. Hall, J. White, R.
W. Thompson, Capt. John Head, H. M. Porter, Thos. Kimbrough,
Judge G. W. Burckhartt, J. C: Head, R. J. Mansfield, A. J. Robert-
son, J. B. Bradford, J. L. Morrison, Jas. Brooks, C. H. Stewart,
John Duncan, R. Patrick, Peter Land, I. N. Houck, June Williams,
A. A. Pugh, John Turner, Jr., W. J. Eddings, J. B. Thompson, D.
Pankey. A. W. Morrison, Thos. Boggs, T. J. Payne, A. W. Roper,
John Miller, J. G. Maupin, J. Y. Miller, N. G. Elliott, John P. Se-
bree, Jas. Morrison, John Hayden, Dr. Grinstead, J. W. Harris, J.
W. Cox, L. Salisbury, W. C. Hereford, P. T. Dolman, Wm. Here-
ford, Eli Wayland, W. J. Harvey, Geo. Williams, W. H. Plunkett,
A. Moore, Wm. White, L. M. Applegate, C. A. Winslow, H. W.
Cross, T. E. Gillian, John Ewing, T. T. Elliott, J. B. Naylor, R.
James, J. A. Pitts, Frank Lyman, Frank Williams, J. Crews, B: F.
Harvey, G. H. Harvey.
Resolved, That we meet in Roanoke on Saturday, the 18th day
of August, 1866, to form a permanent organization, and that all the
gentlemen named in the three counties, and all others that feel inter-
ested, are most cordially invited to meet with us upon that day.
Resolved, That the secretary forward a copy of the proceedings
to the Brunswicker, Randolph Citizen, Glasgow Times, and the
Howard county Advertiser, requesting their publication.
On motion the meeting adjourned to meet again on Saturday,
the 18th day of August, 1866, to form a permanent organization.
W. Wayland, Chairman.
W. V. Hall, Secretary.
At a subsequent meeting in August, 1868, the fair was organ-
ized, as will be seen from reading an account of the meeting which
we take from the same paper : —
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 295
CENTRAL FAIR MEETING.
At a meeting of the citizens of Howard, Randolph and Chariton
counties, held on the ground selected, A. W. Morrison was called to
the chair, and W. V. Hall appointed secretary. A. J. Herndon being-
called upon, explained the object of the meeting. The chairman then
appointed the following gentlemen to select officers for the present
year. Committee : A. Moore, J. J. Grinstead and Steve Phelps, of
Howard ; G. T. Greene, Woodson Newby and W. Y. Lockridge, of
Randolph; N. G. Elliott, John Miller and Jas. G. Manpin, of How-
ard. The meeting then adjourned for dinner, after which the meet-
ing was moved to the academy, when the committee made the follow-
ing report : —
For president — Jas. Richardson, of Randolph.
Vice-presidents — A. W. Morrison, of Howard ; Alphonso Moore,
of Chariton.
Secretary — W. V. Hall, of Howard.
Assistant secretary — Wm. Burton, of Randolph.
Treasurer — Rice Patterson, of Howard.
Directors — John Miller, N. G. Elliott, J. H. Patterson, of How-
ard ; J.W. Harris, Jno. P. Williams, W. J. Harvey, of Chariton ;
G. T. Green, Woodson Newby, W. Y. Lockridge, of Chariton.
Upon motion, a committee was appointed to get up articles of
association, composed of the following gentlemen : R. S. Head, chair-
man ; A. J. Herndon, W. V. Hall, Thos. Kimbrough, T. T. Elliott,
E. W. Thomson and Hon. W. A. Hall; said committee to meet at
Roanoke and report on the 30th day of August, 1866. By a unani-
mous vote the editors of the Glasgow Times, Howard county Adver-
tiser, Randolph Citizen and Brunswicker, were elected honorary mem-
bers.
Upon motion of N. G. Elliott, it was agreed that the directors
meet at Roanoke, on the 30th day of August, to confer with the com-
mittee appointed to get up tire articles of association, and to agree
upon a time for holding the fair, and to attend to such other business
as might come before them for immediate action.
The chairman appointed J. H. Wayland, Jas. Richardson, W.
Y. Lockridge, W. P. Phelps, W. V. Hall, J. H. Patterson and W.
J. Harvey, a committee of arrangements.
A. W. Morrison, President.
W. V. Hall, Secretary.
The last fair was held at Roanoke in 187—. W. H. Patterson
was the last president.
HOWARD COUNTY GRANGE.
This organization, which was originally instituted in the inter-
est of the farmer and agriculturalist, was introduced into Howard
county about the beginning of the year 1874. It soon became a very
296 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
popular institution, and numbered among its patrons and members
a great many farmers. Its power and influence, however, began to
wane after 1877-78. Below will be found the names and locations
of the granges of the county in the month of June, 1874 : —
Howard Grange, No. 281; W. G. Edwards, master; Geo. C.
Edwards, secretary. —
Glasgow Grange, No. 944 ; G. W. Moorehead, master ; John C.
Woods, secretary.
Central Hill Grange, No. 1011 ; Jas. K. McDonald, master; W.
W. Gray, secretary.
Oakland Grange, No. 1073 ; Bird Deatherage, master ; George
B. Tolson, secretary.
Washington Grange, No. 1010 ; B. F. Snyder, master ; James
B. Shores, secretary.
Ashland Grange, No. 1316 ; J. R. Gallamore, master ; G. Heb-
erling, secretary.
Bonne Femme Grange, No. 1161; Owen Williams, master;
James H. Feeland, secretary.
Sulphur Spring Grange, No. 1159; J. W. Champion, master ;
George M. Pipes, secretary.
Richmond Grange, No. 1317; J. T. Smith, master; H. C. Tin-
dall, secretary.
Rock Spring Grange, No. 1419; Seth H. Morgan, master; John
M. Elgin, secretary.
New Liberty Grange, No. 1110; E. M. Grimes, master; Pat.
Dysart, secretary.
Sebree Grange, No. 1375 ; Henry Grigsby, master ; Joseph Carr,
secretary.
Elm Grange, No. 1372 ; A. J. Kirby, master; D. Morris, secre-
tary.
Maple Grove Grange, No. ; W. F. Cunningham, master;
James Y. Miller, secretary.
Richland Grange, No. ; John Tatum, master; William C.
Warden, secretary.
Burton Grange, No. 1194; William Creson, master; R. J. Pat-
rick, secretary.
Boone's Lick Grange, No. 1072; John M. Kivett, master ; M.
W. Henry, secretary.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 297
Walnut Grove Grange, No. ; George G. Harvey, master ;
A. C. Woods, secretary.
Pleasant Hill Grange, No. ; W. A. Dudgeon, master; John
H. Woods, secretary.
Highland Grange, No. ; James Walker, master; J. Y.
Hume, secretary.
Moniteau Grange, No. 1160 ; Wade M. Jackson, master ; B. T.
Jackson, secretary.
Lisbon Grange, No. 1708 ; G. C. Shelton, master; Thomas A.
Grider, secretary.
The granges now have one co-operative store in Burton town-
ship.
RAILROAD HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Scarcely had the smoke of the great civil conflict of 1861, been
dissipated, when the people of Howard county, ever alive to their own
interests as a people, and as a county, began to agitate the question of
building a railroad, and in pursuance of their feelings, which seemed
to have been almost unanimously concurred in, the following notice
was given in the Howard county Advertiser of April, 1867 : —
RAILROAD MEETING.
There will be a meeting of the citizens of Howard county, held in
Fayette, on Monday, June 3d, 1867, for the purpose of organizing a
railroad company, to build a road through the county, that will be of
interest to the whole county. It is to be hoped that every township
in the county will be represente*d ; books of subscription will be open
for the commencement of this important enterprise, which has so long
been neglected.
One or two small meetings had taken place, even as early as 1866,
but were of no special interest and attracted no particular attention.
This meeting then, of June 3d, 1867, was the real beginning of the
movement, which finally culminated in the building and completion of
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, although several other ef-
forts had been made to secure other roads prior to the building of the
Missouri, Kansas and Texas.
The meeting, as advertised, was held at Fayette, at the court-
house. It was well attended and great enthusiasm marked its pro-
ceedings. John P. Sebree, Esq., was called to the chair, and stirring
speeches were made by Mr. Orick, of St. Charles, Col. John L. Wil-
298 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Hams, of Macon, Thomas W. Shackelford, A. J. Herndon, J. W.
Robinson, Mr. Brown. After the matter was fully discussed, the com-
mittee made ,a report : —
Recommending the incorporation of a company under the railroad
law of the state. Also, of submitting the proposition to the people of
Howard county, to build a railroad from Boonville via Fayette and
Roanoke, to Moberly, said road being intersected by a branch road
from Glasgow, running in the direction of Roanoke.
There were other meetings, but it was not until January 6th, 1868,
about eight months thereafter, that any decided steps were taken in
the interest of a railroad. The Advertiser, speaking of a meeting that
occurred on the 6th of January, 1868, says : —
THE MEETING ON MONDAY.
In pursuance of the notice, the great railroad mass meeting was
held at Fayette, on Monday the 6th instant, and truly there was a
grand rally, considering the sudden and unfavorable change in the
weather. On motion, J. P. Sebree was elected chairman, and I. N.
Houck and W. A. Thompson were made secretaries. The chairman
then appointed the following gentlemen a committee to draft resolu-
tions and arrange for a thorough canvass of the entire county : —
For Franklin township, N. G. Elliott ; for Boone's Lick township,
R. Stanley ; for Chariton township, T. Shackelford ; for Prairie town-
ship, W. H. Morris ; for Bonne Femme township, W. H. Adams ; for
Moniteau township, C. E. Givens ; for Richmond township, S. C.
Major, Jr.
The committee retired, and in their absence General John B.
Clark, Sr., by request, addressed the meeting. It would be impossi-
ble to report General Clark's speech in full ; he contrasted the past
with the present and showed the change and improvement that had
taken place. He spoke lengthily of the farming interests of the coun-
ty, and showed wherein that class of men would be benefited by the
railroad. He alluded to the increase in the value of the lands, and
urged that their increased value would more than pay the taxes in-
curred in building the road. He made quite a lengthy and telling
speech and showed that he was thoroughly alive to the work of making
old Howard great, rich, and prosperous, as she ought to be.
Judge Tompkins, of Boonville, was then introduced, and in an
earnest manner spoke of the thorough arousement of Boonville, and
Cooper county, in this railroad movement. He gave us assurances of
the co-operation of his people, and said that the railroad from Renick
to the Missouri river would receive encouragement from every man in
Boonville, and material aid as far as they were able to give it.
Judge Norman Lackland, of Audrian, one of the directors of the
Louisiana and Missouri river railroad, and the authorized agent of
said road, took the stand and in a short speech assured the meeting of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 299
the firm purpose of the company to build the road from Louisiana to
Kansas City, and that speedily, provided the people on the proposed
route would aid them.
Mr. R. T. Prewitt next came forward as the champion for the
railroad. He made a very stirring appeal ; hoped that before he died
he would hear more stirring and thrilling music than that just dis-
coursed by our excellent brass band. Mr. Prewitt's speech was kindly
received and ought to have been heard by every man in the county.
At this point in the proceedings the committee reported the following,
as the result of their deliberations, viz. : —
Resolved 1st. That we are convinced of the importance to the people
of Howard county of the two railroad projects to be voted on by the
people on the 21st day of January, 1868.
2d. For the purpose of eliciting a full discussion on the subject,
we recommend the appointment of the following persons to act as a
committee to arrange for public meetings in the different townships : —
Richmond township — S. C. Major, Jr., John Duncan, E. M.
Patrick, W. H. Nipper, Richard Payne, J. W. A. Patterson, J. C.
Ferguson.
Bonne Femme township — W. H. Adams, George Gibson, George
Dougherty, E. Andrews, E. Moberly, D. Wilson, S. B. Naylor.
Moniteau township — C. E. Givens, W. L. Reeves, O. C. Hern,
J. D. Patton, W. M. Jackson, Bazeleel Maxwell, Wm. Peeler, J.
Gilvin .
Chariton township — T. Shackelford, Boyd M. McCrary, P. Bair,
John Tilman, D. B. White, P. M. Land, A. W. Roper, L. F. Hay-
don.
Prairie township — William Hughes, W. V. Hall, J. Quinn, W.
M. White, W. Gates, A. C. Tolson.
Boone's Lick township — Robert Stanley, James Lewis,W. Knaus,
H. Miller, J. M. Kivett, Jackson Sterns.
Franklin township — N. G. Elliott, S. T. Hughes, John Lee, J.
C. Moore, W. L. Baskett, W. G. Edwards, J. C. Daily, J. W. Robin-
son, Colonel B. W. Stone.
Mr. Shackelford spoke very earnestly, and showed himself the
staunch supporter of the propositions to be submitted to a vote on the
21st instant. He urged all railroad men to vote on that day, and as-
sured us that Glasgow was a unit for the roads. Mr. J. W. Robinson,
of Franklin township, next came forward. He said that the subject
had already been exhausted, and kindly offered to allow any anti-rail-
road man to take his place on the programme. No one coming for-
ward, he proceeded to address the meeting, acquitting himself with
much credit ; for though the day was far spent and the crowd had been
standing many hours, yet Mr. Robinson commanded the undivided at-
tention of all, and met with frequent and hearty applause. L. W.
Robinson, of Rocheport, being present, was called on and addressed
the meeting in the interest of the people of Rocheport and that direc-
tion. He favored the building of railroads in Howard county, and
wished the people of this county, in case they could not succeed in the
300 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
scheme of building the roads proposed, that they would aidKocheport
and Boone county, in continuing the Columbia branch of the North
Missouri railroad, from Columbia via Rocheport, through Fayette to
Glasgow.
Mr. A. J. Herndon next addressed the meeting ; thought the
crowd was already tired, and that enough had been said to convince
any unprejudiced mind present. He said that all white male citizens
qualified under the old law would be allowed to vote on the 21st
instant, no oath being required. He said he intended to work until
the last day in the evening for the success of the proposition. He said
he thought the county of Howard would be better off to give a million,
rather than loose the roads. At the close a resolution of thanks was
tendered the Fayette cornet band, and three hearty cheers (given with
a will) went up for the railroads.
Well done, Howard county, — you will redeem yourself on the
21st instant, and rapidly take your place in the front ranks of the
counties of the State.
The county court made an order of publication, and directed an
election to be held at the different voting precincts in the county, on
Tuesday after the third Monday in January, 1868, to give the voters
of Howard county an opportunity to vote upon the proposition of
subscribing $250,000 to the capital stock of the Louisiana and Mis-
souri river railroad company, and $250,000 to the Tebo and Neosho
railroad company.
Below we give the returns from each township :
Richmond -
Prairie
Bonne Femme
Landmark
Whites' Shop
Franklin
Boone's Lick
Chariton
For.
Against.
396
4»
62
12ft
156
3
78
14
21
72
159
65
30
181
374
37
1,276 54&
Majority - ... . 727
Total vote, 1,825.
This was the first vote upon a proposition to subscribe to the
building of a railroad. It carried by such a large majority that the
county court, believing that their action would be approved by the
people, of their own motion made an order subscribing $750,000 to
the Louisiana and Missouri river railroad and the Tebo and Neosho-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 301
railroad companies. Four hundred thousand dollars in bonds were
issued to the latter, and three hundred and fifty thousand to the former.
The Tebo and Neosho railroad company completed their road in
187-, and have since been operating their^cars. It is now known as
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, and is one of the branches of the
Missouri Pacific railroad. The Louisiana and Missouri river railroad
company constructed a road bed through the county, but never com-
pleted the road, even after availing themselves of the bonds which
were given them for that purpose. These bonds are now in suit in
the United States supreme court.
The people of Chariton township subscribed $100,000 in
bonds to the Missouri and Mississippi railroad in 1870 ; the road is now
known as a branch of the Wabash. The bonds have been compro-
mised at 66| cents on the dollar; new bonds were issued (5-20
bonds) bearing six per cent interest and payable in twenty years.
The St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago (now leased to the Chi-
cago and Alton railroad company), was built by individual stock-
holders in 1879, to run from Mexico, Missouri, to Kansas City. Bonds
to the amount of three millions of dollars were issued. The Chicago
and Alton railroad company guarantee the interest on the bonds, and
pay a certain per cent of the gross earnings of the mad. The Chicago
and Alton road have a perpetual lease.
Below will be found a short, but full and comprehensive state-
ment of the bonded indebtedness of the county : —
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS.
Sixteen eight per cent ten year bonds of $1,000 each, issued De-
cember 1, 1869, and seventy-three eight per cent ten year bonds of
$1,000 each, issued November 3, 1871, to aid in the construction of the
Tebo and Neosho railroad, interest payable semi-annually at Bank of
Commerce, New York.
Thirty-seven eight per cent ten year bonds of $1,000 each, issued
September 1, 1870; fifty-seven eight per cent ten year bonds issued
March 1, 1871 ; eighty-four eight per cent ten year bonds issued June
1, 1871, and forty-nine eight per cent ten year bonds issued September
1, 1871, to aid in the construction of the Louisiana and Missouri river
railroad, interest payable annually at Bank of Commerce, New York.
All these bonds are in litigation and the interest is not promptly
paid; interest and sinking fund tax of fifty cents on $100 valuation
levied for Tebo and Neosho bonds, nothing for bonds issued to Louisi-
ana and Missouri river railroad.
(21)
302 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CHARITON TOWNSHIP.
Thirty-three eight per cent fifteen year bonds of $1,000 each, issued
July 1, 1869, to aid in the construction of the Missouri and Mississippi
railroad, interest payable annually at Bank of Commerce, New York.
Fifty-nine six percent 5-20 bonds of $1,000 each, issued January
1, 1880, in compromise and redemption of bonds issued to the Mis-
souri and Mississippi railroad company, interest payable annually at
the banking house of Bartholow, Lewis & Co., St. Louis.
The interest is promptly paid on the funding compromise bonds ;
interest and sinking fund tax of fifty cents levied on $100 valuation ;
interest not paid on $33,000 in bonds issued to the Missouri and Mis-
sissippi railroad.
Howard county does not owe one dollar aside from the railroad
debt. The current expenses of the county during the past ten years,
have averaged about $17,000 per annum. The railroad debt is small ;
even if the county and townships have the entire amount — approxi-
mately about $400,000 — to pay, it will not affect the financial condi-
tion of the county.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Population of Howard county in 1860 - 15,946
Population of Howard county in 1870 17,233
Population of Howard county in 1880 18,428
POPULATION BY TOWNSHIPS, 1880.
Bonne Femme - - 1,786
Boone's Lick - - - 2,008
Chariton, including Glasgow 4,006
Glasgow city - - 1,841
Franklin, including Franklin town 1,938
Moniteau - 2,499
Prairie, including Armstrong village 2,585
Armstrong village - 76
Koanoke town - - 215
Richmond, including Fayette city 3,606
Fayette city ... _ i?247
Population by race in 1880, white, 13,197 ; colored, 5,231.
Population by nativity in 1880, native, 17,954 ; foreign,
474.
Born in the state 14,499
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 303
Born in Illinois --_._. 245
Bom in Kentucky - - - 1,060
Born in Ohio - - 343
Born in Tennessee - - 135
Born in Indiana - - - 158
Born in British America - 48
Born in England and Wales - 29
Born in Ireland - - 98
Born in Scotland 24
Born in German Empire - 220
Born in France - - - - - 9
Born in Sweden and Norway - 20
Number of farms .... - 1,926
Number of acres of improved land - - 198,601
Value of farms, including land, fences and buildings - $4,448,883
Value of farming implements and machinery - 190,326
Value of live stock - 1,001,988
Cost of building and repairing fences in 1879 - 49,301
Cost of fertilizers purchased in 1879 - - 10,645
Estimated value of all farm productions (sold, consumed or
on hand) for 1879 - - 1,048,077
PRINCIPAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS, 1880.
Buckwheat, bushels - - 1,039
Indian corn, bushels - -1,770,520
Oats, bushels ... - 164,155
Rye, bushels - 12,018
Wheat, bushels - - - 308,934
Value of orchard products - $21,434
Hay, tons - - 8,440
Potatoes, Irish, bushels - - 21,385
Potatoes, sweet, bushels 2,839
Tobacco, pounds - - 604,794
LIVE STOCK AND ITS PRODUCTIONS.
Horses - - - - 6,716
Mules and asses - - 3,153
Working oxen - - - 12
Milch cows - 5,851
Other cattle - - 11,719
304 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Sheep - - - - - - 18,622
Swine ... - - 53,877
Wool, pounds - - - 138,235
Milk, gallons - - ■ 1,410
Butter, pounds - - 304,408
Cheese, pounds - - 1,934
MANUFACTURES. >
Number of establishments - 44
Capital - - -.____- $96,950
Average number of hands employed, males above sixteen - 100
Children and youths ... - 3
Total amount paid in wages during the year - - $ 25,980
Materials - - - - 165,730
Products -, - - 234,431
ASSESSED VALUATION.
Real estate - - $2,780,957
Personal property - - 1,897,419
Total - - $4,678,376
TAXATION.
State ... . _ $18,733
County _ 23,392
City, town, village and school district - - 21,956
Total - - $64,061
LOCAL DEBT OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Bonded debt - - -' $402,100
Gross debt - . . 402,100
Sinking fund - _ _ 921
Net debt - ... . 401,179
1882.
Revenue fund - . . $10,977.85
Interest fund - . 8,461.85
State school money -----_. 3 987.51
Glasgow registered bonds, seven per cent, 5-10 years
funding - 5,100.00
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
305
REAL ESTATE ASSESSED.
No. of acres (1881) - - 288,550
Average value per acre - - $9.40
Valuation ... . . $2,713,160
No. of town lots - - 1,658
Average value - - $ 4,276
Valuation - - - - 70,900
Total valuation, real estate - 2,784,060
Total taxable wealth, real and personal - - 4,898,352
Taxable wealth for 1882 ------ 4,987,585
Collections from merchants and manufacturers (1881) 763.55
Ad valorem taxes and licenses collected - 732.92
Collections from back taxes (1881) - - 1,618.58
Commissions on taxes of 1881 - - 620.90
No. of dramshops in the county (1882) - - 11
No. of wine and beer saloons ----- 4
Rate of state license paid for six months by dram shop
keepers $ 25.00
Rate of county license - 125.00
Rate of state license for wine and beer saloons,
twelve months ------- 25.00
Rate of county license for wine and beer saloons,
twelve months ------- 25.00
Amount of state licenses and ad valorem taxes paid by
dram-shop keepers for year ending July, 1882 - 626.45
Amount of county licenses and ad valorem taxes paid
by dram-shop keepers for year ending July, 1882 3,027.55
Amount of state licenses and ad valorem taxes, same
period, wine and beer ----- 132.09
County license for wine and beer, same period - - 132.09
Total amount paid for all ----- $3,918.18
No. of dram-shops in Fayette (1882) - - - 8
License every six months - - 50.00
Amount paid by saloons (1882) - - - 742.87
Amount paid for wine and beer - - 51.00
Total amount paid by saloons
$793.87
306 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
TAXES LEVIED, 1882, FOR STATE AND COUNTY PURPOSES.
State taxes - ... ,40
County revenue - - - .40
County interest - - - - .50
Eoad tax, county - - - .10
t i
Total levy state and county - - $1.40
Average school tax ---- ... ,50
AMOUNT PAID FOR BOARD OF PRISONERS, 1882.
For felony cases - - $ 197.78
Misdemeanors ----- - _ 342.50
Total amount paid for costs in criminal cases - - $1,945.63
Cost of transporting prisoners ------ $83.15
CHAPTER XV.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
Politics in the Early History of the County — Early Candidates for Office— Their Methods
and Devices — Travelling Together Over the County — Prom 1816 to 1860, no Political
Conventions — Two first Elections — Elections of 1838, 1844, 1846, 1848, 1851, 1868,
1872, 1874, 1875,1876, 1878, 1880, 1882 — Howard County's Influence in Politics — What
the St. Louis Evening News said — The Leaders of the Whig and Democratic Parties —
The County Generally Democratic — Henry Clay Carried the County in 1844 — Harri-
son's Election — The Campaign — The .Result — Whigs Give a Grand Ball — Political
Rhymers and Poets — Parody — Difficulty Between General John B. Clark and Claiborne
F. Jackson — The Former Challenges the Latter to Fight a Duel — The Correspond-
ence Between Them.
" There is a mystery in the soul of state,
Which hath no operation more divine
Than breath or pen can give expression to."
From 1810 to 1830, or during the first twenty years of the
county's history, party politics wielded but a slight influence in the
local government of the county. While it is true that many of the
first settlers, from the eai'liest days, possessed well-defined political
views and tenets, and were thoroughly partisan upon all questions
pertaining to national or state elections, an indefinite number of candi-
dates were usually permitted to enter the race for the respective
county offices, and the one possessed of superior personal popularity
generally led the field and passed under the wire in advance of all
opponents.
In the early days it was not at all unusual to meet the energetic
candidate for the sheriff's office, the treasurer's office, or the candidate
who aspired to represent the people in the state legislature, astride
his horse, going from settlement to settlement to meet with the voters
of his county at their own firesides, to sleep beneath their humble
roofs, and sup with them at their family boards, to compliment their
thrifty housewives, and to kiss the rising generation of little ones.
The historian would not dare draw upon his imagination to sup-
ply the stock of rich, rare and racy anecdotes, moulded and circulated
by these ingenious canvassers, or to describe the modes and methods
by them adopted to increase their popularitv with the people. There
(307)
308 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
was then no press, as now, to perpetuate daily events as they trans-
pired. Many of the manoeuvres and capers, successes and failures,
with their pleasures and sorrows, of sixty and more years ago, in this
county, are hidden from us by the shadows of time. Darkness inter-
venes between us, and many sayings and doings of bygone days,
which, could we but penetrate that darkness and gather them in,
would shine out upon the pages of this history " like diamond set-,
tings in plates of lead." In vain have we tried through the lens of
individual recollection to ferret them out. We could not do it. Our
discouraged fancy dropped the pencil and said 'twas no use. We
could not paint the picture. A little consolation may be found in
these lines : —
" Things without all remedy
Should be without regard; what's done is done."
In some of these early campaigns the various candidates for a
single office, and sometimes those running for the different county
offices, would travel together from settlement to settlement throughout
the county. Every camp meeting, log-raising, shooting match, and
even horse race, occurring in the county during the season preceding
election, was a favorite resort for the electioneer, and every honorable
device was adopted by each candidate to develop his full strength at
the polls.
For many years after the settlement of the county, no political
conventions were held in the county, and the result was that a num-
ber of candidates entered the race for the same office. We shall not
attempt to give the election returns in the county during the entire
period of its political existence, but will give the results as far as we
can. The first election that was held in the county occurred in 1819,
for delegates to congress. The successful candidates were John Scott
and Samuel Hammond. The second election was held in 1820, for
the purpose of electing five delegates to the convention to frame a
state constitution. Benjamin H. Reeves, N. S. Burckhartt, Duff
Green, John S. Findley and John Ray were elected:
ELECTION OF 1838.
For congress — Harrison (Federalist) - - - - 886
Miller " 881
Allen (Whig) - - 671
Wilson " 642
Election of 1840 we mention further on in this chapter.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 309
1844.
Benton Ticket. Anti-Benton Ticket.
Governor.
Edwards - - - 981 Allen 908
Lieutenant-Governor .
Young - - - 975 Almond - - 897
Congress.
Price .... 979 Sims - - 831
Parsons - 855 Hudson - 824
Bowlin ... 978 Boone 819
Relfe - - - - 982 Thornton - - 817
Phelps - -- - 980 Jones - 819
Leonard (Whig) for state senate, - - - 953
Bawlins (Dem.) ""<<-. ... 963
Davis (Whig), house of representatives, - - 974
Woods " "«"----.- 964
C. F. Jackson (Dem.) " " ... 960
C- Jackson «»«<»« . ... 958
1846.
Green, for congress, - ... 903
Miller, " 873
Jackson was chosen representative.
1848.
Austin A. King received 991 votes for governor, J. S. Rollins
879 ; T. L. Price, 984 votes for lieutenant-governor ; J. S. Green, 990
votes for congress ; C. F. Jackson for state senator, 986, J. B. Clark,
862; H. W- Smith for representative, 973; John Dysart, 862.
1851.
F«r supreme judges — William Scott, 482; John F. Ryland
135 ; H. R. Gamble, 448 ; William B. Napton, 392 ; Peyton R. Hay-
den, 414; Philip Williams, 5; William T. Wood, 273; Charles
Jones, 6; Priestly H. McBride, 111. For judge circuit court,
William A. Hall, 727.
ELECTION 1868.
For President and Vice-President United /States: —
' Seymour and Blair , . - - - 1206
Grant and Colfax -163
J. F. Williams, congress, ---- - 1256
310 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
A. F. Denny, congress, ... ... 163
G. H. Burckhartt, circuit judge, - - - 1270
J. D. Keebaugh " <<--_- 166
S. C. Major, Jr., circuit attorney, - - 1108
George Quinn " "... - - 158
T. B. Bead, state senator, - .... 1269
Geo. McCullough " - - - 142
L. A. Brown, representative, - 1265
Rice Patterson, sheriff, ______ 1277
H. P. White, assessor, - - - 1265
J. M. Beid, treasurer, - - - 1269
M. A. Taylor, judge county court, _____ 1231
S. C. Major, public administrator, - 1265
Joshua T. Allen, surveyor, ------ 1238
T. G. Deatherage, superintendent public schools, - - 1270
J. D. Pickets, superintendent of registration, - - 1269
J. M. Pierce, Coroner, - - - - - 1253
election 1872.
For President and Vice-President United States : —
Greeley and Brown - - - - 1972
Grant and Hamlin - - - 873
John B. Clark, Jr., congress, - - - 2008
Mark L. Demoth " ------ 856
James M. Bean, state senator, --_-__ 2017
Wm. J. Ferguson " " - - 858
John Walker, representative, - - 2003
James D. Keebaugh <<---- 847
John M. Hickman, judge county court, - 2023
John McConley " " " - - - - 847
William O. Burton, sheriff, - - " - 1879
P. W. Land " - 806
C. E. Burckhartt, collector, - - - - 2022
Thomas Ward " - - - 837
J. M. Reid, county treasurer, - - - - 2016
L. C. Patrick " " ... 851
Harrison Cross, assessor, - - 2020
E. S. Davis " - 845
J. H. Robertson, county attorney, - 1988
J. B. Harriston, superintendent public schools, - - 2018
David Wilson " " " 842
S. C. Major, public administrator, - - - - 2023
Jesse R. Evans " " - 837
H. C. Shields, county surveyor, - 2018.
Harrison Morris " " - _ 848
Jim Williams, coroner, --_-___ 2742
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 311
ELECTION 1874.
John B. Clark, Jr., congress, - - 1840
George H. Burckhartt, state senator, - 1774
R. B. Caples " " - 1807
H. C. Cockerill " «« ... 14
G. W. Moorehead, representative, - - - 1787
Ignatius Naylor " - - IS
W. W. Cockerill, registrar, ----- 355
C. E. Burckhartt, county collector, - - - 1876
V. J. Leland, sheriff, - - - 1859
James Wildhart " - - - - - 14
Jacob Fisher, county treasurer, - - - - - 1817
Joseph H. Finks, clerk of circuit court, - - 1907
Wm. A. Dudgeon " " " - 25
Win. H. Moss, county assessor, - 1802
Joseph Eobinson " " - 14
B. H. Tolson, judge of county court, 1728
J. R. Shepherd " " " - 17
SPECIAL ELECTIONS 1875.
For Member Constitutional Convention January 26, 1875.
H. M. Porter 451
A. M. Alexander - - - - - 454
A. J. Herndon - - - 35
L. A. Brown -------- 63
John Walker - 45
Henry Fort - - - - 14
HELD MAT 4, 1875.
For Member Constitutional Convention.
Thomas Shackelford - 962
Burckholder - 86
NOVEMBER, 1876.
For President and Vice-President United States : —
Tilden and Hendricks - - - - - 2372
Hayes and Wheeler - - 1048,
ELECTION 1878. ,
John B. Clark, Jr., congress, ------ 2339
M. L. Demoth <<____ 1
Jo. H. Finks, representative, - - - 2339
312 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
L. A. Brown, representative, - - 859
W. C. Knaus, circuit clerk, - - - - 2308
I. N. Houck " 835
S. B. Cunningham, county clerk, - - - 3085
John R. Galletnore, assessor, ------ 2269
J. H. Feland " - - 942
Stephen Cooper, collector, - - - 2202
W. B. Strode, " - - 990
N. B. Cooper, sheriff, - ... - 1227
J. Y. Miller « - - - - 949
J. FisheY, county treasurer, - - - 3195
J. T. Smith, probate judge, - - 3146
J. H. Robertson, prosecuting attorney, - - 2164
G. A. Perkins " " 921
R. W. Engart, coroner, - - - 3095
C. J. Walden, " 63
John M. Hickerson, presiding justice county court, - - 3126
R. A. Rowland, judge county court, first district, - 1246
E. L. Davis, " " "««»«« - 194
M. Markland " " " second district - 480
election 1880.
For President and Vice-President United States : —
Hancock and English - - - 2047
Garfield and Arthur - 1166
John B. Clark, congress, - - - 2037
James C. Heberling " - - - - - -1452
George H. Burckhartt, circuit judge, ----- 2305
Walter A. Martin, " " - - 1051
Owen T. Qouse, state senator, - - ■ - 2115
George W. Smiser " " - 947
Joshua R. Benson " " - 450
Samuel C. Major, representative, - - - . - 1922
James H. Boggs " - - - - 1301
Stephen Cooper, collector, - - - 2199
Robert T. Kingsbury «---_- 1341
Jacob Fisher, treasurer, - - - - 3508
Nestor B. Cooper, sheriff, - - - - - 2182
Boyd M. McCrary " - - 1368
Robert C. Clark, prosecuting attorney, - - 2119
Green A. Perkins " "• - 1345
John P. Gallemore, assessor, - - - 2229
William D. Warden " - - - - 1294
Willard W. Cloyd, surveyor, - - 2227
Thomas Owings, public administrator, - 2161
Jos. Hackensmith " " - 1363
Von Q. Bonham, coroner, - - 2194
Wm. M. Crawford " - - 1340
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 313
ELECTION 1882.
John Cosgrove, congress, - ■ ... 1738
W. C. Aldridge " - _ 1268
H. W. Cockrell, representative, - - - 1862
W. D. Jackson " . 1106
H. C. Tindall, clerk county court, - - 1866
G. H. Wallace " " " " - H33.
V. J. Leland, sheriff, - _ 1831
J. H. Feland " - - 1155
N. B. Cooper, collector, - 1820
G. W. Cason " - - - 1171
R. C. Clark, prosecuting attorney, - - 1798
J. H. Eobertson " " - 1159
H. A. Norris, presiding judge county court,- - - 1774
J.C.Woods " " " " - 1219
George J. Winn, judge first district circuit court, - - 1037
B.F.Robinson " " " " " 521
John C. Lee " second" " " 778
J.W. Boggs " " " " " - 669
J. T. Smith, judge of probate, - 1881
Thomas Ward " " - - - - 1126
Wm. A. Dudgeon, county treasurer, .- 1829
M. Lehman " " 1172
H. K. Givens, coroner, - - 1824
J. T. Bailey " - - 1196
Hamp. B. Watts, assessor, - - - 1785
B. M.McCrary " ... . 1223
Howard county tor many years,, even as late as the war of 1861,
wielded more power in politics than any other county in Missouri.
In reference to this fact, the St. Louis Evening News, of June 3,
1852, says : —
Howard county, in this state, has for a good while been regarded
as a sort of Delphic region in the matter of politics, especially with
the democratic party of Missouri. There are long heads and shrewd
fingers in old Howard, and the democratic politicians there "know
the ropes ' ' and pull the wires about as skilfully as any other men in
the country. The whigs of that county are likewise extremely
"well-developed" in all that pertains to a masterly vindication of
the principles of good government. They may be defeated now and
then, by a philistine, who plows with a locofoco heifer, but they
never lose the spirit and courage, which a consciousness of right
always gives to men of true chivalry.
The Jefferson City scheme was concerted iu Howard county,
and a very pretty dead-fall it has proved to manj' scores of the truest
sort of Benton democrats. The " milliners " about Fayette, are
the old regency of Missouri, and they planned the Jefferson City
314 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
"slaughter-house," with the sole purpose of taking the hide and
tallow from the friends of the ex-senator of Missouri.
They succeeded pretty well — we may say, admirably well.
They got what they went for. But they have got rather more than
they wanted. They have got the hoofs and horns of the Missouri
bull — right after him. Any one who has been made to quake by
the unearthly bellowings of a herd of cattle, who have come upon
the scene of the murder and spilt blood of one of their comrades,
can appreciate the terror that Benton, and the Benton line of the old
Jacksonian democracy, will soon send into the ranks of the butchers
who slew so many of the honored members of that family at Jefferson
City.
That Howard county wielded more influence in politics than any
other county in the state, from 1825 to 1860, there can be but little
doubt, and, when we consider the number, character, and intellectual
calibre of her politicians and prominent men, we are not at all sur-
prised that this statement is true of the period named. Such men
as General John B. Clark, Sr., Governor C. F. Jackson, Governor
John G. Miller, Colonel Joseph Davis, Colonel James H. Birch, Judge
Abiel Leonard, and a score of other men, scarcely less able and dis-
tinguished, would have been conspicuous anywhere as leaders of men
aud champions of a great cause. The democratic party has been
the predominant party in politics, but occasionlly, the whig candi-
date, because of his popularity, would succeed in representing the
county in the general assembly. The difference between the two
parties, at some of the early presidential elections was not very great.
In 1844, Henry Clay carried the county by forty-four votes. Take for
instance the presidential election of William Henry Harrison, in the
year 1840. That was one of the most exciting, and perhaps the
most hotly contested of all elections that ever occurred in Howard
county.
The campaign for the whigs, was in the hands of Judge Leonard,
General John B. Clark, Sr., Colonel James H. Birch, and others who
were ably supplemented by the Boone's Lick Times, an aggressive
and wide-awake paper, edited at the time by Cyril C. Cady. The
democratic party was led by Claiborne F. Jackson, John G. Miller,
Governor Boggs, and others, and supported by the Boone's Lick
Democrat, which was also a strong and influential paper, and devoted
to the cause of its party.
The campaign was opened in the spring of 1840, at Fayette,
when General Clark and Colonel Birch addressed a meeting of whigs.
In May following, a Tippecanoe club was organized with Major Gerard
Bobinson for president.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 315
The election resulted as follows in Howard county. Whigs
marked thus *. Others Democrats.
For Governor. —Clark,* 789 ; Keynolds, 892 ; Bogy, 781 ; Mar-
maduke, 887.
For Congress. — Samuel* 780; Sibley, 781; Edwards, 891;
Miller, 890.
State Senate. — Cooper,* 755; Rawlins, 871.
House of Representatives. — Birch,* 748; Kring,* 748; An-
derson,* 748; Jackson,* 741; Peeler, 886; Bouldin, 876; Jack-
son, 859 ; Redman, 847.
Although the whigs were defeated in Howard county, they felt
so happy over the result of the election of General Harrison , that on
the 5th of December following, a grand ball was given at Fayette
in honor of the victory and called the " Harrison ball." The floor
managers upon that occasion, were Judge Leonard, Colonel Davis,
George W. Given, W. T. Tyler, L. Bumgardner, D. Kunkle, J. T.
Cleveland, George W. Ward, C. P. Brown, and others.
During Harrison's campaign, there were a greater number of po-
litical rhymers and poets than ever before or since known in similar
campaigns. There was hardly a paper issued that did not contain
one or more eulogistic or denunciatory poems on the candidates for
the presidential office. In the Boone's Lick Times of 1840, a parody
on the poem entitled Hohenlinden , was written for that paper by a
local poet, and being an ingenius production, we here reproduce a
portion of it : —
On the Wabash when the sun was low,
In ambush lay the hidden foe,
And dark as winter was the flow
Of Wabash, rolling rapidly.
But Harrison saw another sight,
When the drum beat at dead of night,
Commanding fires of death to light
The darkness of the scenery.
By torch and trumpet fast arrayed,
Bach freeman drew his battle blade,
And furious every charger neighed,
To join the dreadful revelry.
******
See Harrison rush from place to place.
While smoke and fire begirt his face,
To crush the assaulters of his race,
With Kentucky's gallantry.
******
Hark! how the falling foes retreat,
Bold Harrison's victory is complete,
And every turf's a winding sheet,
Of, some Indian warrior.
316 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
While there was much rejoicing among the whigs of Howard
county over the result, there had grown out of the contest a bitter al-
tercation between GeneralJohn B. Clark, Sr., and Governor C. F.
Jackson, which was occasioned by Governor Jackson giving publicity
to a private letter written by General Clark, to Colonel James H.
Birch. Below we give the correspondence in full, in reference to the
matter, which almost ended in a duel.
Fayette, September 14, 1840.
Sir : In the course of a correspondence respecting a letter
purporting to have been written to me by General John B. Clark,
from Versailles, on the 9th of July last, and published in the Demo-
crat of the 9th instant, I have been referred to you as having furnished
it to the gentleman who caused it to be published. My right to de-
mand, not only its restoration, but to be informed when, where, and
in what manner you became possessed of that letter, will, of course,
be recognized at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. H. Birch.
Fayette, September 16, 1840.
Mr. James H. Birch:
Sir : Your letter of the 14th instant in relation to General
Clark's letter addressed to you from Versailles, on the 9th of July
last, has been received.
That letter was found by me with some other papers in my house,
some two weeks after the close of our late election. Whether it fell
in my possession by an exchange of saddle-bags, or was placed in my
own saddle-bags by mistake, is a matter that I do not know, and
cannot determine. The saddle-bags which I was using at the time
were borrowed, and I am not informed sufficiently to determine more
explicitly, how this letter came into my possession, than above stated.
That letter is still in the possession of the editor of the Democrat, as
you have already been informed by C. F. Jackson, Esq., and can be
had at any time when applied for, and by leaving with the editor a
written statement acknowledging its authenticity.
Respectfully, Owen Rawlins.
Fayette, September 11, 1840.
C. F. Jackson, Esq.:
Sir : Your name having been surrendered by the editor of the
Democrat, as the author of a communication which appeared in that
paper on Wednesday last, over the signature of " Anti-Fraud," I em-
brace the earliest practicable moment to call your attention to the im-
putations which it seems to convey, in derogation of my personal
honor.
Desiring, nevertheless, in a matter of so much delicacy, that you
should have an opportunity of reviewing those strictures and frankly
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 317
stating whether they were either originally intended to convey such
imputations, or are, from your subsequent reflections, justified either
by the tenor of my alleged letter to Colonel Birch, or in any other
act of mine, I have requested Colonel Birch to wait upon you with
this note, and ask you to mention the time against which I may be
favored with a reply. Respectfully yours,
John B. Clark.
Fayette, September 12, 1840.
Sir: Your note of yesterday, by Colonel Birch, has been re-
ceived. If there be any particular part or parts of the communication
in question which, in your opinion, reflects on your " personal honor,"
and you will point them out, they will be considered, and such reply
given as the facts in the case may warrant. I take this occasion to re-
mark, that I cannot consent to receiving any further communications
from you by the hands of Col. Birch, connected with this subject.
The relation which he bears to the matter under consideration, in my
opinion renders it improper.
Very respectfully,
C. F. Jackson.
General John B. Clark.
Fayette, September 12, 1840.
Sir : If my note of yesterday be of doubtful or uncertain con-
struction, it resulted either from the imperfection of our language or
my incapacity to adapt it to the purpose intended. By recurring to
that note, you will discover that my object was to call your attention
to the communication signed " Anti-Fraud," and to know of you if
you intended by that communication, or any part of it, to reflect on
my personal honor. If so, it was further designed to suggest to you
a review of those strictures, and then to demand of your candor
whether the tenor of my alleged letter to Colonel Birch, or any act of
mine, justified such imputation. Being thus in possession of my ob-
ject and purposes, and perceiving no further reason for suspending
your reply, I shall await its reception at your earliest convenience.
The suggestion you have made, concerning the double relation by
which Colonel Birch has been thus far connected with this transaction,
coupled with the more ample explanation of your friend, Dr. Scott,
relieves that gentleman from any embarrassment in declining the fur-
ther prosecution of a duty, which he reluctantly assumed in the first
instance, at my reiterated solictaition.
Respectfully,
John B. Clark.
C. F. Jackson, Esq.
Fayette, September 12, 1840.
Sir : I have received your note of this date by the hands of Mr.
Leonard.* Personally, I have naught against you, and have not
sought to make an attack upon your "personal honor." My object
in writing the article published in the last Democrat, signed, " Anti-
* Judge Abiel Leonard.
(22)
318 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Fraud," was to expose the political fraud which, I consider, had been
put under way to deceive the Democratic party, and in that matter
my views remain wholly unchanged.
Very respectfully,
C. F. Jackson.
General John B. Clark.
Fayette, September 14, 1840.
Sir : Your note of the 12th, was received late on Saturday
evening'. It is wholly unsatisfactory. I therefore demand of you a
personal interview. My friend, Mr. Leonard, is authorized to arrange
all necessary preliminaries on my part, with the understanding that
if other engagements should withdraw him before its final adjustment,
another gentleman will be substituted in his place.
Yours,
John B. Clark.
C. F. Jackson, Esq.
Fayette, September 14, 1840.
Sir : I have a few moments since received your note of this
date.
The interview demanded can be had. My friend, Dr. Scott, is
now absent ; on his return he will attend to arranging the prelimina-
ries necessary on my part. Yours, etc.,
C. F. Jackson.
Fayette, September 15, 1840.
Sir: In compliance with the note of my friend C. F. Jackson,
Esq., of yesterday, I herewith enclose you the terms, the time and
place, that my friend proposes to give General Clark in the interview
invited by him.
1. The parties to meet at six o'clock to-morrow morning, within
one mile of the town of Fayette, the place to be selected by you and
myself this evening.
2. The parties to be armed with rifles, with calibres to carry balls
weighing not less than fifty-six to the pound.
3. The distance to be seventy yards.
4. The parties to take their stations in the position of "present
arms."
5. After the parties shall have taken their respective stations, the
word "fire" shall be given immediately, after which the words
"one," " two" "three" shall be given, and between the words
"fire " and " three," the parties shall fire ; the giving of the word to
be balloted for by you and myself.
6. No persons to be admitted upon the grounds except the sec-
onds and surgeons. Respectfully,
C. R. Scott.
A. Leonard, Esq.
Fayette, September 15, 1840.
Dear Sir: I have no objection to the terms proposed in your
letter to me of this evening, with the exception of the " place."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 319
I cannot consent to advise my friend to meet Mr. Jackson at any
place in this state. So far as the knowledge of the practice of this
state in matters of this kind extends, the place proposed is unusual
and without precedent. Such a meeting would subject both principal
and friends to penalties and inconveniences that may be readily
avoided by a meeting elsewhere.
I hope, therefore, that it will meet your views to name a place
not liable to the objections suggested. Yours respectfully,
A. Leonard.
Dr. C. R. Scott.
Fayette, September 15, 1840.
Sir: I have noted the contents of your note of this day's date,
and cannot consent to any alteration in the place of meeeting pro-
posed in my former communication. Respectfully yours,
C. R. Scott.
A. Leonard.
to the public.
I pronounce Claiborne F. Jackson a cold-blooded slanderer, a
reclainiless scoundrel and a blustering coward, the truth of which I
pledge myself to establish the moment my engagements will permit
me sufficient leisure. I will take the same occasion to render to my
fellow-citizens the most ample explanation in relation to a letter
alleged to" have been written by me to Colonel Birch, on the 9th of
July last. John B. Clark.
Wednesday, September 16, 1840.
CHAPTEE XVI.
PHYSICAL AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
The area of Howard county is about 463 square miles, with a
frontage on the Missouri river on the west and south of thirty-four
miles.
It originally consisted nearly altogether of timber, with two
small upland and two bottom prairies, which have long since been
under tribute to the husbandman. The bluffs near Glasgow rise to a
height of 260 feet above average water mark in the Missouri ; and
this probably is about the general elevation of the highlands through-
out the county. The river bluffs at the western border of the coun-
ty, are steep and sometimes perpendicular, but on the southern
border are more gentle. The streams often pursue their way 150 feet
below the tops of the ridges, and the valleys are connected with the
ridges by long and very easy slopes.
The southern portion of the county is not as hilly as some other
districts. We have near the Missouri some steep bluffs with white oak
growth. Near the Bonne Femme and south of Fayette for several
miles extending to the Missouri bluffs, is a tract of rich, rolling,
heavily timbered land, including many varieties of excellent timber,
such as white, red and rock chestnut oak, black walnut, elm, hickory »
white walnut, ash and linden. Southeastwardly from Fayette, is a
similar country, and also westwardly, to Glasgow, but here it is more
hilly.
Towards Boonsboro, and west, an occasional sharp and crooked
ridge occurs, covered with a heavy growth of chiefly white oak.
The northwestern part of the county sustains a growth of timber
similar to that lying south, but the country is not so hilly, and in fact,
the slopes are quite gentle.
The northeastern part of the county is broken and hilly, and
sustains chiefly a growth of white and post oak.
Black and white walnut are very abundant, being very common
over most of the county. Blue ash and sassafras abound, this county
being almost the western limit of the former in north Missouri. The
spice bush (Laurus benzoin), is common on the Missouri bottoms,
hut dog-wood (Cornus florida), is rare, and is not probably found
(320)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 321
further west. Many of the trees on the ridges, including walnut,
white oak, red oak and rock chestnut oak, attain a great size. One
of the latter measured thirteen feet three inches in circumference,
three feet above the ground. This tree was on the Missouri bluffs ; in
the bottoms, Cottonwood, elm and sycamore grow to a very large size.
The principal streams in the eastern part of the county, are Mon-
iteau creek (Manitou) with its tributaries, and Bonne Femme. This
last rises about the middle of township 52, range 15 west, and flowing
in a southerly direction, empties into the Missouri about three miles
below Boonville, Cooper county. The principal tributary of Moniteau
creek in this county, is Hunger's Mother,* which heads in the north-
west part of township 51, range 14 west; and the principal one of
Bonne Femme is Salt Fork, rising in the southeastern part of town-
ship 52, range 15, and flowing southwest empties into the Bonne
Femme in the northwest quarter of section 30, township 51, range 15.
Other streams flowing southward, are Salt Creek and Sulphur
Creek, and those running westward, are Richland, Hurricane, Gregg's
and Bear creeks and Doxy's Fork. They all run into the Missouri,
and some of the smaller ones on entering the bottom, waste their
waters on the flats and are lost.
* This stream, it is said, received its name from a party of hunters, early settlers, who
were hunting bears, and meeting with no success, got out of meat on this creek. Bad
weather came upon them, and they were prevented from hunting, and threatened with star-
vation. They therefore christened the creek "Hunger's Mother."
LIST OF COAL BANKS.
In the following list there are many localities given at which the
coal is too thin to work, but it must be remembered that the coal
beds mentioned are only those that are exposed or very near the sur-
face at each locality. Except in the cases where the lowest coal (E)
is mentioned, there is every probability of finding a thicker bed by
sinking shafts. Coal is found in every township, and in some of them,
in nearly every section.
322
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Owueb.
Q. F. Beach....
S. T. Garner..
B. M. McCrary..
S. Garvin
Hatfield.
Mrs. Hackley .
Pierce....
Mrs. Howard .
Judge McCafferty.,
Judge McCafferty.
T.B.Harris
M. Reynolds
James "Ware
Pattison
Rice Pattison
James Sperry
Richard Lee
Dr. "Walker ,
James McDonalds..
Barton*
Locality.
Section.
S. E. 25
20
22
N. E. 15
N. E. 11
4
28
26
7
S. E. 7
N. E. 10
N.W.27
N. pt. 17
S. E. 17
N. pt. 16
20
N. E. 2
S. W.35
16
S.E.9
N.W.17
S. "W.? 17
S.E
S. "W.22
S.E. i
24
N. W. 29
S. W. 5
S. E. 34
Coal.
c
m
Inches.
9?
12
12
15
20
15
18 to£
?
22
17
2
12
9
13
10
?
Remarks.
"Worked or not.
Not worked at present -
covered.
Not worked.
Has been worked by local
smiths.
Has been worked.
Near Garvin's, and is
worked.
Covered; worked exten-
sively at one time.
Not worked.
" " (has been).
"Worked but little.
"Worked for domestic use.
Not worked.
This is at the Bonne Fem-
me bridge, on the Pay-
ette and Rocheport road.
Worked but little.
Covered ; has been worked.
Has been worked ; covered.
This was covered ; has been
worked.
* Mr. B.'s coal was covered, and its position relative to the general section could not be ascer-
tained. Everything was in a confused state. Masses oi sandstone No. 1, and of the rhomboidal
limestone were found, but they appear to have been transported by water. The coal is found in a
valley running north and south, with the Burlington limestone on one side and the coal on the
other.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
323
Owner.
McCafferty...
M. Reynolds..
J. Tatums.,
Powell
Grigsby
William Daviss.
N. Kobb..
N. Pitney
T. M. Pitney
Dr. J. P. Becks.
Dr. J. P. Becks.,
T. C. Boggs
E. Diggs
Skinner..
T. B. Harris..
B. Reynolds..
Locality.
Section.
S. E. 17
N. E. 2
N. E. 10
W. hf. N. E. 16
S. W. 7
N. W. 18
19
S. E. 5
W. hf. 8
S. E. N. W. 36
N. E. 36
S. E. 25
32
29
4 and 5
N.E. 8
N. E. 18
N. E. 20
S. W. 10
P3
Coal.
c
M
J3
H
1 to 9
18?
12
24 to
18 to 20
18 to 28
50
14
50
14
52
15
52
15
52
15
50
16
50
16
49
16
50
14
51
15
51
15
51
15
D
Remabks.
"Worked or Not.
24
1.0 to 24
31
39
22
22
30
30
Not worked.
Has been worked a little.
Not worked.
Worked.
Worked occasionally.
Worked.
Not been worked. May
thicken after going into
the hill a distance.
Do not think this coal is
known. _
Very good coal; worked
but little.
Not worked.
Worked extensively.
Worked.
E?
Said to reach 36 inches,
and is worked exten-
sively ; very good coal.
Worked.
Not opened.
MINERAL SPRINGS.
The mineral springs of this county, from their number and rep^
utation, are entitled to notice.
They occur in nearly every portion of the county, and nearly all
of them are briny, and from some of them salt was made as much as
sixty-five years ago. Formerly it would pay to make salt, but facili-
324 HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ties of transportation and the low price of the imported article has
superseded its home manufacture.
In importance we may regard Boone's Lick as of the first, Burck-
hartt's as of the second, and that of Fayette as of the third class.
Boone's Lick is in section 4, township 49, range 17.
There are four salt springs and one well at Boone's Lick, each
one affording a free supply of water, all quite strong of brine. A
white deposit is found on the surface of the ground at some of the
springs, and a black at others.
The first salt was made here in 1807 by Nathan Boone. His
old works were on a mound in the valley northwest of the main
spring, and just east of a small branch coming into Salt creek from
the west. Other old salt works were on the east side of another
small branch. Large beds of charcoal and ashes are almost the only
remains of the former works, but salt was made here at various times,
and almost constantly until about the year 1855 or 1856. The salt
made here was sold in 1837 at one cent per pound, and rating a
bushel at fifty pounds, this paid very well. As an evidence of former
work here, we would state that for four square miles around Boone's
Lick, the timber has been entirely cut off at various times for fuel for
the salt works. At the present time these grounds are entirely cov-
ered over with a thrifty growth of young white oak, with some wal-
nut, black oak and hickory. These trees are mostly six by eight
inches in diameter, but many are as much as one foot.
Dr. J. C. Heberling, W. N. Marshall and others are the present
owners of the property. In 1869 they began to bore for salt water,
and continued their work until the fall of 1872, when the boring had
reached a depth of 1,001 feet. They then stopped work. At thirty-
seven feet water was obtained; at sixty-eight feet, weak saltwater,
and at 163 feet 9 inches, the size of the stream had increased a fourth,
with percentage of salt about the same as the outside stream, or 4.5
per cent.
At a depth of 481 feet they report a vein of salt water, with an
increased strength of one-third. At 707 feet 9 inches a small addi-
tion of water was reached ; also a strong, offensive gas, with a cor-
responding increase of strength of the brine from 4.5 — 9 per cent
( double ) .
A 10-inch square wooden conductor was put into the bottom of
the quicksand, twenty-two feet. Below this a one and one-half-inch
pipe was inserted, from which the flow is about thirty gallons per min-
ute. The volume of water is sufficient for a two and one-half-inch pipe.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 325
burckhartt's SPRING.
This spring is two miles west of New Franklin, at the edge of a
small valley coming into the Bonne Femme from the west side. The
water issues forth very freely from the valley clays, not very far from
a bluff of Burlington limestone. • A white deposit is formed in the
bed of the branch. In former times considerable salt was made here.
LEWIS SPRING.
The Lewis spring, near Glasgow, is ou the land of Jno. F. Lewis,
one and one-half miles from Glasgow, on the west branch of Gregg's
creek. The salt water here flows from clay at several places within
a space of twelve feet square. In some places a white, and in others
a black deposit is found in the bed of the rivulet.
There is another small salt spring on Bear creek, just outside of
the limits of Glasgow.
A weak-flowing salt spring appears on the west side of Sulphur
creek, near where it enters the Missouri bottoms.
On the flat below the railroad depot at Fayette, is a salt and sul-
phur spring of about the strength of the Lewis spring. The cattle
have formed, by licking and tramping, an extensive lick fifty by one
hundred feet. This was originally known as Buffalo lick, and 2,800
acres of the neighboring lands were originally reserved as saline lands
for the use of the state.
Simpson's lick, or Simpson's branch, one mile from the Missouri
bottom, is a weak salt spring. No salt was ever made here, although
the land was entered for " saline lands."
SALT WATER SPRINGS.
There are a number of salt water springs in the eastern part of
the county, at all of which salt has been made at one time or another.
On Mrs. Wilhite's land, in northwest quarter of section 2, town-
ship 49, range 15, there is a weak salt spring. This was formerly
known as the Moniteau lick. Four thousand acres of the adjoining
lands were originally selected for the use of the state. On the
Messrs. Morris land, in section 34, township 50, range 15, there is
another which affords a great deal of water, but which is also weak.
Judge Wade Jackson says that he made salt from the water of each
of these springs, but that it required from 500 to 600 gallons of water
to make a bushel of salt. He then dug a well on his place, in section
326 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
35, township 50, range 15, to the depth of fifty feet to limestone, and
then bored 250 feet. After boring 200 feet he struck salt water, but
it being no stronger than the water in the springs, he bored fifty feet
more, and obtaining no water at that depth, abandoned the enter-
prise. It is his opinion that the water obtained by boring contained
less sulphur and magnesia than that in the springs. It all probably
came from the same source.
On Judge McCafferty's land, in east half of southwest quarter
section 16, township 51, range 15, there is an old lick which is known
as Cooley's lick. Mr. McCafferty states that salt was first made here
fifty or sixty years ago, and that John Cooley made salt at the lick in
1841. He says he first saw the spring in that year, and at that time
there were trees growing up from old stumps that he judged to be
thirty years old. According to Mr. McCafferty's calculations, salt
must have been made here as far back as 1811. Mr. Cafferty has
owned the lick for twenty-five years and made salt in 1862, using the
few remaining kettles that were first used fifty or sixty years ago.
He was unable to state how much water was required to make a
bushel of salt, but says that in making a bushel he burned four cords
of wood. At one time he would obtain more salt from a certain
amount of water than at another. The water has a sulphurous smell,
and leaves and pieces of wood left in the spring are soon covered with
a yellowish-white coating.
At Mr. Adams', in the northwest quarter, section 83, township
49, range 15, there are several salt and sulphur springs combined. In
some the salt predominates and in others the sulphur. They are all
close together and the water is weak, about seven hundred gallons of
it being required to make one bushel of salt. Salt was made here fifty
years ago.
Quarries of limestone and sandstone are found in various portions
of the county. There is also iron ore, fire-clay, and rock which would
make good hydraulic cement.
CHAP TEE XVII.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Utility of Public S6hools — Public School System of Missouri — Comparison with Other
States — Teachers' Institute — Report for 1882, Showing Number of "White and Colared
Children— Number of School Houses and Districts — Number of Teachers — Salary of
Teachers — Amount Expended for Fuel — Repairs — Past Indebtedness — Unexpended
Funds — Annual Distribution.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The following chapter is one which we have found hard to write,
owing to the difficulty in obtaining full and accurate information. It
should be the most interesting of all the chapters in the book. We
have endeavored to remain in the realm of the real, and deal as little
as possible in the ideal and imaginative. Comparatively little has been
made a matter of record relating to the early schools of the county.
What has been so made, and what has been remembered by the old
settlers whom we have seen, are here given.
The schools of the county are sharing with the contents of the
newsboy's bundle, the title of the universities of the poor. The close
observation of the working of the public schools shows that if the in-
duction of facts be complete, it could be demonstrated that the
public schools turn out more men and women better fitted for business
and usefulness than most of our colleges. The freedom and liberty of
the public school afford less room for the growth of effeminacy and
pedantry ; it educates the youth among the people, and not among a
caste or class, and since the man or woman is called upon to do with a
nation in which people are the only factors, the education which the
public schools afford, especially when they are of the superior stand-
ard reached in this country, fit their recipients for a sphere of useful-
ness nearer the public heart than can be attained by private schools
and academies.
The crowning glory of American institutions is the public schoo
system ; nothing else among American institutions is so intensely
American. They are the colleges of democracy, and if this govern-
ment is to remain a republic, governed by statesmen, it must be from
the public schools they must be graduated. The amount of practica
knowledge that the masses here receive, is important beyond measure
(327)
328 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and forms the chief factor in the problem of material prosperity ; but
it is not so much the practical knowledge, which it is the ostensible
mission of the public schools to impart, that makes this system the
sheet anchor of our hopes. It is rather the silent, social influence
which the common schools incidentally exert. It is claimed for our
country that it is a land of social equality, where all have an equal
chance in the race for life ; and yet there are many things which give
the lie to this boasted claim of an aristocracy of manhood. Our
churches are open to all, but it is clear that the best pews are occupied
by the men of wealth and influence. The sightless goddess extends
the scales of justice to all, but it will usually appear that there is
money in the descending beam. It requires money to run for office,
or, at least, it takes money to get office. The first experience of the
American citizen of to-day, however, is in the public schools. If he
is a rich man's son, his classmate is the son of poverty. The seat
which the one occupies is no better than that occupied by the other,
and when the two are called to the blackboard, the fine clothes of the
rich man's son do not keep him from going down, provided he be a
drone, neither do the patches on the clothes of the poor man's son
keep him down, provided he has the genius and the application to make
him rise. The pampered child of fortune may purchase a diploma at
many of the select schools of the laud, but at the public schools it is
genius and application which win. That state or nation which reaches
out this helping hand to the children of want, will not lack for de-
fenders in the time of danger, and the hundreds of thousands of dol-
lars annually expended for the common education of children, is but
money loaned to the children, which they will pay back with com-
pound interest, when grown to manhood. In a common, unassuming
way, our schools inculcate lessons of common honesty. The boy hears
his father make promises, and sees him break them. Mr. Jones is
promised twenty dollars on Monday, he calls on Monday and again on
Tuesday, and finally gets the twenty dollars on Saturday. The boy
goes with his father to church, and frequently gets there after the first
prayer. In vain does that father teach his boy lessons of common hon-
esty, when the boy knows that the father disappointed Jones, and
never reaches the church in time. The boy soon learns at the public
schools that punctuality and promptness are cardinal virtues ; that to
be tardy is to get a little black mark, and to be absent a day is to get
a big black mark. A public school in which punctuality and prompt-
ness are impartially and fearlessly enforced, is a most potent conser-
vator of public morals.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 329
It has been often said that the state of Missouri has not only been
indifferent to the subject of education, but that she has been hostile to
the cause of common schools. To prove that these are gross misrep-
resentations, and that her attitude towards an interest so vital and pop-
ular does not admit of any question, it is only necessary to say that
the constitutions of 1820, 1865 and 1875 make this subject of primary
importance and guard the public school funds with zealous care. The
fact is, the constitution of no state contains more liberal and enlight-
ened provisions relative to popular education than the constitution of
Missouri, adopted in 1875. During the past sixty-two years of her
existence not a solitary line can be found upon her statute books in-
imical to the cause of education. No political party in all her history
has ever arrayed itself against free schools, and her governors, each
and all, from 1824 to the present time (1882), have been earnest ad-
vocates of a broad and liberal system of education. As early as 1839,
the state established a general school law and system.
In 1853-, one-fourth of her annual revenue was dedicated to the
maintenance of free schools. Her people have taxed themselves as
freely for this cause as the people of any other state. With the sin-
gle exception of Indiana, she surpasses every other state in the Union
in the amount of her available and productive permanent school funds,
the productive school fund of Indiana being $9,065,254.73, while that
of Missouri is $8,950,805.71, the state of North Carolina ranking
third. The state of Indiana levies a tax for school purposes of six-
teen cents on the one hundred dollars of taxable values, and does not
permit a local tax exceeding twenty-five cents on that amount. The
state of Missouri levies a tax of five cents and permits a local tax of
forty cents without a vote of the people, or sixty-five cents in the
country districts and one dollar in cities and towns, by a majority vote
of the tax-payers voting.
For the year ending in April, 1880, only two counties in the state
reported a less rate of local taxation than the maximum allowed in
Indiana, only one the amount of that maximum, and the average rate
of all the counties reported was about thirty-nine cents, or fourteen
cents more than the possible rate of that state. It may not be known
that Missouri has a greater number of school-houses than Massachu-
setts, yet such is the fact. The amount she expends annually for
public education is nearly double the rate on the amount of her as-
sessed valuation that the amount expended by the latter state is on
her valuation, while the public school funds of Missouri exceed those
of Massachusetts, $5,405,127.09.
330 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
The Missouri system of education is, perhaps, as good as that of
any other state, and is becoming more effectively enforced each suc-
ceeding year. The one great fault, or lack in the laws in reference to
common schools, is the want of executive agency within the county.
The state department should have positive and unequivocal super-
vision over the county superintendent, and the county superintendent
should have control over the school interests of the county under the
direction of the state superintendent. When this is done the people
of the state will reap the full benefits that should accrue to them from
the already admirable system of free schools which are now in suc-
cessful operation throughout the state.
The public schools of Howard county were organized in 1867,
under the law of 1866. There had been, since an early date, public
money distributed for the benefit of the children of the poor and in-
digent of the county, but no distinctive public schools taught in the
county until 1867. These schools were organized generally by Thomas
G. Deatherage, who, though not teaching at the time, was friendly to
'the public schools, and was anxious to see them firmly established
and bearing fruit.
The school districts at that time numbered about sixt}', and in
each of these a school was organized. The system was not popular
at the beginning, but as time passed, and the schools have gradually
grown better, it has increased in favor until the public schools are
now liberally patronized.
ENUMERATION.
The report for 1882, shows the number of white persons in the
county between six and twenty years of age were : Males, 2,131 ;
females, 1,886. Colored persons between six and twenty years of
age: Males, 711; females, 589 — making a total of 5,317. This
was an increase over the preceding year.
The county is at present divided in sixty-five school districts.
To accommodate the number of pupils attending the public
schools, the county has increased from year to year the number of
school houses, until they now (1883) number about seventy, a ma-
jority of which are neat, frame buildings, a few being brick, but all
constructed with reference to the health, comfort and convenience of
both teachers and pupils. These pupils are under the care and instruc-
tion of fifty male and forty-two females, making a total of ninety-two
teachers. The teachers are, in the main, not persons who have tem-
porarily adopted the vocation of a teacher as a mere expedient to
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 331
relieve present wants and with no ultimate aim to continue teaching,
but are men and women who have chosen their profession from choice,
expecting to prosecute their labors for many years to come. The
male teachers are paid a salary which averages $36.44 per month,
and the females $37.10 ; the general average being $36.77. We hope
the day is not far distant when Howard county will be as liberal in
the salaries of her female teachers in the public schools, as Green,
Dallas and a few other counties of our grand and noble state. These
counties have recognized the fact, that the services of the female
teachers are worth as much as the services of the male, and pay her
about an equal salary. Why a woman should not be paid as much as
a man as a teacher in the public schools is a problem, we frankly con-
fess, we have never been able to solve upon any reasonable hypothesis.
The sum paid to teachers for the school year of 1881 amounted to
$20,640.43; paid for fuel, $678.55; for repairs and rent, $573.10;
past indebtedness paid, $938. Unexpended funds on hand, $8,301.26.
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION, 1882.
Cash on hand at settlement with county treasurer, in
April, 1881 $ 4,974 49
Amount of revenue received from state fund by auditor's
warrant, of 1881 3,975 78
Amount received from county fund, 1881 (interest on
notes and bonds) ...... 2,418 15
Amount of revenue received from township fund, in 1881
(interest on notes and bonds) .... 1,534 05
Amount received from district tax in 1881, as per settle-
ment with county treasurer, in April, 1882 . . 21,113 48
Amount received from all other sources, as per settle-
ment with county treasurer, in April, 1882 . . 101 30
Total amount $34,117 25
Total amount expended, as shown by settlement with
county treasurer, in April, 1882 .... 25,815 99
Cash on hand $ 8,301 26
Amount of township school funds, .... $16,537 60
Amount of county public school funds, . . . 5,849 79
$22,387 39
Amount received during year for fines and penalties . $1,159 97
CHAPTER XVIII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOEY.
Introductory Remarks — Baptist — Christian — Presbyterian and Episcopalian Churches.
For history of Methodist Episcopal church, South, the reader is referred to addendum.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
The question as to which one of the religious denominations
(Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian) first held aloft the banner of
Christ, in Howard county, is extremely problematical. They seem to
have all been equally zealous in the cause of Christianity, in uphold-
ing and sustaining their respective churches. The most authentic
record that we have found in reference to the establishment of the
early churches in this county are the memoirs of James M. Peck,
D. D.
Dr. Peck visited the county in 1818, and in writing about the
establishment of his own church (Baptist), said : —
" During the war, when the people had to live in forts, and until
1818, no correctly-thinking person could expect Christian churches to
be organized, revivals to follow, and the baptism of converts to be
reported. With five Baptist preachers and as many more Cumber-
land Presbyterians and Methodists, only five Baptist churches, with
numbers not much exceeding one hundred in all, were gathered before
1818."
From the above we find there were five Presbyterian ministers in
the county, as early as 1818,. and equally as many preachers repre-
senting each of the two denominations. Which, then, was actually
the pioneer religious organization in the county we do not know, the
three churches named having an equal number of preachers upon the
ground as early as 1818.
It is, however, claimed, that the Baptists erected the first church
edifice, called Mount Pleasant, near the town of New Franklin. The
first camp-meeting in the county was held by the Cumberland Pres-
byterians, in 1824, about two miles above Old Franklin, on the
Adkin Lee farm. Among the ministers present upon that occasion,
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HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 333
were Revs. Samuel Pharr, J. W. Campbell, and Finis Ewing. The
latter was quite a distinguished preacher, being the founder of that
denomination (Cumberland Presbyterians). The Methodists held a
camp meeting at Clark's chapel, many years afterwards.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
[Prepared by Rev. M. J. Breaker.]
General Sketch. — The Baptists were the pioneers of religion in
Howard county, and laid the strong foundation of the education,
morality and religion of the present population. The faith of the
earliest settlers was that of the Baptists, and the oldest protestant
organization now existing in the state, north of the Missouri river,
and lacking but little of being the oldest in the whole state, is the
Mt. Pleasant Baptist church, near Franklin. This venerable church
was organized in 1812, and has had a continuous existence ever since.
It was composed chiefly of persons who had first settled, and had or-
ganized a Baptist church near Loutre island, in Montgomery county,
but who, having been disturbed by the Indians, came to the Boone's
Lick country for greater security. From Mt. Pleasant the Baptists
vapidly spread all over the country (including the territory now called
Cooper, Boone, Randolph and Clinton counties, as well as Howard).
For some years they were the only religious denomination having or-
ganized churches in the county. During that time they were earn-
estly engaged in discharging the responsibility they felt God had
laid on them. Life in a frontier country was rough, but they found
time and had inclination to attend to the duties of religion. Their
preachers were illiterate and had to support themselves by manual
labor, but they abounded in efforts to save sinners, and their Master
blest them. The people were scattered over a wide territory, and
often surrounded by savage enemies, but they met for Divine worship,
though they had to take their rifles with them ; and their places of
meeting were often uncomfortable. In the pleasant weather, the
spreading branches of an oak, or an arbor of boughs afforded fine
facilities for preaching and hearing — the preachers had lungs in those
days, and, report says, the sound of their voices could sometimes be
heard for miles ; but in inclement weather they had to crowd into the
log cabins of the settlers, or into the but little larger meeting-houses
they were able to erect. The first meeting-house in the county and
all the territory north of the Missouri river, was that built at Mt.
Pleasant, in about 1816. It was about twenty feet square, and was
(23)
'634: HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
built of unhewn logs. The roof was made of clapboards, kept on by
poles laid on them. The chimney was built on four posts in the cen-
tre of the house. The house had no windows, and the two doors had
thick shutters. The floor was the native soil. In the middle of the
floor, under the chimney, a fire was built to warm the worshippers,
but, plainly, they were better warmed by a fire within them. The
seats were long stools made of slipt logs. There was no pulpit, but
the preacher stood on the floor wherever it suited him best. The
babes, which the mothers always brought with them, amused them-
selves by piaying in the wholesome dirt on the floor. But great pros-
perity attended these earnest efforts to serve God, so that by 1834 —
just twenty-two years after the planting of the first church — the de-
nomination had increased from one church, with twenty-three members,
to some twelve churches, with upwards of 750 members.
Up to this time the utmost harmony, both in doctrine and practice,
had prevailed ; but now, and for some four years, strifes and schisms
occurred. In 1834, the views of Elder A. Campbell were introduced
into some of the churches, and confusion followed. The result was
that, in some of these churches, the members and preachers were di-
vided, and new organizations were formed. These new organizations
took the name of " The Christian Baptist Church," — so at Mt. Pleas-
ant— from which they afterwards dropped the word " Baptist."
In 1835, occurred the great split in the denomination. This was
on the subject of missions. Two years before there had been a simi-
lar split in Virginia on the same subject. One party opposed mis-
sionary operations by district associations, general associations, state
conventions and general conventions, and likewise opposed Sunday-
schools and ministerial education. The other party, which in this
part of the country was in the minority, favored these things. For
some years the points at issue were warmly discussed ; finally, at a ses-
sion of the Mt. Pleasant Association, at Mt. Zion church, the matter
came to a head. The minority submitted to the majority these prop-
osition, preferring the first to the second , and the second to the third : —
"1. We are willing to be at peace on the principles of the
United Baptists of the United States.
"2. We are willing to be at peace if the association will adhere
to its advice given at its last session, giving to all liberty of conscience
on the subject of missions.
" 3. If a division upon the subject of missions is inevitable, the
minority proposes that it shall be effected by advising the churches to
grant to ministers in each church, if the ministers request it, a copy
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 335
of the record of the church book ; and that the majority in each church,
whether for or against the foregoing propositions, retain the regular
days of meeting and the church book. Should the minority in any
case require it, they shall be entitled to the use of the house two days
in every month, selecting for themselves any other day, Saturday and
Sunday, than those upon which the majority meet."
The majority in the association voted down the first and second
of these propositions, and adopted the third. This divided the denom-
ination. Each party continued the association, but for a time retain-
ing the old name — "The Mt. Pleasant Association of United Bap-
tists"— but after some years the anti-missionary party changed the
name of their association to " Mt. Pleasant Old School Baptist asso-
ciation."
After this split the missionary party showed great vigor, and
numbers now some eighteen churches and 1,200 members. The op-
posing party has declined to three churches and about 150 members.
Soon after the close of the late war the negro members withdrew
and formed churches of their own. These will be more particularly
mentioned below.
BENEVOLENT WORK.
The Baptists of Howard county have ever been among the fore-
most in the state in the support of the missionary and educational
work of the denomination. In 1818 " The Mt. Pleasant Association
<>f United Baptists" was organized at Mt. Pleasant church. Than
this, there are but two older associations in the state — Bethel and St.
Louis — and for many years it was the most efficient body of its kind
among the Baptists of Missouri. Until 1880 its main strength had
always lain among the churches of Howard county. Here lived its
wisest leaders and its strongest supporters. Since 1880, most of the
churches of the county have belonged to the Mt. Zion Baptist associa-
tion, which was organized in that year at Mt. Zion church, and which
is a vigorous and efficient body.
The general organization of the Baptists of Missouri for missions
iind education is the general association, which has exerted a great in-
fluence and done vast good in the state. This body — first called the
"Central Society or Committee" — took its origin in 1833 from a
prayer-meeting in the house of John Jackson, near Fayette, in this
county, which meeting was composed of Elders Thomas Fristoe,
Ebenezer Eodgers and Fielding Wilhite. For some years the execu-
tive board of the general association was located in Fayette, and Mr.
Leland Weight, now a resident in Fayette, was the corresponding
336 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
secretary. And the Baptists of Howard county have never failed to
support most warmly this great missionary body.
William Jewell college, Liberty, Mo., is the male college which
the several associations founded and fosters. It is the chief Baptist
college of the state. Many of its trustees, and some of the most
liberal contributors to its endowment, have been found among the
Baptists of Howard county. And Mount Pleasant college, which
existed for many years at Huntsville, partially derived its origin and
its strongest support from the churches of this county. For the past
few years the average annual contributions of the denomination in the
county for Christian work has been about as follows : —
To sustain the preaching of the gospel in the churches, $3,300;
missious, education and other benevolent purposes, $1,200; total,
$4,500.
Ill CHURCHES.
In almost every neighborhood in the county there has been and
is a Baptist church. Among the points where there used to be
churches, but where for various reasons they have become extinct or
been removed, may be mentioned Boonsboro, Eichland, Old Chariton,
Lower Moniteau. The following list embraces churches now existing
in the county : —
1. Mount Pleasant church, near New Franklin, was organized
near its present site, April 8, 1812, by Elders David McLain, Golden
Williams and John Sneethen, presbytery. The original members,
besides these three preachers, were Samuel Brown, Abraham Groom*,
William Creson and wife, John Berry and wife, William Monroe,
Stephenson and wife, Mrs. Winscott, Nancy Goggin, Nancy Cojuni,
Joseph Boty, Mrs. John Sneethen, Sophia Swearingen, Josiah Boon
and wife, Dan Rider and wife. The following have been the pastors
till now : David McLain, William Thorp, Ebenezer Rodgers, Reuben
Alexander, William Duncan, Green Corey, Noah Flood, B. F. T.
Coke, B. F. Smith, X. X. Buchner, J. D. Murphy, M. H. William*,
H. M. King, E. D. Isbell, M. J. Breaker. The church now numbers
about forty-two members, and worship in an excellent frame house —
union.
2. Mount Zion church grew out of the above, and was organ-
ized December 20, 1817, at the house of Elisha Todd (now Mr.
Richard Payne's) by Elders David McLain, Edward Turner, Thomas
Hubbard and Colden Williams. These were the original members:
David McLain and wife, Thomas Hubbard, Elisha Todd, and wife,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 337
Henry Burnham, Golden Williams and Edward Turner. The follow-
ing have been the pastors : Edward Turner, William Thorp, Colden
Williams, Fielding Wilhite, William Duncan, Green Corey, Noah
Flood, Thomas Fristoe, B. F. T. Coke, T. H. Olmstead, X. X.
Buchner, G. E. Pitts, W. E. Painter, M. F. Williams, B. F. Lawler,
E. D. Isbell, N. T. Allison, M. J. Breaker.
The house of worship is a neat frame building, owned by the
church and situated near where the church was organized. Present
membership about thirty — ■ a small but intelligent and active body.
3. Glasgow church is a continuation of the Old Chariton church,
and so also is the Chariton church below. This Old Chariton church
was organized at the town of Chariton, Chariton county (about one
and a half miles from Glasgow), April 8, 1820. The presbytery
consisted of elders John B. Longan, William Thorp, Charles Herry-
mau, and Thomas Henson. The constituent members were : General
Duff Green, Daniel Biggs, Ebenezer Eodgers, John Tooley, Benj. F.
Edwards, John Bowles, David Love, Enoch Morgan, Elizabeth
Bowles, Sally Maddox, Kitty Bailey, Nancy Biggs, Phoebe Tooley,
Sarah Botts, Sally Love, Nancy Morgan, Lucretia M. Green. The
pastors until 1848 were Wm. Thompson, D. D., Ebenezer Eodgers, and
Thomas Fristol, with Addison M. Lewis as assistant pastor. In 1827
the church moved from the town of Chariton to a point about two
miles northeast from Glasgow. Here it remained until 1861, when it
removed to Glasgow. The pastors from 1848 to 1861 were Thomas
Fristol, Addison M. Lewis, A. P. Williams. And from that until the
present time, the pastors have been A. P. Williams, D. D. M. L.
Laws, M. J. Breaker, J. F. Kemper, W. Pope Yeaman, D. D., W. F.
Harris. When the church removed to Glasgow it built a substantial
brick house — now owned by the Presbyterians — which was sold in
in 1866, when the majority of the church withdrew and reorganized
the present Chariton church. After some years the Glasgow church
built, at a cost of $12,000, the present house of worship, the most
elegant in the county. The present membership is about sixty.
4. Chariton church, about six miles north of Glasgow, is a con-
tinuation of the Old Chariton church just referred to and located at its
present place in 1866. At the reorganization the presbytery was com-
posed of Elders Jesse Terril, Thomas Kilbuck, S. Y. Pitts, and G. W.
Eogers. The pastors from 1866 until the present time have been W.
R. Painter, F. M. Wadley, L. M. Berry, M. P. Matheny, A. F. Pear-
son. The church worships in a substantial frame house which it
owns. Present membership about 130.
338 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
5. Mount Moriah church was organized August 13, 1823, by-
elders Ebenezer Rodgers and Colden Williams. The original members
were Henry Burnham, Sarah Burnham, Samuel Hughes, Nancy
Hughes, John Jackson, Susannah Jackson, John Matthews, Rachel
Matthews, James Reid, Abraham Dale, Pleasant Wilson, Susannah
Wilson. Pastors : Ebenezer Rodgers, A. J. Bartee, William Duncan,
Wm. Thompson, B. T. F. Cake, G. R. Pitts, W. R. Painter, M. F.
Williams, M. J. Breaker. The house of worship is a substantial brick,
situated about four miles west of Fayette, and is owned by the Bap-
tists and another denomination. Present membership about sixty.
6. Roanoke church is a continuation of the old Mount Moriah
church, which was formed about twelve miles north of Fayette in 1826,
but the names of the original members and of the pastors before
1836 could not be obtained. In 1836 the name was changed to Mount
Olive, and after some years the church removed to the town of Roan-
oke, and has been called by that name ever since. The pastors have
been since 1836, as follows : —
Thomas Fristoe, Jesse Terril, W. H. Mansfield, Wm. Thompson,
Noah Flood, S. G. Pitts, W. L. T. Evans, F. M. Wadley, L. M.
Berry, W. P. Yeaman, W. F. Harris. The church owns the lower
story of a substantial frame house in Roanoke. Present membership
about 120.
7. Gilead church was organized in April, 1820, by Elders Ed-
ward Turner and Colden Williams. Original membership: Edward
Turner and wife, Daniel Lay and wife, Sally Brashears, Amos Death-
erage and wife, Henry Saling and wife, Elizabeth Saling, Jane
Maughan, Paten Maughan, Henry Bowman.- The pastors have been
Edward Turner, J. D. Butts, Thomas Turner, A. J. Bartee, William
Duncan, Jesse Terril, R. H. Harris, Noah Flood, W. R. Woods,
Green Carey, Wm. H. Morris, J. D. Murphy, J. W. Terrill, P. T.
Gentry, M. F. Williams, E. D. Isbell, J. B. Dotson, L. M. Berry.
House of worship is situated about five miles east of Fayette, a
frame house, owned in part by the Baptists. The present member-
ship of the church is about ninety.
8. Fayette church grew out of Mt. Moriah in 1839. The mem-
bers were these : Wm. Taylor, Emily Taylor, Sarah C. Birch, Olivia
C. Birch, Elizabeth Daly, Louisa Major, Elizabeth Major, James
Bradley, Susan Wilson, Adelia Garner, Euphemia Turner, Geo. W.
Lydiletes, D. E. Searcy, David Morrow, Eleanor Morrow, Mary Ann
Anderson, Elizabeth J. Searcy, Eliza Holliday, Terry Bradley, Chris-
topher Cockerill, Hardin A. Wilson, Amanda Shepard, Eliza Ann
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 339
Reynolds, Letty Watts, Polly Litchlev, John Hanson, Jane Hanson,
John W. Searcy, Mrs. W. R. Dickerson, John H. Potts, Priscilla
Price, Susan, slave of Jos. Major; Esther, slave of Eunice Payne;
Esther and Eliza, slaves of Mrs. E. Daly. The pastors have been :
A. M. Lewis, Thomas Fristoe, A. B. Hardy, W. W. Keep, G. C.
Harris, N. Flood, Wm. Thompson, Green Carey, F. Wilhite, X. X.
Buckner, G. R. Pitts, A. M. King, E. D. Isbell, T. A. Reid, M. J.
Booker. The house of worship is a substantial frame building, well
situated in the town. The present membership is about eighty.
9. Mount Ararat church was organized 117 1865 by Elder William
Woods and Jesse Terril. The original members were : T. Creeson
and wife, T. Pemberton and wife, William Nicolas and wife, Andrew
Nicolas and wife, Sallie Nicolas, Eunice Creeson, Jane McGruder,
James Creeson, Willis Graves and wife, Ruark Graves, Nancy Cree-
son. Pastors: W. H. Woods, S. G. Pitts, F. M. Stark, L. A.
Minor. No house of worship is owned by the church, but services
are held in the Pemberton school-house, about eleven miles north of
Fayette. Present membership about seventy-five.
10. Friendship church, about six miles north of Fayette, was or-
ganized May 9, 1829, by Elders Edward Turner, Ebenezer Rodgers,
Thomas Turner, A. J. Bartee and Thomas Todd. The original mem-
bers were : Benjamin Cook, Polly Cook, Wm. Cornett, Nancy Cornett,
John Kirby, John Leach, Jemima Leach, Wm. Baskett, Susan Baskett,
Samuel Fields, Elvira Gibbs, John Swetnam, Sarah Swetnam.
The pastors have been : A. J. Bartee, Jesse Terril, W. H. Woods,
W. L. T. Evans, Joshua Terril, J. D. Smith. Present membership
about seventy-five. A good frame house is owned by the church.
11. Sharon church was organized January, 1877, by Elder J. W.
Terril. The original members were W. A. Morris, Sr., and wife, B.
0. Morris and wife, Bettie Morris, Mary J. Morris, J. S. Morris, Til-
ford Pemberton and wife, Sarah Pemberton, Florence Pemberton,
Henry Hatler, J. C. Taylor, Thomas Magruder and wife, W. H. Mor-
ris, Jr., Annie Morris. The pastors have been J. W. Terril, G. C.
Brown, W. R. Woods. The church partly owns a good frame house
about ten miles north by west from Fayette. Present membership
about twenty.
12. Boone's Lick church, near Lisbon, was organized January 20,
1870, by W. R. Woods and William Kilbuck, presbytery. The original
members were Preston V Smith, Mary Smith, Nancy Cooper, Martha
Booth, J. H. Bodle, Rachel Bodle, Mary Stuart, Mary M. Wiseman,
340 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Kichard Jackson, Louisa Garvin, M. E. Ainsworth, Martha A. Dunn,
Mary E. Johnson, Susan Burton, Eobert Tippett, Catharine Tippett,
Eglantine Headrick. The pastors have been Jackson Harris, W. L.
Baskett, Luther Cloyd. The present membership is about twenty-
five.
13. Moniteau church, at Bunker Hill (Myer's post-office) was
organized at the house of Mr. John Perkins in 1847 or 1848, by
Elders J. W. Terril and Green Carey. The original members were
John and Eachel Perkins, Aaron and Willis Andrews, Henry and
Cynthia Lynch, A. Banes. The pastors have been Jesse Terril,
Bartlett Anderson, James Burton, William B. Woods, W. L. T.
Evans, John Byrum, W. L. Baskett, Green Carey. The church
worships in a good frame house in which it owns a half interest. The
present membership is about sixty.
14. Ruhamah church, six miles north by west from Fayette,
was organized in 1870 by Elders M. L. Laws, R. J. Mansfield, W. L.
Baskett, John Byrum and W. R. Woods. The original members
were Martin and Nancy Andrews, Nancy and William and VanBuren
Andrews, Bennett Brown and wife, James Y. Miller and Ann his wife,
Willis Rout and Sally his wife and Nancy his daughter, Harriet An-
drews, Joe Andrews and Fannie his wife, Strotta Pritchett and Patsy
his wife, Russia Branham, James Hutson, and Alex, his son and Re-
becca his wife, Robert and Jimmie Andrews, Mrs. Eaton and Ike,
Kibble, Nancy and Jane her children, John Eaton and Mary his wife,
Lucy Ha°kley, Eva Hackley, James Miller, James Branham, William
Pulliam, Luther Pulliam, Bradley Pulliam, Emma Broaddua, Mary
Hudson, Newton Hudson, George Rout, Franklin Smith and Bett Ann
his wife, Dora Browning, Nicinda Andrews, Mary Gibbs. The pastors
have been W. L. Baskett and William Kilbuck. The church worships
jn a school-house. Present membership is about forty-eight.
15. Mizpah church, about four miles northeast of Fayette, was
organized in 1872, by elders M. L. Laws, M. F. Williams, and H.
M. King. The original members were J. Q. Moberly, Prior Burton,
Robert Dougherty, Charles Berkley, Mrs. A. E. Berkley, Mrs. S.
Burton, Mrs. M. E. Moberly, Mrs. Mary Dougherty, Mrs. H. George,
Mrs. E. Williams, Mrs. J. Patterson, Miss Laura Patterson, Mrs. M.
Jourdan, N. Brown, S. R. Jourdan, Miss N. George, J. Stroby, Mrs.
P. George, Owen Williams. The pastors have been P. S. Collop,M.
F. Williams, W. K. Woods, J. D. Smith. The church is a union
house, a good frame building. Present membership about fourteen.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 341
16. Sulphur Springs church, about three miles northwest from
Eocheport, Boone county, was organized September 22, 1880, by
elders J. B. Dotson and B. E. Harl, with these members : J. H.
Jordan and wife' and daughter, Levi Barton and wife, John Farris
and wife, William Dodson and wife, Mrs. L. Minor, Miss Ada Row-
lings. The pastors have been B. E. Harl, J. B. Starke, J. F. Par-
mer. The church owns a good frame house. Present membership
about forty.
17. Rock Spring church (old school) is situated about eight
miles west of Fayette. It was organized in 1823 by Elders Ebenezer
Rodgers and C. Williams. The original members were the same as
those given for Mount Moriah, for this church is a continuation, in
one line, of the Mount Moriah church. The pastors since 1839 have
been: R. Alexander, A. B. Frioreor, J. W. Akers, Martin Doty,
James Bradley, L. B. Wright. In 1872, the name of the church was
changed to its present name, and the church built its present sub-
stantial house of worship. The membership numbers about fifty.
18. New Hope church (old school), near Bunker Hill, was organ-
ized as early as 1830, but further information could not be obtained.
The present membership is probably about eighteen persons.
19. Sharon church (old school) has the same location as the
Sharon church above. It was organized as early as 1826, and is a
continuation of the old Mount Ararat church. It has a membership
of about eighteen persons. No further information could be obtained
concerning it.
N. B. — These three churches do not contain quite all the Old School
Baptists in the county. At all the above points where churches were
organized prior to 1835, that organization continued in two lines, and
we have given the line that has kept up an organization till now. In
many cases the old school line continued many years parallel with the
other.
20. Second church, Fayette (negro), was organized soon after
the close of the war, but no names or dates could be obtained. The
present membership is supposed to be about 100.
21. Bethel church (negro) is situated in the Missouri bottom, a
few miles west of New Franklin. This is all that could be ascertained
about it.
SUMMARY.
Whole number of churches, 21 ; aggregate membership, about
1,200. Number of preachers now resident in the county were, viz. :
342 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
W. K. Woods, Jackson Harris, M. J. Breaker, W- F. Harris. Most
of the churches are presided over by preachers not resident in the
county. Most of the missionary churches have Sunday schools, but
no statistics could be- obtained.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
[Prepared by Elder James Randall.]
Two of the Christian churches of this county were organized at
a very early day — between 1816 and 1820. They were organized
substantially on the same basis as those which were afterwards known
as the Disciples of Christ and Christian churches, that originated from
the ministry of B. W. Stone, of Kentucky. The ministers who or-
ganized and who became the pastors of these churches, were Thomas
McBride, and James McBride, his son ; he and his son left the county
at an early day. Joel H. Hayden came to the county in 1827 or 1828,
and labored with the McBrides. He was a man of strong mind and
spotless reputation. Joel Prewitt was among the early ministers,
coming in 1830, and did much for the cause of Christ.
Several other churches were organized about 1830, at which period
a union was effected between the Stoneites, New Lights, Camp-
bcllites, Reformers, and Disciples in Kentucky. After the union
of these churches in Kentucky, the churches elsewhere throughout
the country were united and were known as Disciples or Christians,
and were organized under the name of " Church of Christ." From
1830 to 1840, Elder Marcus Wills of Callaway county, Missouri,
preached in Howard county. Elder F. M. Palmer preached also for
'several churches. From 1840 to 1850, D. P. Henderson, T. M.
Allen, H. S. Boon, William Boon, Jerry Lancaster, and Dr. Win-
throp H. Hopson labored here in the ministry. Henderson and Allen
left for California in 1849. Dr. Hopson came to the county in 1847,
and after practising medicine for a short time gave himself entirely to
the ministry ; he was an influential man and an eloquent speaker.
From 1840 to 1860, William Burton probably did labor more and with
larger results than any other minister. His education was limited,
but he possessed fine social qualities and great power as an exhorter.
About the year 1840, Elder Thomas M. Allen, of Columbia, Boone
county, spent a portion of his time in Howard. Elder S. S. Church
was in the county in 1849 and 1850. From 1850 to 1860 Alexander
Proctor, now of Independence, Missouri, and a graduate of Bethany
college, Virginia, began his ministry here. In 1851, John W. McGar-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 343
vey, also a graduate of Bethany college, began his ministry here,
remaining one year.
Thomas W. Gaines was pastor of several churches in the county
about the same time. N. B. Peeler, another graduate of Bethany
college, commenced his ministerial labors in Howard county in 1860,
and remained until 1870. There are seventeen organized churches <
in the county ; two of these, Big Springs and Roanoke, are partly in
Boone and Randolph. Total membership is about 1,000. Ten of
these churches own houses of worship valued at $9,700, and a half
interest in two other houses of worship valued at $1,000 ; one-fourth
interest in three houses of worship, valued at $800 ; making about
$12,000 of church property.
Church of Christ was organized by Elder Thomas McBride or
Joel H. Hayden, about 1830. Among the original members were
Thomas McBride and family, Joel Ii. Hayden and wife, Joel
Prewitt, Henry Crisman and wife, Major Johnson and wife,
George Saffran, Mrs. Ruth White, A. J. Herndon, Thomas Roy,
Sr., F. E. Williams and wife, Dr. S. T. Crews and wife (the
last three named and A. J. Herndon are still living). Eider
McBride, Elder Hayden and Elder Prewitt were the pastors up
to 1840 ; after that time for several years Jerry Lancaster was
pastor. Between 1840 and 1850, T. M. Allen preached quite often
at Fayette; as did Dr. Hopson, S. S. Church and D. P. Hen-
derson, H. L. Boon and T. M. Allen, in 1851 ; J. W. McGarvey and
William C. Booh, in 1854; Thomas N. Gaines, in 1867; J. A.
Berry, in 1868 ; W. H. Blank in 1871-2 ; W. M. Featherstone, in
1873-5 ; James M. Tennyson, 1878-80 ; James Randall, from 1882-
83, and is the present(1883) pastor. W. H. Hopson, A. J. Hern-
don, L. Cook and John H. Bradley each occasionally officiated as
ministers of the Fayette church, from 1849 to 1867. Alexander
Campbell visited Fayette in 1852 and agaiu in 1858. In 1850 the
church had 284 members ; it now has eighty members. The house of
worship was built in 1840 and is valued at $1,000.
Church at Roanoke was organized in 1845, by Allen Wright.
Robert Terrill, James Terrill, and Presley Halley were among the early
members. In 1850, S. S. Church was the pastor, J. A. Berry from 1865
to 1870. J. A. Wedington has preached for them during the four years
past. Captain Bagley, Colonel James Richardson, and Dr. Walker are
among the prominent members of the church at this time.
Ashland church, originally called Salt Creek, was organized by
Elder McBride in 1820. Among the earliest members were the Bradleys
344 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and Martin Little, Sr. Samuel Eodgers, of Kentucky, visited this
church as early as 1821 or 1822. McBride, Hayden, and Prewitt offici-
ated with others up to 1850. J. W. McGarvey filled the pulpit in 1851,
J. V. Gains in 1856 and 1857. D. P. Henderson, T. M. Allen, and
others, from 1850 to 1860. W. H. Koberson and N. B. Peeler were
born and raised in the church, the latter preaching from 1865 to 1873,
and again in 1880 and 1881 for this church ; James Randall from 1874
to 1877 ; V. Hockensmith from 1878 to 1879. William H. Little,
James Smith, J. F. Hockley, and B. Maxwell have each preached for
this church at different times. J. M. Tennyson and O. A. Carr are
the present ministers. This is the largest church of this denomination
in the county, having a membership of 150. They own a house of
worship valued at $1,200.
Mount Moriah church was organized by Elder Prewitt in 1835.
Prewitt and wife and Martin Verian and wife were among the early
members. Prewitt and Hayden preached for this church several years.
The church organization was discontinued in 1845 and reorganized
again in 1871. W. H. Blank, J. R. Gallemore, and J. H. Headington
have each filled the pulpit of this church. Present membership,
thirty. J. H. Headington is the present pastor.
Church at Armstrong, was organized August 9, 1881, by R. N.
Davis, James Boggs, and T. N. Gates, elders. J. P. Witt is the pres-
ent pastor. Twenty-one members have an interest in a union house
of worship.
Church at New Liberty' — In 1873, this church" was organized by
M. M. Davis. F. M. Grimes and family, and J. W. Thompson and
wife were among the original members. Grimes and Thompson have
been elders from the organization of the church, and D. Long and
Patrick, deacons, D. M. Granfield and O. A. Carr have held meet-
ings for this church. Membership is about twenty.
Chui-ch at Glasgow — This church was established in 1841, by
H. P. Boon. John H. Estill and wife, Alfred Roper and wife, Weston
F. Birch, W. C. Boon, W. B. Tolley and William Allega were the
constituent members. H. P. Boon was the first pastor. A. Proctor,
S. S. Church, I. W. Waller, Dr. J. W. Cox, J. M. Tennyson
and T. W. Allen have each filled the pulpit of this church. The
church went down in 1860, and wae reorganized in 1878. T. W.
Allen, present pastor. Membership twenty. Building cost $1,500.
Church at Boonsboro was formed in 1850, by W. M. Burtin,
with the following members : John Arnick and wife, William Arnick
and wife, Greenfield Hefflefiuger and wife, Henry Cooper, Nancy B.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 345
Cooper, Lettie Sims, Caroline Smith, Ann Sims, Caswell Dunking
and Thomas Campbell. Elders of the church at that time were John
Arnick and Greenfield Hefiiefinger. William Burton, Castleman, Joel
Hayden, Wilmot, Robert N. Hudson, Giles Phillips and Thomas
Campbell have each preached for this church. Present member-
ship, ninety-nine.
Rose Hill Church was organized in 1872, by Elder C. P.
Evans. George W. Arnick and wife, and B. J. Ballew and wife were
among the original members. Thomas Campbell and R. N. Davis
have preached for this congregation. Present membership, seventy-
five.
Church at Pleasant Green — Elders Joel H. Hayden and Thomas
E. Gates organized this church, September 30, 1861. William Allega
and wife, and Joseph Silvey and wife were a few of the constituent
members. William Burton, Stephen Bush, Taltou Johnson, R. N*.
Davis, M. M. Davis, W. N. Tandy, I. P. Witt and R. H. Love have
been pastors of this church. James Randall is present minister.
House erected, in 1867, at a cost of $1,000. Members number
forty-six.
Church at Big Springs was organized by John O. White, in
1860, with the following persons : Judge David Pipes and wife, Por-
ter Jackman and family, John Arnold, James Pipes, George Pipes,
Charles Pipes, and their wives, Talton Johnson and wife, George
Drake and wife, and Lyre Martin and wife. Talton Johnson, N.
Hockensmith, M. M. Davis and G. M. Perkins have each administered
to the spiritual wants of this church. Present membership, sixty ;
own a nice house of worship.
Richland Church — This is the oldest church of this denomina-
tioti in the county, having been established in 1816 ; Elder Thomas
McBride officiating. Sion Bradlev and wife, John Thomas and wife,
and Holt and wife were a few of the early members. Mc-
Bride and son preached for the congregation until 1832. Among
other ministers who succeeded the former were Samuel Rodgers, Wil-
liam Burton, Joel H. Hayden, A. Proctor, W. H. Roberson, R. N.
Davis, M. M. Davis, Robert N. Hudson, I. P. Witt, John C. Woods,
William Warden and E. P. Graves. Present membership, eighty.
The church owns an edifice worth $800.
Mount Pleasant Union Christian church, situated in Bonne
•Femme township, Howard county, was organized by Elders William
White and John McCuue in September, 1854. The organization num-
346 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
bered twenty-eight members when it was organized — twelve males
and sixteen females, to wit :
Males. Females.
John Evans, Minerva Davis,
Moses Cleeton, Sarah L. Fisher,
Samuel Moody, Nancy Bailey,
G. H. G. Jones, Elizabeth Ancell,
Joseph McCune, Rutha Estis,
Elijah Ancell, Jane Bailey
John Asbury, Sarah A. McCune,
Miuter Bailey, Sarah A. Jones,
Edward S. Davis, Moriah Cleeton,
Anderson Johnson, Agnes Asbury,
John McCune, Mary Manning,
Thomas Ancell, Lucinda Moody,
Sally Ann Gilvin,
Sarah J. Johnson,
Sarah F. Ancell.
The local elders were Minter H. Bailey and Edward S. Davis;
the deacons, Thomas Ancell and Anderson Johnson. The church was
organized at the Baldridge school-house ; a house of worship was be-
o-un the same fall, which cost $700. Elder John McCune preached
about nine or ten years — until the war troubles became so bad that he
moved to the state of Illinois. The members have been greatly re-
duced by the organization of Locust Grove congregation, and also
Newhope congregation, and by a number moving away: They now
number only about thirty-five members. Elders at present : George
W. Potter, Thomas Ancell, Elijah Ancell, Minter H. Bailey ; deacons :
Dr. Dougherty, Elisha Ancell and Ed. St. Clair.
Locust Grove church — The Church of Christ was organized on the
Saturday before second Lord's day in November, 1870, at LocustGrove
school-house, in Howard county, Missouri. Elders Talton Johnson and
Stephen A. Bush were present and assisted in the organization. Abner
Holtzclawand Silas B. Naylor were the elders of the congregation, and
Berry Williams and Thomas Jackson, deacons. The organization num-
bered twenty — ten males and ten females, to wit:
Males. Females.
Montreville Reynolds, Frances Reynolds,
Y. L. Atkins, Elizabeth Reynolds,
Berry Williams, Sarah Ann Craig,
J. A. Durnall, Tabitha Holtzclaw,
o
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 347
Males. Females.
J. C. Foster, Mary Frances Williams,
George F. Craig, Margaret A. Holtzclaw,
William Campbell, Mary M. Nay lor,
Thomas M. Jackson, Elizabeth Campbell,
Abner Holtzclaw, Emmarette Campbell,
Silas B. Naylor, Sarah A. Foster.
Elder Talton Johnson preached two years. On the second
Lord's day in September, 1871, Silas B. Naylor was ordained as teacher,
elder and bishop, with the privilege of solemnizing marriages, etc.,
Elder Talton Johnson officiating. Elder Silas B. Naylor began
preaching in 1873 and continued until 1880. The congregation at one
time numbered between eighty and ninety members, but a number
died and moved away ; it now numbers about sixty members. Elders
in the congregation now are, Abner Holtzclaw and Silas B Naylor;
deacons acting now, Berry Williams and James Holtzclaw ; clerk,
George Craig.
The Christian church at Newhope, near Bunker Hill, in Howard
county, was organized by Elder William Anderson, of Eandolph
county, on Saturday before the fourth Lord's day in October, 1874,
with about thirty-three members. The local elders selected at the
organization were, Dr. Boyd, Augustus G. Atkins and Y. L. Atkins ;
the deacons were Robert Dougherty and James T. Reynolds. Elder
William Anderson preached about five years. Since that time Elder
Silas B. Naylor has been, and is yet, preaching for this church. The
officers at this time are, Elders A. G. Atkins, Dr. Boyd, Judge
George I. Winn and John W. Lynch; deacons, James T. Reynolds,
Robert Dougherty and Jesse Kirby. Present membership is about
fifty.
Mount Pleasant church — The Church of Christ at Mount
Pleasant, near New Franklin, was organized about 1830. The exact
date and original members are not known as the books were consumed
by fire. The following were among the original members : Wm. Scott
and wife, Charles Swope and wife, James Hughes and wife, Thomas
H. Hickman and wife, Owen Rowlings and wife, Richard Brannen and
wife. They were organized by either Joel Prewitt or Joel H. Hay-
den. These were the pastors of the church up to 1840. Elder Wm.
Burton was pastor, preaching from 1840 to 1846 ; 1846-49, Elder T.
M. Allen, was their preacher; 1849, Elder Samuel S. Church;
Thos. M. Allen, 1850, 1851. John W. McGarvey, now of Bible col-
lege, Lexington, Kentucky, author of " Commentary on Acts of
348 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Apostles," and " Land of the Bible," was their preacher — the first year
of his work as a preacher of the gospel. From 1854 to 1860,
Thomas H. Gaines ; 1860, Jonah Atkinson ; 1863, Elder Wilmot ; 1865,
T. N. Givens; 1866-70, V. B. Peeler; Wm. H. Blanks, 1872;
1873-78, Jas. Randall ; 1878-79, Jas. M. Tennyson ; 1880-84, James
Randall. Wm. Scott was elder of the church from organization to
his death, 1849 ; James R. Estill, elder from 1846 to the present, Jas.
Randall from 1873 to 1878. Wm. Tutt and Matthew Mullins, deacons
from an early day in the history of the church. Robert E. McGooch
was deacon until his death, 1875.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Church at Old Franklin (O. S. ) — The first church established
in the county by the Old School Presbyterians, or Presbyterians of any
name, was organized at Old Franklin on the 28th day of April, 1821,
by Rev. Edward Hollister, and known as the Franklin Church. There
were twenty-three constituent members ; the names of these we
could not get, as no record of the church has been retained and none
of the original members are now living.
This church was moved to Boonville a few years afterwards, and
called the Boonville church. Among the early ministers were Ed-
ward Hollister, Augustus Pomeroy, W. P. Cochran and Hiram Cham-
berlain.
Church at Glasgow — The Old School Presbyterians organized a
church March 9, 1845, at Glasgow, Howard county. The constituent
members were George Humphreys, Mrs. Mary Burke, Martha N. E.
Feazel, Pauline Stratton, Miss Evalina Dyer, Mrs. Nancy Tui-ner,
Mrs. Minerva Tillet, Daniel McSwain. This church was organized by
Rev. C. D. Simpson, who came from St. Louis, the church being
under the charge of the Lexington presbytery.
George Humphreys was the elder. In 1866 this church reor-
ganized, purchasing the Baptist church edifice at a cost of $5,000, to
which were added repairs to the amount of $3,000.
The church edifice is a large and substantial brick building with
a basement. At this time (1883) they have no regularly employed
minister. The last pastor was Rev. Lyman Marshall. The present
officers are C. Dantel and T. G. Diggs, deacons. J. W. Marshall,
J. M. Feazel and Samuel W. Steinmetz, elders. Present members,
forty-eight.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 349
Church at Fayette — In 1848, Kev. Charles Simpson, who
had already organized a Presbyterian church at Glasgow, visited
Fayette and reorganized the Presbyterian church, it having
already been instituted as early as 18 — , by Eev. Augustus
Pomeroy. The members were : Mr. and Mrs. McNair, Miss M.
Anderson, Dr. W. Snelson(and wife, Mrs. Prior Jackson, Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Hanna, Miss Jane Hughes, Mr. H. Lynch, Mr.
and Mrs. Samuel Todd with their daughters Laura and Maggie,
Miss M. Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Gatende,
Dr. and Mrs. William Everett, William T. Davis and Dr. Dun-
widdie* who were made elders, and Mr. James Allen, deacon.
Mr. Simpson held services regularly once a month (meeting in the
Baptist church) until he was called to St. Louis. The church, though
few in number, were a faithful and energetic little band, working faith-
fully for the cause of Christianity until they became scattered by the
great civil war and other causes. Of the resident members who
were present at the reorganization in 1848, Mrs. Prior Jackson is the
only one left in Fayette.
In 1850, Dr. Gallaher held a meeting in Fayette in the chapel of
Central college ; at that time quite a number of adults were added to
the church and several infants baptized. He administered the sacra-
ment of the Lord's supper at the close of the meeting, the commu-
nicants all being seated at a long table, which had been placed upon
the platform for that purpose.
After Mr. Simpson left Glasgow for St. Louis, Eev. Lee Byer
preached once a month in the Methodist church edifice. Like Mr.
Simpson he was highly esteemed by the members, but was soon called
to another field of labor. Eev. James Quarles was the last pastor
that officiated for this church, who remained until the breaking out
of the civil war.
Church at Roanoke (C. P.) was organized in 1851 by Rev.
James Dysart with thirteen members. We were unsuccessful in
our efforts to get the names of all the constituent members, but
have the names of Arrarah Wayland, Martha Wayland, William
Ferguson, Eufe Lockridge, Kate Lockridge and James Wallace.
The first ministers were James Dysart, J. W. Morrow and J. B.
Mitchell, D. D. The church is in a prosperous condition and now
numbers 135 members.
Armstrong Organization — The Cumberland Presbyterians have
an organization at Armstrong and worship in the Union church
edifice.
(24)
350 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT FAYETTE.
[Prepared by Rev. J. L. Gay.]
The first service in Fayette, according to prayer book, was held
by Bishop Kemper in the fall of 1835. No further services were at-
tempted until November, 1836, when .the Rev. Frederick F. Peake
visited Fayette and held service on the 9th day of that month. At
that time and for two years afterwards Mr. Peake was only in deacon's
orders. He found six members of the church. At his first service a
dozen persons joined in the responses. In January, 1837, he gave
half his time to Fayette, and in June following he came to reside in
the town to take charge of the female academy. Bishop Kemper
confirmed five persons in 1837. In May, 1838, Mr. Peake returned
to Boonville, where he remained until October, 1839, when he en-
tered upon duty in Christ church, St. Louis. In May, 1846 or 1847,
Mr. Peake moved to Pensacola, Florida, whither he went in search of
his health, and where he died July 21, 1849. The mission at Fay-
ette remained vacant until September, 1840, when Rev. James D.
Meed held a service every alternate Sunday. There were seven or
eight communicants and thirteen families attached to the church at
that time. Mr. Meed remained about eight months, when he resigned
and went to the Sandwich Islands in search of health. He now re-
sides in Woodbridge, Ontario. Bishop Hawks, on May 9, 1845,
officiated in the Baptist church. He reported an earnest desire for a
resumption of church services. The long vacancy was ended on the
10th of May, 1846, when Rev. Enoch Reid took charge of the church.
He was formerly a Methodist minister, and was the first person or-
dained by Bishop Hawks. It was during Mr. Reid's incumbency, in
1847, that the parish of St. Mary's was organized and admitted into
union with the convention. The congregation was at that time wor-
shipping in an upper room of the old court-house, but the sum of $900
had been raised for a church building. Mr. Reid resigned in June,
1847, and died August 6, 1876, in Virginia. In July, 1847, the Rev.
John W. Dunn entered upon his work in the parish. In the spring
of 1848, the erection of the church edifice was begun ; it was
finished November 23, 1850. In the spring of 1851, the trees which
now stand in front of the church were planted by Mr. Dunu.
In May, 1853, Mr. Dunn reported that in addition to his duties
in Fayette he was continuing a monthly service in Glasgow,
which he had commenced several years previously, and that a gentle-
man of that place had donated a lot for the church, and that a suffi-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 351
cient amount of money had been raised to build a church, which, by
the way, has never been erected. In August, 1855, Mr. Dunn re-
signed. When he left there were twenty-three communicants. Mr.
Dunn now resides in Independence, Missouri.
In November, 1856, Eev. William E. Pickman took charge of
the parish. In May, 1857, he reported twenty communicants. He
resigned December 1, 1858, and went to St. Joseph, Mo. Eev. C.
F. Scoss entered upon duty in September, 1859. In May, 1860, he
reported twenty-three communicants ; he resigned in 1860, and went
to California.
During the four years, when the dark cloud of war hung over
the land, the parish remained vacant. Eev. John Portmess, an
Englishman, entered upon duty as a missionary, June 12, 1864, and
remained till January 1, 1865. He could find only thirteen commu-
nicants. He is still living in Texas. After another vacancy of four-
teen months, Eev. Thomas Greene, entered upon the pastorate of
the church. During his ministry, the church lot was enclosed, lamps
were purchased and an organ bought. Mr. Greene resigned March
31, 1867, and now lives in Wisconsin.
In the summer of 1868, Eev. Granville C. Walker took charge
of the church, but retained it only until the close of the year. He is
now in Kentucky. In the summer of 1870, the parish was served by
two young lay readers, namely, Mr. Abiel Leonard and Mr. Ethelbert
Talbot. In 1871, Eev. C. J. Hendley, assumed the rectorship, and in
May following, he reported twenty-four communicants, and also re-
ported that Mrs. Abiel Leonard (wife of Judge Leonard, now
deceased) had donated an acre of land on which to build a rectory,
for which $1,350, had been subscribed. In 1872, the rectory was
finished and paid for. He resigned in March, 1873, and moved to
Maryland. After another vacancy of sixteen months, Eev. J. F.
Hamilton took charge of the parish in 1874, and relinquished the same
in the spring of 1878.
On February 1, 1879, Eev. J. L. Gay assumed the pastoral
care of the parish, and reported twenty-eight communicants. Mr.
Gay still has charge and has held it longer than any of his predeces-
sors, except Mr. Dunn.
ra*4«iSis
CHAPTEE XIX.
LIST OF HOWARD COUNTY OFFICIALS FROM 1816.
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES.
1816. David Barton. 1840. John D. Leland.
1818. Nathaniel B. Tucker. 1847. Win. A. Hall.
1819. David Todd. 1862. G. H. Burckhartt, present
1837. Thomas Reynolds. incumbent.
CIRCCJIT ATTORNEYS.
1816. John J. Heath. 1838. J. M. Gordon.
1821. H. E. Gamble. 1848. C. H. Hardin.
1826. Abiel Leonard. 1852. E. T. Prewitt.
1827. Charles French. 1856. John F. Williams.
1828. John Wilson. 1860. H. M. Porter.
1836. Eobert W. Wells. 1862. A. J. Harbison.
1837. W. B. Napton. 1864. W. C. Barr.
1838. Samuel N. Bay. 1868. John H. Overall.
Office abolished in 1872, then the office of county attorney wsi*
established.
COUNTY COURT JUDGES.
1821. Henry V. Bingham, David E. Drake, Thomas Conway.
1825.* Enoch Kemper, George Chapman, John Walker, Ed.
V. Warren, John Myers, John Harvey, and others.
1826. John Bird, Joseph Sears, William Taylor, Asa Q. Thomp-
son, Adam C. Woods, and others.
1828$ Robert Wilson, Urial Sebree, Eichard Cummins,
I Urial Sebree, George Stapleton, Jonathan Crawley.
C George Stapleton, N. T. Burckhartt, Jonathan Crawley,
1829 3 George Stapleton, N. T. Burckhartt, Wm. Wright (ap-
( pointed).
* The clerk of the county court selected men from the different townships to act as
members of the county court.
(352)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 353
1830$ Wm" WriSht' N- T- Burckhartt, John P. Morris,
( John P. Morris, Henry Lewis, Owen Rawlings.
1831. David R. Drake, Henry Lewis, John P. Morris.
1832. David Peeler, David R. Drake, Henry Lewis.
1838. Alfred W. Morrison, Wm. Botts, William Buster.
1840. Wm. Buster, Wm. Botts, A. F. Walden!
1846. C. C. P. Hill, W. M. Jackson, A. F. Walden.
1850. C. C. P. Hill, W. M. Jackson, Thomas J. Owen.
1851. C. C. P. Hill, Wm. Botts, Wm. R. Heath.
lg54 ( Wm. R. Heath, H. L* Brown, C. C. P. Hill,
( H. L. Brown, John Swetnam, F. W. Diggs.
1857. John Swetnam. W. M. Jackson, F. W. Diggs.
1858. Wm. R. Heath, Morgan A. Taylor, James McCafferty.
1862. M. H. Harris, John P. Sebree, Isaac P. Vaughan (W. B.
Hanna, appointed in July to fill Harris' place, who resigned.)
1863. Wm. B. Hanna, F. W. Diggs, Edward P. Graves.
1865. Wm. B. Hanna, Edward S. Davis, F. W. Diggs.
1867. Wm. R. Heath, Wm. B. Hanna, Morgan A. Taylor.
1870. Wm. R. Heath, Morgan A. Taylor, James McCafferty.
1872. Morgan A. Taylor, John M. Hickerson, James McCafferty.
1874. John M. Hickerson, B. H. Tolson, James McCafferty.
1876. John M. Hickerson, J. R. McDonald, B. H. Tolson.
1878. John M. Hickerson, M. Markland, Sulton Johnson.
1880. John M. Hickerson, M. Markland, H. Kingsbury.
1881. B. H. Tolson, M. Markland, H. Kingsbury.
1883. H. A. Norris, G. J. Winn, J. C. Lee.
COUNTT CLERKS.
1821. Hampton, L. Boon, clerk 1845. James H. Saunders.
pro tern. 1846. Leland Wright.
1821. Armstead S. Grundy, ap- 1847. Andrew J. Herndon.
pointed in May. 1874. Sid. B. Cunningham.
1823. John B. Clark. 1882. Henry C. Tindall.
1842. Nathaniel Ford.
CIRCUIT COURT CLERKS.
1816. Gray Bynum. • 1870. John C. Woods elected ;
1842. S. Bynum. Jos. H. Finks filled the
1856. Andrew Cooper. office.
1860. C. H. Stewart. 1879. Walter C. Knaus, present
incumbent.
354 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
SHERIFFS.
1816. Nicholas T. Burckhartt.
1822. Benj. R. Ray.
1826. David Prevvitt.
1829. Nathaniel Ford.
1832. Alfred W. Morrison, and collector, ex-officio.
1840. Lewis Crigler, and collector.
1844. Jacob Headrick, and colle'ctor.
1848. Newton G. Elliott, and collector.
1852. Bird Deatherage, and collector.
1856. Boyd McCrary, and collector.
1860. James H. Feland, and collector.
1862. Thomas G. Deatherage, and collector.
1865. Prior M. Jackson, and collector.
1866. John L. Morrison, and collector.
1867. Rice Patterson and collector.
1871. James G. Maupin, and collector.
1873. Wm. O. Burton (office of collector separated).
1874. V. J. Lelaud.
1878. Nestor B. Cooper.
1882. V. J. Leland.
David Prewitt.
Samuel Shepherd.
Enoch Kemper.
Wm. B. Warren.
The sheriffs were then ex-officio collectors till 1873.
1873. C. E. Burckhartt. 1883. Nestor B. Cooper.
COLLECTOR.
1821.
Joseph Patterson. 1825.
1822.
Benj. B. Ray. 1826.
1822.
John Harvey appointed in 1827.
August. 1831.
1879. Stephen Cooper.
ASSESSORS.
1821. Nicholas T. Burckhartt. 1832. John S. Rucker.
1822. Price Prewitt, Glenn Owen, 1833. Lewis Wilcoxon. •
Watts D. Ewin, Geo. -1834. James Turner.
Jackson, J. Meyers, 1837. Strother Bramin. .
Benj. H. Reeves, John 1845. Andrew Crews, Newton G.
Rooker. Elliott.
1823. Watts D. Ewin. 1847. John W. Patton.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
355
1826.
1826.
1830.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1861.
1862.
1865.
Joshua W. Redman. 1848*. John Swetnam.
Watts D. Ewin appointed 1850. Boyd M. McCrary.
in July. 1853. Joseph F. Hughes.
Alfred W. Morrison. 1857. James H. Feland.
County divided into four assessment districts. John W. Mor-
ris, assessor first district; Jus. H. Feland, second; Wm. E.
Hackly, third ; Stephen Stemons, fourth.
Jno. R. Hitt, first district; Jas. H. Feland, second; Wm. B.
Yager, third ; John Q. Hicks, fourth.
Jno. R. Hitt. 1866. Harrison P. White.
Miles Baldridge. 1872.
Boyd M. McCrary, ap-
pointed December.
Prior M. Jackson. 1883.
W. Con. Boon.
Harrison Cross.
1874. Wm. H. Moss.
1879. J. R. Gallemore.
H. B. Watts.
TREASURERS.
1823. John B. Clark, pro tern.
1825! Robert Wilson.
1830. John B. Clark.
1833. John H. Turner.
1840. Alfred W. Morrison.
1845. Leland Wright.
1846. Adam Heudrix.
1858. Walter Adams.
1862. Thomas Ray.
1865. John E. Ewin.
1867. Thomas W. Radford.
1868. John M. Reid.
1876. Jacob Fisher.
1882. Wm. A. Dudgeon.
SURVEYORS,
1821*
Elias Bancroft,
1843.
H. T. Fort.
1821.
Lawreuce J. Daley,
ap- 1868.
Joshua T. Allen.
pointed in November.
1872.
Henry C. Shields.
1841.
James Jackson.
1880.
CORONERS.
Willard Cloyd.
1816. John Monroe.
1821f Jeremiah Rice.
1841. Nathan H. Stephenson.
1849. Joseph Cary.
1856. R. T. Basye.
1862. James H. Saunders.
1867. John M. Pierce,
1870. Isaac Hamilton.
1872. June Williams.
1878. Richard Enyart.
1880. Von. Bonham.
1882. H. K. Givens.
* The early records were very meagre in reference to the surveyors of the county.
t Early records meagre in reference to coroner.
356 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS.
1841. Samuel C. Majors. 1854. Samuel C. Majors.
1850. John W. Henry. 1880. Thomas O wings.
1853. Thomas M. Perkins.
COMMISSIONER OF SCHOOLS.
1841. Owen Rawlings. 1866. W. H. Watts, appointed in
1856. John F. Williams. August.
1856. E. K. Atterbury, resigned. 1870. John B. Hairston.
1857. Wm. T. Lucky, appointed. 1872. Thomas G. Deatherage.
1860. James R. Saltonstall. 1874. J. B. Hairston.
1861. Thomas G. Deatherage. 1876. Thomas Owings.
1866. C. W. Pritchett, appointed 1881. A. F. Willis.
in July.
PROBATE JUDGES.
1824. Robert Wilson, appointed by the governor, and served
until 1827, when the duties of that office were transferred to the
county court, which tribunal continued to have jurisdiction of pro-
bate matters until 1878, when the probate office was again created.
1879. J. T. Smith. Present incumbent.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS.
The office of county attorney was created in 1872. Prior to that
time the business of that office was done by the circuit attorneys.
1873. James H. Robertson. 1881. Robert C. Clark.
1875. R. B. Caples. 1882. Robert C. Clark.
1879. James H. Robertson.
The following in reference to the history of Boonsboro, Boone's Lick township
should have been placed on page 156 ; but owing to the fact that it was handed us too
late for insertion in its proper place, we insert it here .
BOONSBORO,
named, also, in honor of Daniel Boone, was laid out in 1840 by
Col. N. G. Elliott, Joseph Cooper, Achilles Callaway and Lindsay P.
Marshall, on section four, township forty-nine, range seventeen, and
twelve miles southeast of Fayette, the county seat.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 357
The first house in the place was erected by Achilles Callaway,
soon after the laying out of the town. It was built of logs, and in it
Callaway opened a small stock of goods, consisting principally of
tobacco and whiskey. He was a native of Howard county, but his pa-
rents were from Kentucky. He died in Boone's Lick township, since
the late war. He left a widow and several children.
The first dry goods and general stock of merchandise was kept
by R. H. Turner ; Turner was also the first mail contractor. The first
mail facilities enjoyed by the town was during the year 1853, when
the people supplied their own mail by the way of New Franklin.
The first post-office was established there in 1856, John A. Fisher post-
master. The first church edifice was erected about the year 1850,
but was not completed until 1853. This was built as a union chapel
by the Methodists, the Christians, the Cumberland Presbyterians and
the Baptists. Wm. K. Woods was the Baptist minister, Morrow
was the Presbyterian, James Penn the Methodist, and Wm. M. Bur-
ton was among the early Christian ministers. About the year 1868,
the building was taken down and a new one erected in its place by
the Christian denomination principally, but with the understanding
that it was to be free to all religious bodies. This is all the church
building in the town.
Hamp. Carson was the first blacksmith. W. J. and F. M. Baugh
were two of the first merchants. Stephen Bynum sold goods there
soon after the war of 1861. The town contains a population of one
hundred and fifty souls. It contains beside the house of worship
above mentioned, a school house, two general stores, two drug stores,
one blacksmith shop, one wagon and carriage shop, two saloons and
a post-ofiice. The postmaster at present is Henry A. Deistelhorst.
INCIDENT.
Many years ago — before the late war — a young married man by
the name of Cassius Nelson, was riding along very fast, horseback,
into Boonsboro, and after reaching the town his horse in making a
short turn in the road threw him against a stump, killing him almost
instantly.
mmm^mi
BIOGRAPHICAL.
RICHMOND TOWNSHIP.
DR. JOHN T. BAILEY,
one of the oldest members of the medical profession in Howard
county, was born in Campbell county, Va., January 25, 1824. His
parents were also natives of the Old Dominion, and were both de-
scended from early colonial families. His father, Robert V. Bailey,
was born in that state, December 2, 1799, and was married in early
manhood to Miss Lucy L. Buster, of which union, Dr. John F., the
subject of this sketch, was the first of a family of twelve children.
In 1837, the family came to Missouri, and settled in Boone county,
and there Dr. Bailey, then a youth thirteen years of age, attended the
local schools and received a substantial English education. He then,
in 1844, entered vigorously upon the study of medicine, under the in-
struction of his uncle, Dr. Buster, of Rocheport, Mo., in which he
continued four years. In the meantime he attended the medical
school in the University of Louisville, Ky., and, in 1848, located at
Miami, Mp., in the practice of his profession. There he remained
until the fall of 1849, when he returned to Boone county ; but, in
1850, he went to California, where he practised until in 1854. Re-
turning then to Missouri, in June of that year, he came to Howard
county, locating at Bunker Hill ; and four years afterwards, in 1858,
he came to Fayette, his present home. He was married February 1,
1858, to Mrs. Mary E. Nichols, a widow lady of the most excellent
worth, and two children were born to them — Robert V., now deceased,
and Fannie L. Dr. Bailey is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the
Masonic order, in which he is also a Knight Templar. His life has
been an active and eminently useful one. Visiting the sick and admin-
istering to the suffering for a period of nearly forty years, he has
attained and long held a position in his profession as an able and suc-
cessful physician.
ROBERT W. BASKETT.
Nearly all the old settlers of Howard county are either Virginians
by birth or by descent, for those who came from Kentucky and the
other states were generally of Virginia parentage. But many came
directly from the Old Dominion, that mother of pioneers as well as of
(358)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 359
presidents, and among these were Robert W. Baskett and his parents.
Robert Baskett, the father of Robert W., was born in Virginia, in
1790, and when a young man was married in that state to Miss Lu cy
,Crewdson, who was born in 1788. They had five children, of whom
Robert W. was one. In 1839, they came to Howard county, settling
near Fayette, where the father subsequently died. Mrs. Baskett died
in 1844. Robert W. was born in Fluvanna county, Va., April 18, 1820,
and was therefore nineteen years of age when he came to this county.
Having been reared on a farm, he naturally chose farming as his occu-
pation in life, which he has since followed. On the 18th of February,
1845, he was married to Miss Emeline P., daughter of Uriah Sebree,
who came to Howard county in 1818. They have two children —
John S. and William C. In 1850, Mr. Baskett settled on the farm
where he now lives. It contains 470 acres of superior land, and is
one of the best improved farms in the county. As a farmer, Mr. B.
has been more than ordinarily successful. Industry, enterprise and
intelligent management have made him one of the solid men of How-
ard county. Aside from his success in a pecuniary point of view, he
is a man that commands the respect and wins the good opinions of all
who know him. Conservative and fair in his views, and careful not
to form unjust conclusions, when he does determine upon a course as
a proper one, he is the most resolute and inflexible of men. And be-
cause of this firmness of character, resulting from strong and intelli-
gent convictions, he is a man whose opinions are not only respected
but are felt to be a potent force whenever and wherever given.
REV. WILLIAM F. BELL.
Thirty-two years devoted to the service of God and humanity, sums
up in a line the career, thus far, of Rev. William F. Bell. Having
now passed the meridian of life, and as the shadows of old age
approach, it cannot but be the consolation of consolations to look
back over the path he has trodden, rough and thorny though it may
have been, and reflect that the world has been made better and purer
and brighter, by his having travelled it. Rev. William F. Bell was
born in Old Franklin, Howard county, Missouri, February 16, 1831.
John W. Bell, his father, was a native of Virginia, and was born in
Augusta county, July 4, 1805. Having emigrated to Missouri in
1830, settling first at Old Franklin and subsequently at other points,
he died in Mexico, this state, in 1880. Mrs. Bell, whose maiden
name was Elizabeth Combs, the mother of Rev. William F., was also
a native of Virginia, having been born in that state in 1803. She
preceded her husband in death six years. The first nine years of the
Rev. William F. Bell's life were spent in Old Franklin, where his
father's family then lived. In 1840, the family moved to Macon
county, Missouri, and there he was reared and educated. In 1851,
having qualified himself for the ministry in the meantime, he returned
to Howard county, the home of his childhood, and during the same
360 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
year was admitted to the Missouri conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, south. Thereupon, he entered actively upon the duties
of the ministiy, which he has since followed. Among the prominent
fields in which he has labored may be mentioned the following :
Fulton circuit, Callaway county ; Maryville circuit, Nodaway county ;
Oregou circuit, Holt coiinty ; also Savannah circuit, and Chillicothe
circuit. In 1859, he was appointed to the New Franklin circuit for
two years ; and for the next succeeding two years he was on the
Columbia circuit. Continuing in the ministry, in 1867-68-69, he was
on the Fayette circuit. The last two years immediately preceding
his present charge, he occupied the Roanoke circuit ; and now he is
again on the New Franklin circuit, where he was nearly twenty-five
years ago. In 1854, August 2d, he was married to Miss Martha L.
Kenyon, of Nodaway county, Missouri, and of this union two
children were born, both of whom are now dead. Having lost
his wife, who shortly followed her children to the grave, on the
1st of April, 1861, he was again married, Miss Sarah D. Ridgeway,
of Howard county, becoming his wife. Of this union eight children
were born, five of whom are still living, namely : John B., Anna L.,
William C, Marvin P., and Ada P. Mr. Bell never used liquor or
tobacco in any form, or played a game at cards. As a man and
citizen, Rev. William Bell occupies the place in the esteem of the
people a minister of the gospel should hold, and as a clergyman he is
one
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrine and whose life,
Coincedent, exhibit lucid proof
That he is honest in the sacred cause.
JOHN B. BELL,
groceries and hardware. John B. Bell, son of Rev. William F. Bell,
a sketch of whose life has just been given, is perhaps the youngest
man engaged in business on his own account, in Fayette, being now
but twenty-one years of age. He began business in July, 1880, and
his career thus far has been characterized by marked success, and he
carries a large and well-selected stock of goods. He was born in
Howard county, Missouri, February 3, 1862, and was reared and
educated in this county. Besides excellent school advantages in early
youth, young Bell had the benefit of constant instruction from his
father, not only in the knowledge derived from books, but in the
deeper and better lessons of life which go to form and strengthen
character. And it is due to this, doubtless, more than to any other
cause, that at so early an age he is qualified to conduct, with success a
large and important business.
CHARLES BERKLEY, ■
the eldest of a family of five children, was born in Clark county,
Kentucky, March 5th, 1841. His father, John W. Berkley, was a
native of the same state, born August 13th, 1813. His mother,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 361
whose maiden name was Sallie A. Lisle, was also a native of Ken-
tucky, the date of her birth being February 3, 1824. Their marriage
occurred January 6, 1840. The'former died May 23, 1862, and the
latter March 19, 1862. Charles was reared on a farm at his birth
place and remained there until 1861, when he came to Howard coun-
ty, Mo. In 1867 he settled where he now lives in section thirty. His
farm consists of 276 acres of land. He was married February 8th,
1865, to Miss Anna E. Patterson, daughter of J. W. A. Patterson,
of this county. They have a family of four children living: — Stella,
Mary, William, and Thomas L., three being deceased.
REV. HAMPTON L. BOON,
a relative of the distinguished Hampton family, of South Caro-
lina, and whose father was a nephew of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of
civilization in Kentucky and Missouri, lived a life and died a death
worthy of his name and lineage. Hampton L. Boon was a man of
strong character, yet a man of the most tender sympathies and of the
most devoted domestic affection. His family he loved above all else
on earth, yet in his heart there was a divine love that led him to adorn
One above the earth, and to devote much of a well -spent life to His
service. In the time and the new country in which he lived, ministers
of the gospel were compelled to provide mainly for their own support
and for that of their families. Hence we find him alternating between
the pulpit and secular employments, and often doing service in both
for years at a time. Thus he lived out his lease of life, reared his
family in the fear of God and finally died a death such as only the true
Christian can die. He was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, June
29th, 1802. He was educated for the profession of the law, but
nature intended him for the pulpit ; so that instead of entering the
former, he gave himself to the duties of the sanctuary. In the year
1818, he came with his father's family to Loutre island, in what is
now known as Montgomery county, this state, where he sold goods
for his father, William Boon, about two years. In 1820 he came on
to Old Franklin in this county, where he also engaged in the mercan-
tile business, and on the 18th of December^ 1822, he married Miss
Maria Louisa Roberts. Subsequently, he followed merchandising in
Fayette, and at another time was employed as clerk under Captain
Whitmore, the agent of the government appointed to make certain
payments to the Indians then due, aud while thus employed made
several trips up and down the river. He was then appointed register
of the land office at Old Franklin and afterwards at Fayette, which
position he held about twelve years and until the inauguration of Gen-
eral Harrison .as president, in 1841. In the meantime he had been
giving much thought to religious matters, and, having joined the
church in 18-28, he entered the Methodist Episcopal ministry, in which
he continued as a local preacher until 1840. Having studied closely
the church tenets of the different denominations, his convictions of
3(52 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
duty lead him to sever his relations with the Methodist church, which
he did, and he then joined the Christian church, becoming a minister
in that denomination, in which he continued the remainder of his life.
About 1832 he came to Fayette and one year afterwards engaged in
the mercantile business in this place, which he followed until 1840.
In 1842 he was appointed clerk of the supreme court at Jefferson
City, where he went the same year, and two years afterwards his fam-
ily followed him. He was clerk of the supreme court about six years
and until the court was divided about 1848. For several years during
his official term in Jefferson City he was the editor of the Metropoli-
tan, a democratic newspaper published there, and that paper, under
his editorship, was the first paper in the state to take a stand against
Thomas H. Benton. The winter of 1849-50 he spent in St. Louis,
but, his health failing, he returned to Fayette in March of 1850,
and here resumed work in the Christian ministry until his death, which
occurred in March, 1851. Notwithstanding he led an active business
life, for he was a man of great energy, he never lost sight of his
duties as a minister ; and during much of the time that he was engag-
ed in business pursuits, he also filled his place in the pulpit ; and the
purity of the doctrines he taught was revealed in the purity of the life
he led. Benjamin W. Boon, his son, was born in Fayette, Howard
county, Missouri, December 2, 1843. In 1858 the family moved
to Savannah, Andrew county, this state, where young Boon at-
tended school, and received a practical English education. In
1863, he returned to Fayette and shortly afterwards entered a
dry goods store as clerk, which business he continued until 1880,
when he was appointed deputy county collector under Colonel
Stephen Cooper. At the expiration of Colonel Cooper's 'term,
in 1882, he was again appointed by Mr. N. B. Cooper, who
succeeded Colonel Cooper in office, and this position he now
holds. Ben Boon possesses all the qualifications to make him a use-
ful and popular man in any community. Generous, honest and genial,
he naturally wins the good opinion and confidence of all with whom
he comes in contact.
GEORGE H. BOUGHNER,
of Boughner, Tolson & Smith, dealers in grain, groceries, hard-
ware and implements, a Canadian by birth and one of the self-made
business men of Howard county, came to this county in 1865. He
was born December 18, 1848. At the age of eighteen he resolved to
seek his fortune on this side of the St. Lawrence. In 1862, there-
fore, he came to the United States, pushing on before settling, to
Memphis, Tennessee, where he engaged in the lumber business, con-
tinuing there two years. Influenced by the recollections of his early
home, which he cherished fondly, he then determined, with Hamlet,
that— *■
" At night we'll feast together
Most welcome home !"
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 363
and accordingly he returned for a short visit to the scenes of his
childhood. His stay was brief, however, for in 1865 he was again
found journeying to the southward, or rather to the south westward , and
this time came to Howard county, arriving here in December of that
year. Here he engaged in farming and the stock business with K.
E. Earickson, in which he continued with marked success until 1876,.
when he became a contractor for convict labor from the Missouri
penitentiary, employing it mainly in the manufacture of wagons at
Jefferson City. This he discontinued after the expiration of a year
and returned to Howard county, engaging in Estill in merchandising,
which he followed two years from 1878. In 1880 he came to Fayette
and became a partner in the firm of Boughner & Hughes, which was
the predecessor of the present firm of Boughner, Tolson & Smith.
Enterprise and industry has stamped him as one of the self-reliant,
successful business men of the county. December the 18th, 1878,
Miss Mollie Burkhart became his wife. Mr. Boughner is a member
of the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar in that order.
MOETIMEE A. BOYD,
of Boyd & Shafroth, grocers, etc. A sketch of Mr. Boyd's life, so
far as Howard county is concerned, covers a period of but twelve
years, yet so thoroughly has he become identified with the business
interests of Fayette that his biography justly claims a place in this
work. He was born in Virginia December 8, 1844. His father,
John Boyd, and his mother, Mrs. S. A. Boyd, whose maiden name
was King, were both also natives of Virginia, where they were mar-
ried ; and in Warren county, of that state, Mortimer A., the subject
of this sketch, was reared and educated. In 1861, Mr. Boyd enlisted
in the Confederate army in company E, 12th Virginia cavalry, and
continued in the service until the close of the war. Keturning to his
native county in 1865, he remained but a short time, coming to Mis-
souri in the spring of 1866. In this state he first settled in Eoche-
port and engaged there in the mercantile business, which he followed
at that place until 1872, when he came to Fayette, Missouri. Here
he at once engaged in the grocery trade, Mr. Carson being his part-
ner in business ; but a year afterwards he formed his present partner-
ship,which has since continued without interruption. Mr. Boyd was
married December 8, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Kirby, a native of Boone
county, Missouri. They have one child, Ora W. He is a Knight
Templar in the Masonic order. As a business man he is regarded as
a capable and successful merchant, and as a citizen, honorable and
public-spirited.
EEV. M. J. BEEAKEE,
pastor of the Baptist church of Fayette, one of the really able and
thoroughly educated clergymen of this state, and a minister as emi-
nent for his Christian piety and his zeal in the nulpit as for his ability
364 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and attainments, was reared in South Carolina, but was partly edu-
cated in this state, and here, principally, he has been engaged in his
life-work since he entered the ministry. His father, Rev. J. M. C.
Breaker, was a native of South Carolina, and he is at this time a
prominent Baptist clergyman of Texas. His mother, however, whose
.maiden name was Emma Juhan, was originally of Milledgeville, Geor-
gia. They were married in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1849. Rev.
M. J. Breaker was born in Newberne, North Carolina, March 9, 1850.
He was educated in Wofford college, South Carolina ; in Washington
university, St. Louis, Missouri, and in William Jewell, Liberty, Mis-
souri. He studied theology in the Southern Baptist college, now
Theological seminary, of Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was
graduated in 1873. In 1869 he was licensed to preach, and in 1872
was ordained a minister. He has since received the degree of master
of arts from the LaGrange college of this state. His first charge as
a minister was in South Carolina. Then, in 1873, he accepted a call
from Glasgow, Missouri. In 1876, he was elected president of Mt.
Pleasant college, at Huntsville, Missouri, which position he filled until
1879, when he came to Fayette as pastor of the Baptist church of
this city. Mr. Breaker is a minister of superior ability, both natural
and acquired, and, above all, he is a sincere, faithful and zealous
Christian. On the 13th of May, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary
Timms, of Clay county, Missouri, a young lady oi'iginally from West
Virginia. They have three children, Mary, Paul T. and Emma.
JAMES B. BROOKS,
of Brooks & Morrison, livery business. Mr. Brook's life divides
itself into three periods — his 3'outh, his experience in the war and his
career since as a citizen and business man. But a sketch of no man's
life is justly considered complete without a reference to his ancestry.
His father, Ira S. Brooks, was born in Madison county, Kentucky,
May 1, 1808. He was married three times ; first to Sarah Brooking,
September 2, 1830, also a native of Kentucky; after her death to
Louisa Owens, in this state, October 20, 1840, and again, she also
having died, to Elizabeth Bosy, who still survives him. He died
June 20, 1871. He came to Missouri about 1834, and came to this
county in 1844. James B. Brooks, the subject of this sketch, and
son by his father's first marriage, was born in Boone county, Mis-
souri, October 21, 1839, but was brought with his father's family five
years afterwards to this county, where he was reared and educated.
In 1861, at the age of twenty-four years, he enlisted in the "Rich-
mond Grays," the company of which General John B. Clark, Jr., was
the captain, at the commencement of the war. After the expiration of
this term of service he joined the celebrated "Bledsoe Battery," with
which he served until the surrender, in 1865. Returning home after
the surrender, in 1866 he engaged in the livery business, which he
has since followed. As a business man he has been successful, and
as a citizen he is well respected. He is a Knight Templar in the
Masonic order.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 365
GEORGE C. AND BENNETT W- BROWN.
Bennett C. Brown, the father of George C. and Bennett W., was
a son of James Brown, who, with his family, settled in Howard county
from Kentucky in 1818. Bennett C. was then butthree years old, hav-
ing been born in Madison county, Kentucky, January 7, 1815. His
father, James Brown, was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, and
coming here as early as 1818, he, of course, also became one of the
pioneers of Howard county. He died in this county in 1842. One
year after his father's death, Bennett C, then in his twenty-ninth year,
was married, November 28, 1843, to Miss Mary Cason, a native of
Virginia, and by this union two children were reared — George C. and
Bennett W. Both were born in this county — George C. on January
5, 1845. Bennett C, the father, was a farmer by occupation, as his
father before him had been, and in 1847 he opened the farm where
his sons now reside. There he lived until his death, which occurred
October 2, 1882. Prior to this, however, on the 29th of
March, 1873, a heavy shadow fell across his declining years. His
wife, the object of his early and life-long love — she who had shared
all his hopes and disappointments and had borne a brave and noble
part by his side in the struggle of life — passed away forever. Bennett
W., the younger brother, was reared to habits of industry, and in a
family where everything but honor and purity of thought was a
stranger ; and, favored with a substantial education, he may confident-
ly hope to make his way in the world as successfully and honorably as
his father lived, and with infinitely less difficulty and hardship.
George C. has always followed the occupation in which his father
brought him up — farming. Nevertheless, he was given a good oppor-
tunity to acquire an education, which he did not fail to improve. He
had the advantage of the common schools and also a course in Central
college. In 1870 he went to Louisiana to engage in cotton-growing.
He remained away one year, and while his success was not discourag-
ing, he saw that a man who owns a farm of Howard county land and
is willing to work it, has but little reason to wish for a change. Since
then he has lived in this county, and since his father's death he and
his brother have had charge of the home farm, which contains nine
hundred acres. Besides this, he has a two-hundred acre farm of his
own, which he also superintends. He was married March 7, 1865, to
Miss Mary E. , a daughter of James Richardson , of this county. They
have one daughter — Mabel.
L. P. BURRUS,
dentist, is now engaged in the practice of his profession with Dr. Fen-
ton in Fayette. He was a son of Thomas P. Burrus, an old and life-
long citizen of Howard county, now deceased. L. P. Burrus' father
was a native of this county and was born December 24, 1811. Hav-
ing been reared on the farm he adopted farming as his occupation,
which he followed through life. On the 18th of April, 1839, he was
(25)
366 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
married to Miss Susan E. Blythe, daughter of an old resident family
of this county. She was born March 28, 1820. Eight children were
reared of the union, of whom L. P. was the youngest, as follows:
Thomas B., Montgomery S., Davenport, Mary J., Aphollonia, Or-
leans, Corrella and Lavosker P. The father died August 3, 1870, and
Mrs. Burrus, eight years afterwards, July 8, 1878. Thomas P. Bur-
rus was an upright and honorable man, an excellent farmer, and was
highly respected as a citizen and neighbor. L. P. was educated in
the common schools and in Central college. He was born July 14,
1861. He studied dentistry under C. K. Fenton, of Fayette, with
whom he is now practising.
C. R. CASHELL,
farmer, section 22, the owner of a well improved farm of 111
acres, came originally from Jefferson county, Ohio, where he was
born, April 16, 1838. His father was born in Maryland, and his
mother was a native of New Jersey. C. R. learned the trade of
blacksmithing in Ohio, following it as his occupation for thirty years.
May 30, 1850, Miss Electra A. Chapman, of Erie county, Pennsyl-
vania, became his wife. To them were born five children, three of
whom survive: William S., George W. and Henry S. Mrs. C.
died November 25, 1865, and on November 25, 1870, he married Miss
Nancy Boyd, of Jefferson county, Ohio. March 14, 1874, Mr.
Cashell came to Howard county, Missouri, and has since resided here.
He belongs to the Masonic lodge, at Fayette. His wife is a mem-
ber of the M. E. church. He served for three and one-half years during
the late war.
JAMES D. CHORN.
James M. Chorn, the father of James D., one of the most highly
respected citizens and farmers of Howard county, was killed during
the late war, leaving his wife a widow and his children orphans.
James D. was then (1865) but eleven years of age, so that with the
love and encouragement of a tender and devoted mother as his only
help, he has had to make his own way in the world from early youth.
And how he has succeeded, is strikingly shown by the high esteem in
which he is held, and the fact that now, at the age of twenty-
nine, he owns a handsome farm containing three hundred and thirty
acres. His father was an early settler in this county, from Clark
county, Kentucky, and his mother, who before her marriage, was a Miss
Nancy J. Rollins, was a native of this couuty. They reared five chil-
dren besides James D., four of whom, including jas. D., are still
living. Mrs. Chorn died in 1873. James D. has combined stock
dealing with farming and has been successful in both occupations.
He remained on the homestead farm until 1869, and then for two
years afterwards he farmed and traded in connection with Robert
Estill. March, 1881, he settled on his present farm. He was mar-
HISTORY .OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 367
ried October 3, 1878, to Miss Mattie Maupin, of Kentucky. They
have one child, Lewis M. Mr. Chorn is a member of the A. O. U.
W.
ROBERT C. CLARK
was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 1, 1846. His father,
General John B. Clark, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere, was
a native of Madison county, Kentucky, but came to Missouri when
quite young, and afterwards became one of the most prominent men
in the history of the state. His mother, whose maiden name was
Eleanor Turner, was also born in Kentucky. Mrs. Clark died in 1873,
General Clark still surviving her. Reared by such parents, young
Robert C, as would be expected, enjoyed exceptional advantages for
the improvement of the many strong and excellent traits of his charac-
ter. After a thorough preparatory course in the primary and inter-
mediate schools, he attended the graded school of Glasgow, Missouri,
under Professor W. S. Davis, an educator of great zeal and abilitv.
In 1865 he attended Stewart's commercial college, in St. Louis, and
there familiarized himself with the principles and details of commer-
cial business. After his course at commercial college he accepted a
position as clerk of a steamboat, which he held for two years. He was
now twenty years of age, and the realization forced itself upon him
that he was not intended for a commercial life. Accordingly, in the
fall of 1866, he returned to Fayette and at once entered vigorously upon
the study of law. For two years he applied himself with great energy
and resolution, and, enjoying the advantage of the constant instruction
of his father, at the expiration of that time was admitted to the bar.
Commencing at once the active practice of his profession, his success
soon qualified his own hopes and fulfilled the expectation of his friends.
He was twice chosen municipal attorney of the city of Fayette, and in
1880 was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, being re-elected
to that office in 1882, his present term to expire in 1884. In 1879 he
was married to Miss Bettie Howard, a daughter of Benjamin Howard,
one of the pioneer settlers and substantial citizens of Howard county.
Two children, Robert C. and Benjamin H., have been born of this
marriage, Mr. Clark is a; Knight Templar in the Masonic order and a
leading member of the A. O. IT. W.
JAMES CONDRON.
Mr. Condron is of Pennsylvania parentage, his father and mother
having both been natives of that state. His father, Peter Condron,
was a man of great energy and of an enterprising spirit. At an early
day in the history of Missouri, he emigrated to this state and here
opened a farm which became his permanent home. His wife was a
Miss Elizabeth Bryant before their marriage, and they had ten child-
ren, of whom James was the second. Mrs. Condron died in 1859.
Her husband survived her nearly twenty years, following her in death
in 1878. James, the subject of this sketch, was born in Carroll
368 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEK COUNTIES.
county, Missouri, September 14, 1841. He had the advantages, of
good schools in his youth and received a substantia], practical educa-
tion. He followed farming where he was brought up until 1865, when
he removed to Howard county, settliag on the place where he now
lives. He has a farm of 280 acres of excellent land, and it is one
of the best improved and best kept farms in the county. As a
farmer, Mr. Condron is a representative of the best class, and most
progressive and enterprising agriculturalists we have. He was married
November 10, 1864, to Miss Lizzie Todd, daughter of P. Todd, an
old pioneer of Howard county. They have five children, Mary F.,
William J., Florence J., Alice B., and Olivia.
SAMUEL TEIBBLE CREWS, M. D.
Among the few old landmarks of the early settlement of Howard
county that remain among us to remind us, by their white hairs and
bent forms of the debt of gratitude we owe to that noble race of brave-
hearted pioneers who found this county a wilderness, and gave it to us
one of the fairest and most prosperous parts of a great commonwealth,
is the venerable old patriarch whose name heads this sketch. Dr.
Crews is now far advanced into his eighty-fourth year, and for nearly
sixty years from early manhood, his life has been prominently and
usefully identified with the history of Howard county. Himself a man
whose citizenship has been an honor and a blessing to the county, he
comes of an ancestry in every way worthy to have had such a descendant.
His grandfather on his father's side, David Crews, was a sturdy,
strong-minded Englishman, well-educated, and courageous in thought
and deed, who immigrated to Virginia with his family some time prior
to the revolution. When the war for independence broke out, he was
,one of the first to rally to the defence of the colonies. He followed
the flag of the young republic through all the hardship and suffering
of that memorable struggle, and until it floated in final triumph over
Yorktown. The country he had shown the valor to defend, he had
the courage, fortitude and industry to open up to civilization. He
became a pioneer settler in Kentucky shortly after the close of the
war. Leaving his family in Virginia, he first came out to what is now
known as the Blue Grass regions, where he built a fort and raised a
crop. Returning then to Virginia he brought out his family to his
new home in the fall of 1780, and lived there until his death. He be-
came a highly successful farmer and owned large bodies of land in
what are now Bourbon, Clark and Madison counties. His wife, to
whom he was married before leaving England, was formerly a Miss
Annie Magee. They reared nine children, four daughters and five
sons. David, the doctor's father, was the youngest of the sons.
David Crews inherited all the strong and better qualities of his father's
character, and became one of the most substantial and highly esteemed
citizens of Madison county. He was a farmer by occupation and was
abundantly successful in his chosen calling. In about 1799 he was
married to Miss Sallie Tribble, daughter of Andrew and Sallie Trib-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 369
ble, who were also early settlers in Kentucky, from Virginia. Mrs.
Crews' father was a pioneer Baptist minister in Kentucky, and became
widely known in those early days as one of the ablest preachers of his
time. Her brother, Peter Tribble and brother-in-law David Chinault,
also became distinguished Baptist clergymen. Of the family of chil-
dren of David, fils, and Sallie Crews, the doctor was the eldest and
was born in Madison county, Kentucky, May 1, 1800. His father
being a man in easy circumstances and of liberal ideas with regard to
education, young Samuel T. was given good school advantages, and
acquired an excellent English education. After completing his gen-
eral course, he entered upon the study of medicine and in due time
became a matriculate in the medical department of the Transylvania
university, of Kentucky, from which he was graduated with high
honor in 1824. Naturally of a self-reliant, independent disposition,
and spurred on by the laudable ambition to rise in the world by his
own merits and exertions, the year after his graduation he resolved to
quit the home of his birth where he was favored by family influence
and friends, and to cast his fortunes with the new Boone's Lick
country in Missouri, then the centre of attraction to westward emi-
gration. Accordingly he came to Howard county. Here, as the
sequel shows, he realized all the hopes with which he started out in
the world. As years passed by, he steadily rose in his profession,
and the accumulation of property resulting from an extensive and suc-
cessful practice kept pace with the progress of his reputation as a
physician. Before the meridian of life was reached he had become
one of the well-to-do citizens and most prominent practitioners in the
county. In 1828 he was married to Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of
William Ward, Esq., now deceased, for many years one of the most
respectable citizens of the county. After practising a number of
years in Fayette he removed to a handsome farm in the country,
where he lived and pursued the practice of his profession until the
close of the civil war. Returning then to Fayette, he has continued
here since. While Dr. Crews has been thoroughly devoted to his
profession, which he has ornamented with his learning, will and ability,
his usefulness has not been wholly confined to his chosen calling in
life, for as a citizen he has always taken an active and important part
in all movements designed for the advancement of the material and
social interests of the community. He has long been an earnest and
exemplary member of the Christian church, and one of the most active
and generous of that denomination in promoting the cause of religion
in this portion of the county. As a physician, citizen and neighbor,
and in every relation of life, he has ever borne a name without reproach,
and now, in the twilight of old age, he enjoys the highest reward this
world can offer for a worthy and successful life — the respect and con-
fidence of his neighbors and acquaintances, and the affection and ven-
eration of family and friends. Dr. and Mrs. Crews have reared a
family of worthy and accomplished children, and several of them are
now themselves heads of families.
370 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
HAMILTON CREWS.
In sketching the lives of the men who have made Howard county
what it is — one of the foremost comities in the state — the name of
Hamilton Crews could not be passed without injustice both to him and to
the county itself. He has lived in this county fifty years, and every
year of this half century has been a year of honest industry, contribut-
ing to the development and prosperity of the county. He was born
in Madison county, Ky., April 8, 1818; sixteen years afterwards he
came to Howard county, and the balance of his life, the best energies
of a strong and vigorous manhood, have been spent in this county.
He was married, August 15, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Withers, daugh-
ter of James Withers, an old settler of the county, and of this union,
six children have been reared — Nannie J., John P., Paul T. S., Mol-
lie E., James E. and Lou. Mr. Withers is a farmer and is classed
among the best citizens of the county.
Paul S. Crews, son of Hamilton Crews, was born in this county,
April 4, 1852, and was reared on the farm. Having been brought up
on a farm, he adopted that as his regular calling in life, and he has
since followed it. In 1876, he located on the farm which, in connec-
tion with his brother, he now cultivates. He is a member of the Christ-
ian church.
James E. Crews, a younger son of Hamilton Crews, is also a
native of Howard county, and was born August 8, 1857. He took the
usual course in the common schools, and after qualifying himself for
a higher course of study, entered the commercial college at Boonville,
Mo., where he acquired an excellent education. After his college
course, in 1879, he went to Texas, where he was engaged with Capt.
Hayes, of Ft. Smith, in surveying land in that state. In 1881, he re-
turned to Missouri, and, in 1883, settled on the place where he now
lives. He has one hundred and fifteen acres of improved land, belong-
ing to a tract of two hundred and thirty acres.
WINCHESTER DAVIS.
Mr. Davis is one of a class of which there are now a great many
in Howard county — thoroughly educated farmers. Besides a com-
plete course in the common schools, he also attended Central college
in Fayette, and Mt. Pleasant college in Huntsville, and so far from
harboring the thought that the more advanced education he thus ac-
quired raised him above the occupation of a farmer, he recognizes the
fact in all its force that he was thereby only that much better qualified
for his chosen pursuit. His father, Joseph Davis, a well-known law-
yer of Fayette, Mo., was of Christian county, Ky., and came to How-
ard county in or about 1818. Mrs. Davis, the mother of the subject
of this sketch, was a Miss Sarah E. Green before her marriage, and
was a native of Tennessee. They had four children, of whom Win-
chester was the second. Winchester was born in Fayette, Mo., June 21,
1844, but was principally reared on his father's farm, where he formed
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. . 371
that predilection for agricultural pursuits that afterwards determined
his calling in life. In the heated and excited state of the war feeling
in this county it was practically impossible for young men to remain
at home in safety, and whatever their inclinations might be, they
were compelled to take the side of one party or the other. Young
Davis' connections and sense of duty inclined" him to the cause of the
Union, hence, in 1863, when nineteen years of age, he joined the
Union army, entering the pay department with the rank of lieutenant,
where he remained nine months and then resigned. In the fall of
1864, he went to Minnesota and was engaged in the fur trade, buying
all over the far northwest, including the western Canadian provinces,
In 1865, he returned to Howard county, and, in the spring of 1866,
began farming on the home place, where he continued until 1878. He
then settled on his present place, where he owns two hundred and
fifty acres of land. He was married November 29, 1865, to Miss
Estelle Prewitt, of Fayette, Mo., an accomplished lady, daughter of
R. F. Prewitt, a present member of the Fayette bar. They have four
children living — Prewitt, Martha, Wendell and an infant. Mr. Davis
is a member of A. O. U. W., and of the M. E. church.
JAMES B. DAVIS.
James Davis, the great grandfather of James B., was born in
Wales and emigrated to the United State in 1727, and settled in Penn-
sylvania. He had a family of ten sons and one daughter. Jonathan
Davis, his grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania and removed to
Virginia. John Davis, the father of James B. and son of Jonathan Davis,
was born in Pennsylvania, April 4, 1781. In 1804 he came to St. Charles
county, Missouri, and lived there until his death which occurred in
1846. His mother's maiden name was Susan Bryan ; she was a native
of North Carolina, and her family came to Kentucky with Daniel
Boone. She lived in Kentucky until 1807 and then came to St.
Charles county, Missouri, where she was married. She died October
18th, 1854. James B. was born in what is now Warren county, August
31, 1811. He was reared on a farm in his native county and remained
there until 1866, and then removed to Franklin county and was engaged
in farming and milling until 1881, when he came to Howard county and
purchased 310 acres in section 2, known as the Governor Reynolds
farm. He was married March 1st, 1840, to Miss Lydia A. Wheeler,
a native of Missouri. • To them were born three children, of whom only
one, John C, is now living. Mrs. Davis died August 5th, 1845. His
second marriage occurred June 30th, 1850, to Miss Permelia Bryan, a
native of this state. There are by this marriage six children living, H.
Bascom, Joshua C, Charles E., William A., Mary G. now Mrs. David-
son, Martha E. now Mrs.Goode. Their eldest son, Henry C. , was aphy-
sician and had charge of the quarantine in St. Louis in 1878 during
the yellow fever scourge, and died October 15th, of that year. Mr.
and Mrs. Davis are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Davis while
living in Warren county held the office of assessor twelve years.
372 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JAMES DEATHERAGE.
The farmers of Howard county, and particularly the young
farmers, are justly classed among the most intelligent, progressive
and successful in the state. This is undoubtedly due namely to two
things — a good land and liberal education, and the last is by no
means the least. Mr. Deatherage was educated at Central college
and he is one of the educated, progressive young farmers of the coun-
ty. He was born in this county October 24th, 1856, and is a son of
Bird Deatherage, whose sketch will be found on these pages. He
farmed at home with his father until the spring of 1882, when he came
to the place where he now lives. He has three hundred and thirty-
nine acres of land and his improvements are of a good quality. He
was married December 20th, 1882, to Miss Octavia Rooker, a daugh-
ter of John A. J. Rooker, an old resident of the county.
COL. BIRD DEATHERAGE,
twice a member of the legislature from Howard county, and
former sheriff of the county for four years, was the second of a family
of eight, the children of Amos Deatherage and his wife, Elizabeth,
daughter of Benjamin Howard, both parents having been natives of
Kentucky, and afterwards among the first settlers of Howard county,
this State. Amos Deatherage, the father, was born in March, 1782,
and his wife, Elizabeth, in March, 1790. In 1817, they immigrated to
Howard county, Colonel Bird Deatherage, the subject of this sketch,
then being but six years old. In 1820 the family settled in section
5, of this township, where they lived until 1824, when they settled
in section 7, on the farm now known as " Elkin place." Subse-
quently, in 1836, they settled permanently on the farm where the
parents continued to live until their deaths, which occurred, the father's
September 24, 1840, and the mother's November 24, 1858. Amos
Deatherage, the father, was prominently identified with the early im-
provement of the county, and was looked upon as among the first of
the brave-hearted, enterprising pioneers who cleared away the wilder-
ness and made the country a fitting home for an intelligent and pros-
perous people. Mrs. Deatherage was a Howard — need more be said?
In her were the gentleness and nobility of nature that have distin-
guished that family from the time of Thomas the hero of Flodden to
the present day. As a wife and mother, she was tender and devoted;
and as a lady she was the soul of gentleness and refinement. Colonel
Bird Deatherage was born in Madison county, Kentucky, December
26, 1811, but was reared and educated in Howard county, Missouri.
The first official position he ever held was in 1846, when he was
elected to and afterwards filled the office of constable, serving until
the summer of 1852. He was then elected sheriff of Howard county,
and served in that office until 1856. In the fall of 1856 he was chosen
representative from this county to the legislature, and in 1858 re-
chosen for the same position, his two terms of service filling a period
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 373
of four hundred days of actual duty in that body. He was married
December 21, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of James Shepherd
and Barbara, his wife, who were both early settlers in this county. Mr.
and Mrs. Deatherage have had five children, James, John R., Magda
line, Edward L., and Augustus B. His farm consists of three hundred
and twenty acres of land, well improved, and as a farmer he is consid-
ered one of the most energetic and enterprising in the county.
JOHN C. DENNY,
one of the leading farmers of Howard county, although now past
fifty-five years of age, is a native of this county, having been born
here June 13, 1828. Mr. Denny's father, Charles Denny, came to
Howard county with his family in 1816. He was born in Garrett
county, Kentucky, and was there married to Miss Jane Walker, of
which union John C, the subject of this sketch, was born. In 1850
John C. went to California, where he was engaged in mining and
trading until 1856, when he returned to Missouri, settling in Grundy
county. There he followed farming until 1868, when he came back to
this county and settled permanently on his present farm. He has
a place of 360 acres, all well improved. In 1862 he was married,
December 18, to Miss Martha, daughter of John Tolson and his
wife, Rebecca, of this county, and of this union he has seven chil-
dren— James R., Sarah J., Cora L., Mary F., John C, Jr., Bessie
and Martha M.
FRANK DODD.
On his father's side, the ancestors of Mr. Dodd came from
England to this country, and his mother was of Scotch origin. His
mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Rachel Young, and both the
Youngs and the Dodds, on coming to America, settled first in Virginia.
His father, John W. Dodd, was born in that state February 1, 1814,
and there, a few weeks before he was twenty-one years of age, — De-
cember 9, 1834, — he was married to Miss Young, a native of the
same state. They reared seven children, of whom Frank, the subject
of this sketch, was the eldest. He was born in Loudoun county, Vir-
ginia, April 27, 1837, and was educated at the Dover (Virginia) high
school, in which he was also an assistant teacher during his scholastic
course. A short time after completing his course at the high school,
in the spring of 1858, he came west and stopped in Marion county,
Missouri, where he taught school near Hannibal until the outbreak of
the war. He then, in the spring of 1861, enlisted in the state
guards service for six months, and during that time was on detailed
duty in company D, 6th Missouri regiment. In the fall of 1861, he was
appointed captain in the commissary department, where he served until
taken prisoner in 1864, in St. Louis, while getting arms for the army.
He was then confined in the military prisons of St. Louis and Alton
until May, 1865. After his release he went to Leavenworth, Kansas,
374 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and there, shortly afterwards, entered the quartermaster's service of
the government and took a train of wagons to Fort Eiley. He was
in the quartermaster's service eighteen months, being sent to and sta-
tioned at different points. Finally, in January, 1867, he came from
Fort Kearney to Howard county, Missouri, driving the whole distance
in a buggy. He then went to Saline county aud farmed there eight
years. From Saline county he returned to this county, and located
permanently on the farm where he now resides. His farm com-
prises 303 acres of the best quality of land, and his place is excellently
improved. It is classed among the best farms in the county. In
1867 — February 7 — he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of
Thomas Tindall. She is a most worthy and excellent lady, and is
highly esteemed by all who know her. They have two children — Em-
ily V. and Rachel C.
WILLIAM A. DUDGEON,
of Dudgeon & Sweetland, druggists, at Fayette, one of the leading
business men of Fayette, and present county treasurer, was born in
Howard county, Missouri, March 30, 1840. His parents were
from Kentucky and settled in this county in 1836. Captain Dudgeon,
his father, was born in Madison county of that state, August 27, 1803,
and was married December 13, 1825, to Miss Matilda Franklin.
Seven children were born, five of whom reside in this county : Bernard
F., Mrs. J. L. Settles, Alexander, William A., and John A. Captain
Dudgeon died on his farm near Fayette in 1882, his wife having pre-
ceded him about six years. He was one of the tried and true men of
Howard county. After a life of nearly half a century in one neighbor-
hood he was borne to his grave, leaving none but sad hearts behind.
To have lived and died as he did, respected by all while living and
mourned by all when dead, is a nobler tribute to his memory than
sculptured marble or monumental brass could pay. William A.
Dudgeon, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm,
and there he formed the habits of industry aud of close application to
the work in hand that have contributed largely to his success in life.
In early youth he had the advantage of the common schools of the
neighborhood which he attended, and there he qualified himself to enter
upon a higher course of study. Subsequently he entered Central col-
lege, which he attended two years, thus acquiring an excellent educa-
tion. After his course in college he returned to the farm, where he
remained until 1864, when he engaged in the drug business at Fayette,
but shortly afterwards went to New York state. Returning from New
York after a year's absence, he again engaged in the drug business,
which he still follows. The house in which he is a partner, carries a
large stock and is one of the principal drug stores in the county. In
1882 he was elected treasurer of Howard county, which position he
now holds. He is also a prominent member of the Masonic order.
In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary P. Patrick, daughter of Robert
Patrick, one of the early settlers of the county.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 375
JOHN B. DUNCAN,
of Duncan & Howard, grocers, etc. .Samuel J. Duncan, the father
of John B., was a native of Amherst county, Virginia. He came to
Missouri at an early date and settled in Howard county. He was here
married to Miss Elizabeth Price, of this county, and here he lived until
his death, which occurred in 1868. He was for many years a merchant
in Fayette, and in this business John B., the son, was brought up, and
afterwards became his father's partner. Samuel J. Duncan was a man
of many excellencies of character, a progressive, enterprising business
man and citizen, and his loss was deplored by all. His wife, the
mother of John B., the subject of this sketch, died in 1852, a noble, gen-
tle-hearted woman. John B. Duncan was born August 4th, 1850, and
was reared and educated in this county. After a long business experience
in different stores, including those of Boone, Duncan & Smith, Duncan
& Aterbery, Duncan & Son — of which he was the junior partner —
W. H. Smith, and others, in 1868 he engaged in the grocery business
on his own account, and two years afterwards the firm became Duncan
& Co. Continuing in this for eighteen months, at the expira-
tion of that time he accepted a clerkship with J. B. Bell, with whom
he remained until 1882, when he again began business on his own
account, becominga member of the present firm. Mr. Duncan's educa-
tion and experience have been such as to make him a capable and
successful business man, and with these he combines integrity and
enterprise.
W. P. DYSART.
Nicholas Dysart, the father of William, was born in Tennessee,
November 18, 1800, and emigrated to Howard county, Missouri, in
1818. After a residence in this county of two years he removed to
Eandolph county, where he now lives at the advanced age of 83.
The mother's maiden name was Euphemia Givens. She was born in
Kentucky. William was the fifth of nine children, and he was born
in Eandolph county, Missouri, December 28, 1835. He was reared
in his native county and educated at McGee college, of College
Mound, Missouri. After a thorough preparation, at the age of twenty-
four he commenced teaching school, and continued this occupation
eight years, and then engaged in farming. In 1873, he settled on
section 32, and owns a fine farm of 280 acres. He was married April
23, 1870, to Mrs. Dora Patterson whose maiden name was Brown ;
she was a daughter of Samuel Brown, one of Howard county's early
pioneers. They have one daughter, Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Dysart
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
GEOEGE C. EATON,
section 23, is one of the prominent farmers and stock raisers of
Howard county, and a man well known in this vicinity, having been
376 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COONTIES.
born here February 27, 1821. His father, George Eaton, a native
of Clark county, Kentucky, came to this county in 1820. The sub-
ject of this sketch married Miss Mary J. Patrick, of Howard county,
and their union has been blessed with eight children : Zipporah,
Alice, John M., Mary, Ella, Benjamin F., Charles S., and Claiborne
B. Mrs. Eaton is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Eaton's
fine farm of 218 acres is well improved and is located about two miles
from Fayette.
C. J. ELKIN.
The father of the subject of this sketch, John G. Elkin, was born in
Kentucky, in 1799, and came to Howard county, Missouri, in 1825.
He lived here until his death, which occurred in 1874. His mother,
whose maiden name was Vina B. Erabree, was also a native of Ken-
tucky, and was born in 1804. C. J. Elkin, their son, was the fifth of
a family of eight children ; ho was reared and educated in this county.
In 1854, he crossed the plains to the mining districts of California,
and lived there until the summer of 1868, and then returned to his
former home. In the spring of 1869, he settled on his present farm
in section 7. He owns 228 acres of good land, well improved. He
was married May 19, 1864, to Miss Lizzie E. Stinseyer, of Germany.
They have six children — Joseph J., Laura B., Willis E., Romy L.,
and Nettie C. and Anna O., twins.
CHAKLES L. EUBANK,
was the eighth of a family of nine children, born to and reared by
Stephen and Nancy Eubank, of Clark county, Kentucky. Stephen
Eubank was born January 9, 1790, and died May 9, 1869, aged
seventy-nine years and four months. Mrs. Eubank, whose maiden
name was Berkley, was born July 31, 1819, and died March 26, 1872.
Charles L. Eubank, the subject of this sketch, came to Howard
county from Kentucky, in 1859, when twenty-two years of age,
having been born March 8, 1837. Since his emigration to Missouri
in 1859, he has lived continuously in this county, and has followed
farming. He now lives in Fayette. He was married November 20,
1862, to Miss Nancy, daughter of the late David H. Witt, and they
have six children — Anna S., Leslie B., Mary E., Katie B., Witt D.
H., and Charles L. Mr. Eubank is a member of the A. O. U. W.
and of the Baptist church.
J. C. FERGUSON,
farmer and stock raiser. In scanning these sketches biograph-
igue of Howard county, one fact must strike the reader with peculiar
force — the high order of culture attained by its farming community.
There is probably not a county in the state not containing a large
city, nor in the whole west that has so many farmers who would grace
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 377
a college professorship, as has Howard county. And the sketch of
Mr. Ferguson offers an additional and marked illustration of this
fact. One of the leading farmers of central Missouri, and a farmer
according to modern ideas and methods, he is at the same time one of
the best educated men in the state, a fact which a diploma from each
of two distinguished state universities attests. The influence of a
high order of mental culture upon agricultural life is plainly visible
all over the county — in the neatness and good taste displayed in the
appearance of the farms, and in the intelligent, business-like manner
in which they are conducted ; and nowhere is this more marked than
on the handsome estate of which the subject of this sketch is the
owner and proprietor. It is no disparagement to any farm through-
out the surrounding country to say that Mr. Ferguson has one of the
handsomest and best places in the county. And while personally he
has been more than ordinarily successful in his chosen calling, now
ranking among the largest tax-payers of the county, he has done a
great deal to promote its agricultural intersts — not only in encourag-
ing by example the most approved and profitable methods of farming,
but in introducing the best grades of stock and inducing others to
improve the breeds of stock raised by them. Mr. Ferguson is a na-
tive of the county of which he is now a prominent and, useful citizen,
and was born on the 14th of December 1836. His father, James
Ferguson, born in Fairfax county, Virginia, October 11th, 1798, was
reared in Jefferson county of that state, and as early as 1818 came
out to Kentucky, making his home for a time in Woodford county.
There he met Miss Kittie Singerfelter, to whom he was united in
marriage in 1823. She was four years his junior, having been born
in 1802. Two years after their marriage they came to Missouri and
settled in Howard county. Here Mr. Ferguson, pere, became a lead-
ing farmer and an influential citizen, and is remembered by all who
knew him as a man of superior intelligence, upright character and
generous impulses. He died September 29th, 1880. His wife still
survives him. They reared but two children the subject of the pres-
ent sketch being the younger. J. C.'s early youth was spent
mainly on the farm and in the neighborhood school , but when he had
reached the age to enter upon a higher course of studies, he became
a student in the Howard high school, now Central college, where he
continued until he was prepared for the university course. He then
became a matriculate in the university of Missouri, from which he
was afterwards graduated with marked honor. From Missouri he
went to Virginia and entered the famous university of that state, re-
ceiving, after a due course of study, a diploma from that time-hon-
ored and distinguished institution. His education thus completed and
thorough, he returned to his old home in Howard county, and at once
became actively and prominently identified with the agricultural in-
terests of the county. His subsequent career as an agriculturalist has
already been outlined. On the 24th of August, 1858, Mr. Ferguson
was married to Miss Margaret W., an accomplished daughter of Dr.
S. T. Crews, an early settler and prominent physician of the county.
378 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have a family of three interesting children,
William W., James C. and Mary. The mother of Mr. Ferguson
finds a pleasant and welcome home with her son. He is a Knight
Templar of the Masonic order.
CHARLES K. FENTEM
was born in Pennsylvania, of English parentage, January 12, 1845. His
father, Rev. George Fentem, was a native of England and a clergyman
of the primitive Methodist church. His mother, whose maiden name
was Ann Raines, was also born in England. In 1846 the family came
to Pike county, Missouri, and lived in the state until 1858. After
living two years each in Hannibal and St. Charles they, in 1862, came
to Fulton, Callaway county, where Charles was partially reared and
educated. In 1868 he began the study of dentistry with Dr. S. 0.
Fentem, of Jefferson City. After two years' diligent study he became
a partner of his preceptor for one year and then practised his profes-
sion at New Bloomfield, Missouri, until 1879, when he came to this
city, where he has secured a large patronage and a well earned reputa-
tion in his profession. He was married September 15, 1871, to Miss
Cynthia J. Longley, of Missouri. They have had a family of three
children, Alfred L., Mary R., Earl R. Mr. F. is a member of the A.
O. U. W., and he and his wife are members of the M. E. church,
south.
JACOB FISHER.
Mr. Fisher is of German descent. His grandfather, Daniel
Fisher, was a native of Pennsylvania and was a soldier in the colonial
army during the war for independence. After the close of the war he
went to Augusta county, Virginia, where he settled and reared a family,
and in that county, Jacob, his grandson, was afterwards born. Daniel
Fisher, the grandfather, married a Miss Jones, a young lady of Welch
extraction, and they reared a numerous family, of which Daniel Fisher
Jr., was a member. Daniel, Jr., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and
served in the American army throughout that struggle. He was mar-
ried in Virginia to Miss Elizabeth Cornell, also a native of Augusta
county, and of this union ten children were reared to majority, viz. :
John and Robert came to this county in 1853, where they still
reside ; Jane died here in 1842 ; Mehala is the wife of Wm Stipe of
this county ; Dorcas married Wm. Phillips, and Mary married John
Wiseman, and each with her family and husband live in this county;
George is a resident of Greene county, Indiana ; Addison died in Illi-
nois ; Payton died in this county ; Daniel now lives in Oregon, and
Jacob, the subject of this sketch, is a citizen of Fayette. Jacob
Fisher was born in Augusta county, Virginia, October 14, 1819.
Having learned the tanner's trade in 1838, he came to Howard county
and here entered into the tanning business with Rudolph Haupe &
Sons, in which he continued about seven years. In 1845, he conducted
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 379
a tannery in Cooper county, and in 1846 established a tannery between
Boonsboro and Boone's Lick in this county, which he managed until
1854. From that date until 1830, he was engaged in farming and the
saw-mill business, and he still owns several excellent farms. In the
meantime in 1869, he had moved to Fayette for the purpose of edu-
cating his children, and here he bought a hardware establishment to
which he added a stock of family groceries, and at once secured a large
trade. Before coming to Fayette, however, in 1852, he was elected jus-
tice of the peace of Boone's Lick township, which office he filled nearly
consecutively for fourteen years. After he came to Fayette, he was
elected to the responsible office of treasurer of the county, and the
duties of this position he discharged with honesty and ability. He is
now, and for two years has been, a member of the city council of
Fayette, which he was induced to enter by the earnest solicitation of
the citizens of the place. He now gives his whole attention to the
management of his real estate interests, consisting of farms and town
property, and to the care of his family and the education of his chil-
dren. On the 18th of March, 1849, he was married to Miss Jane Allen
and they now have five children living, James D., Elizabeth J., Emma
S., Ellen E. and Rosalie V. The career of Jacob Fisher, from the
apprentice boy at the tanner's trade to the position in life he now oc-
cupies— that of an honest and honorable citizen, is an enviable one.
CHARLES W. FUCHS,
jeweler, silverware, etc. Mr. Fuchs is a native of Cooper county,
Missouri, and was born February 23, 1854. He was educated in the
local schools of Boonville, and when quite a young man engaged in
clerking with J. P. Neef, of that city, which he continued until 1868.
He then went to St. Louis, where he learned the jeweler's trade, and
returned to Boonville in 1875. Remaining there until 1878, he that
year came to Fayette, and here he has lived ever since. The same
year he established his present business in this city, and his career
thus far has been a very successful one. He carries an unusually
large stock of goods in his line for a city the size of Fayette. He
makes a specialty of the celebrated Rockford watches, and in addition
to jewelry and silverware, he also makes a specialty of sportsmen's
goods and of musical instruments. He has just completed a fine bus-
iness house on the southeast corner of the public square, in which is
constructed one of the best vaults in the interior of the state. Mr.
Fuchs was married November 1, 1882, to Miss Mary H., daughter of
Wm. F. Tieman, of Fayette. Mr. Tieman is a native of Hanover,
Germany, and was born April 15, 1829. He remained in his native
country until he was nineteen years of age, and then immigrated to
the United States and settled in St. Louis. He resided there only
a short time, and in March, 1849, came to Howard county and began
working in the trade of wagon making, which he has since followed.
He was married June 17, 1858, to Miss Helena Ruffel, a native of
Germany. They have three children, Mary H., wife of C. W. Fuchs,
Eddy and Charley.
380 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
DR. HENRY K. GIVENS,
of the firm of Wright & Givens, physicians, is a young man who has
grown up in this county since the war, having been a small boy, hardly
five years old, at the commencement of hostilities. He is nowtwenty-
seveu years of age, and is well established in his profession. He was
born in Howard county, July 17, 1856, and after attending the com-
mon schools, entered Central college, where he completed his educa-
tion. In 1874, then only eighteen }'ears old, he began the study of
medicine in Fayette, under Drs. Watts and Pile, and continued with
them until 1875, when he went to St. Louis, and there studied under
the celebrated Dr. J. T. Hogden four years, attending three terms of
the St. Louis medical college, and graduating in 1879. In the spring
of 1879, he returned to Fayette and commenced the practice of medi-
cine, and, in 1880, formed his present partnership with Dr. Wright.
He is a young physician of thorough training, and of great natural
adaptability to his calling, and has already taken high rank in the
medical profession of the county. He was married, April 26, 1881,
to Miss Nannie Duncan, a lady of culture and many attractions, and
they have two children — Mary L. and Charles E. Dr. Giveus was
elected coroner of Howard county, in 1878, which position he now fills.
FRANCIS M. GRIMES.
In 1819, there was perhaps a larger immigration to Howard county,
than in any other year of its early history. In the almost endless
train of wagons that poured into this county from Kentucky, in the
year 1819, were those of William Grimes, the father of the subject
of this sketch. He was born in Scott county, Ky., March 29, 1797,
and, when a young man, married Miss Rebecca, daughter of William
Snell, also a Kentuckian, but an early settler in this county. She was
born in 1795. Francis M. Grimes was born of this marriage, March
30, 1829. Mr. Grimes, the father, first settled in this county near
the place known as the " Salt Springs," but, in 1825, settled where
Francis, his sou, now lives. His wife died May 3, 1867, and four
months afterwards, September 7, 1867, he also passed away. He was
an honest, intelligent and successful farmer, and as a neighbor and
citizen, he was without reproach. Francis M. was reared on his
father's farm, and received a good practical education from the neigh-
borhood schools of the time. In 1856, then twenty-seven years of
age, he was married, February 12, to Miss Addie, a daughter of Judge
P. H. McBride, of the Missouri supreme court. They have ten chil-
dren — Mary E., Emma, Addie M., Fannie B., Priestly H., William H.,
Ann E., Laura P., Lizzie T. and Francis M. Mr. Grimes owns an ex-
cellent farm of 322^- acres, where he now lives, besides 107 acres in
Boone county, and another tract in this county of fifty-two and a-half
acres. In 1852, he was elected county surveyor, which position he
continued to fill sixteen years. Mr. G. is a member of the Christian
church. As a farmer he is one of the most successful and enterprising
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 381
in the county, and as a neighbor and citizen no one is more highly re-
spected and esteemed.
GEOEGE S. GUSS,
livery and sale stables. Mr. Guss was brought up on a farm, which
occupation he followed until he came to Fayette in 1882 and engaged
in his present business. He was born in Pike county, 111., August
2,3, 1851, where he was reared and lived until he came to Missouri.
A year ago he engaged in his present business, buying out at that
time the stables, etc., of Mr. S. Smith. He has a large amount of
capital invested and is doing an excellent business. His barn is 64 by
118 feet in dimensions, and he has nine " rigs " and fourteen horses.
Mr. Guss was married February 7, 1877, to Miss Rebecca Lea ton, of
Illinois, and they have one child — Lelah M.
CLAIBORNE B. HARRIS.
Thomas Harris, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a
pioneer in Kentucky with Daniel Boone. William Harris, the father
of Claiborne B., was born in Kentucky, May 15, 1793, and came to
Howard county, Mo., in 1821. He married Miss Margaret Downing,
who was born December 15, 1792. They reared a family of eleven
children, of whom C. B. was the tenth child. He was born March 17,
1836. He was reared and educated in this county and remained with
his father on the farm until 1861, when he enlisted in company A,
Captain B. Cunningham's company of Missouri state guards, and
served until October, 1862, and then re-enlisted in General Clark's regi-
ment and served until the surrender at Shreveport, La., in June,.
1865. He returned home and resumed farming with his father until
1875, when he located on his present farm, which in-
cludes 138i acres of well improved land. He married
.Miss Susan E. Shores, September 19, 1872. She is a
daughter of Rev. Wm. Shores, who come to Missouri in 1827. He
died June 8, 1872. The mother of Mrs. Harris was Susan R. John-
son ; she died June 24, 1872. Mr. Harris' mother died May 30,
1867, and his father died May 15, 1876. Mr. Harris' brother, Har-
din, who was a soldier, died at Little Rock, Ark., February 1, 1863,
and his brother William served in Johnson's army and participated in
many of the most important battles of the campaign. He returned
to the old homestead in 1877 to remain permanently, and died April
21, 1879.
ANDREW J. HERNDON.
Prominent ampng the men whose names have long been identified
with the history of Howard county is Andrew J. Herndon. He came
to this county with his father's family in 1835, when but eighteen years
(26) "
382 HISTORY or HOWARD and cooper counties.
of age, and has therefore been a resident of the county nearly fifty
years. In public affairs and in the social life of the people, his name
occupies a conspicuous position. For many years he has been in pub-
lic life, either as a county officer or as a prominent attorney ; and, so-
cially, he is connected with some of the leading families of the county —
indeed, he is the founder of some of them — being connected with
the Clarks, the Browns and others, and having now eleven children
living and nineteen grandchildren, a number of whom are prominent
citizens. Andrew J. Herndon was bora in Orange county, Virginia,
July 23, 1817. His father, George Herndon, was also a Virginian by
birth, but died in this state, where he had removed in 1847, in his
seventy-fourth year. His mother, Sarah Herndon, whose maiden
name was Teel, a native of Pennsylvania, but of German parentage,
died in this county in 1855, at the age of sixty-eight years. Shortly
after arriving in Fayette, in 1835, Andrew J., the subject of this
sketch, having in the meantime acquired the elements of an education
from the common schools of his native county in Virginia, entered
here the Fayette academy, a school of advanced studies, in which he
remained as a student about two years. He then taught school one
year in the country, and afterwards three and a half years in Fayette,
and during the same time studied law, utilizing his otherwise unoccu-
pied time in that way ; and in 1841 he was admitted to the bar of the
county, entering thereupon the active practice of his profession. In
1842 he formed a partnership in the law practice with General John
B. Clark, in which he contiued until 1857. He then entered into
partnership with General JohnnB. Clark, Jr., and this firm was not
dissolved until the outbreak of the war, in 1861. Twelve years later,
in 1873, he became associated with Eobert T. Prewitt in the legal bus-
iness, and two years afterwards, his son, John C. Herndon, became
his partner. In 1846 Mr. Herndon was elected clerk of the county
court of Howard county, and was re-elected in 1853 and again in 1859.
In 1865 he was appointed clerk of the court by Governor Fletcher,
and in 1866 elected to the office, and was the fourth time elected to
the same position in 1870, serving until 1874. Prior to 1847, however,
he had been once elected and once appointed to the office of justice of
the peace, his terms extending from 1841 to 1846. » In 1838, on the
21st of June, Mr. H. was married to Miss Emily F. Brown,
daughter of Major Brown and his wife, Ann B., both natives of Ken-
tucky, who came to Missouri while it was a territory — about 1816.
Mrs. Brown was a sister to General John B. Clark. By this union Mr.
Herndon now has living eleven children — Portia A., wife of Thomas
Owings; Mary V., wife of Dr. F. B. Philpott, of Salisbury; Martha
H., wife of Dr. L.P. Tooley, of Colusa, California; CameliaB., wife
of Joseph H. Withers; Emily M., wife of Dr. F. C. Collier, of Saline
county, Missouri; Dasie H., wife of A. C. Davis, of Salisbury, Mis-
souri; and John C, Justine, Lizette, Addie L. and Andrew J.
Herndon.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 383
ADAM HENDRIX (deceased),
educator, financier aud philanthropist. Among those whose names
like stars brighten and beautify the past of Howard county, there is
none whose name shines with a purer and more enduring light than
that of the subject of these memoirs. A nobleman of nature in both
mind and heart, his whole life was an unbroken chapter of duty faith-
fully and well performed. Starting out into the world at an early
age, with but little education and no means, by the exercise of the
virtues of his own character he became a more than ordinarily suc-
cessful man, and rounded oif a career, adorned with Christian graces
from the beginning, by works of generous philanthrophy that will
perpetuate his memory as long as the better qualities of human
nature are esteemed among men. He came of eminently respectable
families on both sides, and was brought up in a manner to strengthen
a character naturally vigorous and upright. His grandfather, Colonel
Adam Hendrix, was a prominent citizen of Pennsylvania, and repre-
sented'the people a number of times in the state legislature. His
father, Joseph M. Hendrix, was a man of sterling integrity, superior
intelligence, and of great energy and resolution. His mother, for-
merly Miss Nancy McDonald, was of a worthy family of the old
Keystone state. Mr. Hendrix's parents reared a family of nine
children, only two of whom are now living — John M., of Ohio, and
Joseph W., of Pennsylvania. Adam Hendrix, the subject of this
sketch, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 21, 1813, and
was reared in his native county up to the age of twenty. In boyhood
and youth he had attended the ordinary schools, but had acquired
only a limited education. Of an energetic disposition and an aspiring
mind, 'and believing that he could better his fortunes in Maryland, he
accordingly went to that state and located in Frederick county, in
about 1833. There he was in close proximity to Long Green acad-
emy, a prominent institution of learning, and he determined to enter
that school for the completion of his education. In pursuance of
this resolution he spent three years within its walls, and rose from a
junior to the position of a teacher. Quitting his alma mater at the
expiration of this time, equipped with a thorough education and
qualified to teach by practical experience, he then took charge of
Middletown academy, in the same county, which he cone icted with
singular success and ability for five years. By this time the trans-
Mississippi west had begun to attract flood-tides of immigration,
and informing himself thoroughly as to the natural advantages of the
new country, he became convinced that it was destined to become the
abode of vast and prosperous communities, and that no other country
then known offered opportunities for industry, intelligence and enter-
prise, in almost every walk of life, equal to this. Accordingly, leaving
his school in Maryland, he set out for the new country and landed
at Quincy, Illinois, in the fall of 1838, coming thence by way of
Palmyra, Hannibal, Paris, Huntsville, Keytesville and Brunswick, to
Fayette, Howard county. This was more a prospecting journey than
384 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
otherwise, but on reaching Fayette he was so pleased with the place
and the beauty and fertility of the surrounding country, that he
determined to make this locality his permanent home. He spent
some six years in teaching in Fayette and vicinity. While thus occu-
pied, there was one he had left behind who was taking a deep interest
in his welfare and success, and she was kept faithfully informed of his
progress and of all his hopes and objects. His wife she had promised
to be, and in 1844 he was in a situation to return to Maryland and
claim the fulfilment of that promise. It was happily redeemed upon
his return, and with his young wife, formerly Miss Isabella J. Murray,
he returned to his home in the west, where he spent the remainder
of a long, useful and happy life. Here his progress was steadily up-
ward and onward until at last his spirit passed beyond the skies.
Among his fellow-men he rose higher and higher in their esteem, and in
the pursuit of fortune he was not less favored. He became by pure
methods and worthy enterprises a comparatively wealthy man. For two
years after his marriage he taught school. So favorably had his char-
acter and qualifications recommended him to those around him that at
the expiration of this time, he was appointed to the responsible office of
county treasurer, a position he filled by subsequent re-elections for
twelve consecutive years. This fact alone is an eloquent testimonial
to his purity, intelligence, and personal worth. While treasurer of
the county, he also held the office of government pension agent, and
discharged the duties of this position with the same fidelity and ability
that characterized his performance of every trust. At the close of
his county official term, he became cashier of the branch bank of the
state of Missouri, at Fayette, and so continued until it was closed in
1866. He then bought the banking building of that company and
established a private bank, which he conducted until the time of his
death^ While Mr. Heudrix was engaged in securing for himself and
family a handsome fortune, he was also fully alive to all the benevo-
lent and religious interests around him. He gave five hundred dollars
towards the erection of Central college building, and five thousand
dollars additional toward the endowment of the college. His interest
in this noble institution of learning did not stop there. He became
the treasurer of its board of regents, and discharged the duties of
this office, free of charge, until the day of his death. He also gave
liberally to the female college of Fayette, and ever proved himself a
steadfast and active friend to education. For a great many years he
was an earnest, exemplary member of the church, and was always
generous of his means and active in his zeal for the cause of
religion ; and it is but just to add in this connection, that in all good
works, both benevolent and religious, his efforts were readily and
hotly seconded by his excellent Christian wife, who still survives him,
and who ever performed faithfully and with modest delicacy the duties
of her relation in life. Nor can we forbear directing the attention of
the young ladies of the present day to those good old mothers who
stand among us as bright examples of an age gone by, and whose
excellencies have been only brightened by the trials and vicissitudes
HISTORY OF HOWARD AlifD COOPER COUNTIES. 385
of life. Five children were given Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix as Heaven's
best benediction upon the marriage tie: Fremont M., the eldest, is
now connected with the bank ; he was educated at the United States
naval school at Annapolis, after which he spent four years in Europe
engaged in naval service on the western coasts of the continent, and
in parts of the Mediterranean sea. He was also often on the
coasts of Africa. While in Europe he travelled extensively and visited
most of the places of historic and landscape interest. He was pro-
moted at various times and now holds the position of master on the
retired list, under act of congress approved August 3, 1861 ; Dr.
Eugene R., the second son, now president of Central college ; Joseph
C, now the Brooklyn manager of the New York Sun, with which
paper he has been connected since 1873 ; William F., and Mary B., the
only daughter, now the wife of A. F. Davis, Esq. After a residence in
Howard county of a long period, Mr. Hendrix died at his home in Fay-
ette, May 31, 1876. In his death Howard county lost one of its most
valued citizens, and the community in which he lived, one of its most
worthy members. His life had been useful and just, and his death
was deeply mourned by those among whom he had lived for so many
years. In every relation of life he had performed faithfully and well
the full measure of his duty, and when the time came for him to quit
this tenement of clay, and enter into that abode eternal in the heavens
not made of hands, he was prepared for the change, and fell to sleep
in death as one who wraps his mantle about him and lies down to
pleasant dreams. In token ot respect, every business house was
closed during the funeral service, and students and citizens in a body
followed his remains to the cemetery.
EUGENE K. HENDRIX, D. D.
president of Central college at Fayette. Dr. Hendrix was born in
Fayette, Missouri, May 17, 1847. His father, Adam Hendrix, was a
banker, and during twenty-five years treasurer of the board of cura-
tors of Central college. Religiously trained, Dr. Hendrix, when a lad
of less than twelve years of age, made a profession of religion and
became a member of the Methodist church south. Feeling called of
God to preach, he determined, when sixteen years of age, to equip
himself thoroughly for the work. During the suspension of Central
college on account of the war, Dr. Hendrix entered the Wesleyan
university, Middletown, Connecticut, where he graduated with high
honor in 1867. Later he pursued his theological studies at the Union
theological seminary, New York city, receiving its diploma in 1869.
Having enjoyed the best facilities for education the country could
give, Dr. Hendrix at once began his ministry at the bottom, prefer-
ring to have a mission church, that he might become fully familiar
with the poorer classes. His first appointment, accordingly, in 1869,
was at Leavenworth mission, Kansas. After the general conference
of 1870 divided the Missouri conference, so as to make the western
conference include Kansas and Nebraska, he joined his fortunes with
386 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the Missouri conference proper, where he has since labored. In
1870-72 he was pastor of the Macon City station. In 1872-76 he
was pastor of the Francis street church, St. Joseph, Missouri. While
there he awakened a deep interest in missions throughout the church
by becoming personally responsible for two years for the support of
the Rev. A. P. Parker, missionary to China, the first missionary who
had been sent to China for seventeen years. The Francis street
church, during his four years' pastorate, gave $2,000 for missions.
In 1876-77 he accompanied Bishop Marvin on his missionary tour.
His letters during that time attracted such attention that he was re-
quested to publish them in a permanent form. This volume,
"Around the World," has run through a number of editions, and
has received the highest compliment for its literary qualities, as well
as for its statement of facts. In 1877, while pastor at Glasgow, Mis-
souri, Dr. Hendrix was unanimously elected president of Central col-
lege, to succeed Dr. Wills, who had recently died. The degree of
D. D. was conferred on him by Emory college, Georgia, at the early
age of thirty-one, being, perhaps, the youngest divine on whom that
degree has ever been conferred by any leading college in the United
States. He is also one of the few American scholars who have been
elected to membership in the Victoria institute, the philosophical
society of Great Britain. Dr. Hendrix has been eminently successful
as president of Central college, the endowment having been more
than doubled during his administration and the number of students
increased over a third. June 20, 1872, he was married to Miss, Annie
E. Scarritt, daughter of Rev. Nathan Scarritt, D. D., of Kansas City.
Four children have blessed this union : Evangeline, Mary, Nathan
and Helen.
JUDGE JOSEPH W. HICKERSON.
It has been truthfully and aptly said that " Some men honor
their occupations ; others are honored by them." Mr. Hickerson is a
striking example of the former class. He is a farmer, and is an orna-
ment to his calling. He came to this county in 1849, with but little
means, and by industry and intelligent management has placed him-
self in the front rank of the progressive and enterprising farmers of
the country. He has a farm of four hundred and ninety-seven acres,
and the appearance it presents shows at a glance the character of
man he is. He was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, December
2d, 1820. His father, Hiram Hickerson, and mother, whose mime
before her marriage was Mary O. Smith, were also natives of the
Old Dominion. He was the second of eleven children, and in com-
pany with his father's family came to Missouri in 1849. His father
died in Carroll county, this state, January 13, 1877, his mother hav-
ing preceded her husband in death about seventeen years. Mr; Hick-
erson settled at once in Howard county on reaching this state, and
has lived here ever since. He first located on a farm near Glasgow,
but three years afterwards settled where he now resides. He was
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 387
married December 29, 1850, to Mrs. Emily George, a widow lady of
the most excellent worth (her maiden name having been Hickerson),
and they have four children : Alfred P., Eveland D., William R. and
Bettie M. During the war in 1862, Mr. Hickerson enlisted in Captain
Cunningham's company of General Clark's command, but served only
eight months on account of physical disability, having been honora-
bly discharged at the expiration of that time. In 1872, he was elected
one of the members of the county court, which position he filled with
marked ability and fidelity to the interests of the county. He is a
man universally respected, and as a neighbor and a friend none are
more highly esteemed by those who enjoy his confidence.
ISAAC N. HOUCK.
Mr. Houck is the proprietor and editor of the Missouri Independ-
ent, one of the most substantial and best edited county papers in cen-
tral Missouri. Like most successful newspaper men, he is what may
not improperly be called a self-made man. He commenced in the
newspaper business at the bottom of the ladder, first learning to set
type when a mere boy. From there he has come steadily up, notwith-
standing the set-backs experienced during the war and other misfor-
tunes, until now he occupies a practically independent position in his
business. Isaac Newton Houck was born in Palmyra, Missouri, October
2, 1834. His father, Devault Houck, was a native of Ohio, and his
mother, whose maiden name was Mary Hawkins, was born in West
Virginia. His parents came to Missouri in an early day and settled
in Palmyra, where Isaac N., as stated above, was born. From Pal-
myra they went to Van Buren, Arkansas, and there the subject of this
sketch was principally reared and educated. When quite a youth he
commenced to learn the printer's trade, which became his regular oc-
cupation, and with this and his books in school and at home, his boy-
hood days were closely and profitably occupied. In 1856, then in his
twenty-second year, he came to Missouri and worked in his brother's
office until his death, in June of 1857. He then foremanized the
Statesman for Colonel Svvitzler, in Boone county, for nearly one year.
He afterwards returned to Van Buren. However, he remained in Ar-
kansas but one year after his i-eturn and then again came to Missouri,
this time to Fayette. He followed his occupation here until 1860,
when he purchased the Howard county Banner and became the pub-
lisher and editor of that paper. In this he continued through the
three most exciting and perilous years of the war, and until 1864, when
his office was destroyed by Federal soldiery. After the close of the
war, in 1865, he reorganized the Banner office and General John B.
Clark became his partner, but one year later he sold out to General
Clark and went to Eocheport, Missouri, where he became identified
with the Times of that place. Subsequently he went to Cooper county
and started the Boonville Democrat, and afterwards, in 1879, re-
turned to Howard county and established the Missouri Independent,
which he has since published. In 1857, Mr. Houck was united in mar-
388 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
riage to Miss Susan McClanahan, daughter of Win. Eobinson and niece
of the late Gerard Robinson, of Howard county Missouri. They have
three children, Minnie A., Jennie S., wife of Joseph Forbis, and William
R. Mr. Houck is a strong independent thinker and writer, and as an
editor he strives faithfully to keep the people informed in all matters
of public concern, regardless of fear or favor from any quarter.
THOMAS HOWARD.
The Howard family, of Howard county, as its name indicates, is
of English descent. Its ancestry leads back to Thomas Howard,
earl of Surry, and third duke of Norfolk, an eminent statesman and
soldier of the time of Henry VIII, who distinguished himself in the
battle of Flodden. Benjamin Howard, a descendant of his, who set-
tled in Virginia, in about 1660, was the founder of the family in this
countiy. He left two sons — Thomas and Henry. Henry went to
Baltimore, Md., and from him descended John Eager Howard, a dis-
tinguished soldier in the revolutionary war, and afterwards governor
of Maryland, and United States senator from that state. Thomas
Howard remained in Virginia, and of his family came Gen. Benjamin
Howard, of Kentucky, a member of congress, governor of the terri-
tory of Louisiana, and a brigadier-general in the United States army.
Branches of the Virginia Howards also settled in South Carolina and
Ohio. Tilghman A. Howard, a member of congress from the former
state, and William Howard, a member from the latter, were represent-
atives of these branches. Thomas Howard, the subject of this sketch,
a leading citizen of Howard county, comes of the Kentucky branch.
His father, Matthew Howard, who served in the war of 1812, son of
Benjamin Howard, and brother to the mother of Judge Tolsou, of this
county, was born in Madison county, Ky., February 16, 1794. In
1816, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Tolson, then a young lady of
Kentucky, but born in Virginia, in 1796. They had five children, of
whom Thomas Howard, of this county, was the eldest. In 1819, the
parents with their children immigrated to Howard county, and here,
thirty-two years afterwards, in October, 1851, the father died, the
mother following her husband in death in 1862. Matthew Howard
was a man of strong character and superior intelligence, and although
averse to public life, he was a recognized leader of the men among
whom he lived ; and when he died he left an honorable name behind
him. Thomas Howard was born November 16, 1817, also in Madison
county, Ky. He was, therefore, but one year old when his father
came to this county. His father being a farmer, he was brought up
to that occupation, which he has ever since followed. In 1844, he
settled on the place where he now lives, which embraces a tract of
sixteen hundred acres of the best quality of land. His farm is one of
the well improved farms of the county. Mr. Howard was married
January 11, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Shields, who was born and brought
up in this county, a daughter of Frank Shields, who came to Howard
county in 1819. Nine children are now living of this union — Mary
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 389
E., Benjamin, Matthew, Sallie, James, Joseph, Thomas, Nellie and
Paul. He has been a member of the Baptist church for many years,
and not only as a church member, but as a neighbor and citizen he
stands as well as any man in the county. Mr. Howard, although well
qualified for any public position where sober good sense and sound
judgment are required, has no political ambition, being content to
live a quiet, honorable and Christian life, surrounded by a family
where his whole heart abides, enjoying the friendship of neighbors
and the confidence of all who know him.
ROBUCK HUDSON.
Mr. Hudson's grandfather was a Virginian and was one of the
pioneer settlers of Woodford county, Ky. He came to that county
when Thomas Hudson, the father of Robuck, was a small boy, and
there he reared his family. Thomas, on attaining to manhood, was
married in his native county to Miss Jemima Cavender, and of this
union eight children grew up, of whom Robuck was the second. He
was born in Woodford county, Ky., October 2, 1817. In 1826, the
subject of this sketch then being but nine years old, the family came
to Missouri and settled in Boone county and there the father died in
1844. Mrs. Hudson died twelve years afterwards in 1856. Robuck
lived in Boone county until 1850, when he came to Howard county.
Since his immigration to this county he has lived on three different
farms including the one where he now resides. His present place
consists of one hundred and four acres of good land. On the 17th of
March, 1842, he was married to Miss Mary W. Preston, a young lady
of Kentucky, fourth daughter of John Preston, of Clark county,
that state." They have had seven children, four of whom are now
living — Mary C, Cassander, Joeller and Ida L.
JOHN L. HUGHES
was born in Howard county, Mo., March 11, 1822. His parents were
both natives of Kentucky. His father, William Hughes, came to this
county in 1820 ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Anna M.
Morrison, was a sister to Judge Alfred Morrison of this county.
John L, was reared here on his father's farm, but his father being a
tanner by trade he also learned that business, and followed it in con-
nection with his father until the latter' s death, after which he contin-
ued it with J. Roper until 1850. He then went to California and
engaged in saw-milling in Shasta City of that state, until 1852. Re-
turning to this county, he settled on a farm near New Franklin,
where he lived ten years. In 1862, he located on a part of the old
home farm and followed farming there until in 1875, when he settled
on the place where he now lives. He has an excellent farm of 220
acres. On the 22d of May, 1856, he was married to Miss Marcella
Leland, a native of Virginia, and a most worthy and excellent lady.
They have four children now living — Lawrence, John L., Virginia J.
and Nena L. Mr. Hughes is a member of the Episcopal church.
390 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ERASMUS F. M. HURT.
It is now nearly sixty-five years since the father of Mr. Hurt,
PaytonL., came to Howard county from Kentucky. Like most of
the early settlers in this county from the Blue Grass state, he, too,
was originally from Virginia. He first emigrated from the Old Do-
minion to Madison county, Ky., and, having lived there some years
and hearing of the better country along the fertile banks of the Mis-
souri, he pushed on to this county in 1819. In the mean time he had
married, Miss Jemima Winn, of Kentucky, having become his wife.
On first coming to this county he settled near Glasgow, but in 1851
opened the farm now known as the " home farm," at present owned
by G. Wilcoxson. Payton L. Hurt reared a family of ten children
and Erasmus F. M., the subject of this sketch, was the ninth. He
was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, which he has ever since
followed. In 1860 he settled on the farm where he now lives, which
contains eighty acres of good, rich land and is substantially improved.
He was married February 17, 1859, to Miss Margaret E. Markland, of
this county. They have four children living — Ollie C, Wm. H.,
John B. and Ellina E. Mr. Hurt is an exemplary member of the M.
E. church south.
TALTON JOHNSON
ranks among the oldest residents as well as most respected citizens of
Howard county. He is now seventy years of age, and sixty-five years
of his life have been spent in this county. His father, William, a na-
tive of South Carolina, was one of the early settlers here, having come
to Howard county in 1818, and in this county he made the first salt
ever made from Bass & Shackelford's lick. He — the father — was
born December 29, 1775, and emigrated from South Carolina to Ken-
tucky at an early day. There he lived until he came to Missouri, and
there he married, September 16, 1802, Miss Catherine Barnes, who
was born May 30, 1782. They had ten children, of whom Talton,
the subject of this sketch, was the sixth. William Johnson, the
father, served in the war of 1812 as a volunteer from Kentucky,
and subsequently came with his family to this state, where he lived ,
until his death. His wife died January 15, 1852, and he followed her
about five years afterwards — May 10, 1857. Talton Johnson was
reared on his father's farm, in this county, having been born in Madi-
son county, Kentucky, March 26, 1813. He was married March 27,
1842, to Miss Amanda Caspar, born in October, 1824, daughter of
John Caspar, who settled in this county at an early day. They have
reared seven children — Mary, William, Mattie, James", Kate, Walter
and Emma, and they have six dead. Mr. Johnson has an excel-
lent farm of 560 acres, and much of it is in a good state of
cultivation and improvement. For several years he held the office
of bridge commissioner of the county and, subsequently was elected
county judge, which office he held two years. He is a member of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 391
the Christian church, and was ordained an elder and preacher in 1860,
hut has never received anything for his services in the ministry. He
is one of the best and truest of a noble generation of men, now rapid-
ly passing away, whose name and memory it is well to transmit to
posterity.
STKOTHER R. JOED AN,
son of James D. and Melissa (Barnes) Jordan, was born in Howard
county March 28, 1847. He was reared on a farm, and followed it as
an occupation until 1864, when he enlisted in the Confederate army,
in Colonel Slayback's regiment, where he remained a short time and
then joined Colonel Searcey's battalion and remained until the sur-
render at Shreveport, Louisiana, in June, 1865. He soon returned to
his home and- resumed farming with his father until 1869, and
then settled on his present farm, in section 36, which includes
210 acres, well improved. He was married August 20, 1867, to
Miss Mary Patterson, daughter of J. W. A. Patterson. Their
family consists of four children — James D., Laura R., Sophia and
Allie J. Mr. J. is a member of -the I. O. O. F.
JOHN KNAUS,
who was one of the early settlers and substantial citizens of Howard
county, Missouri, was born in Pennsylvania October 9, 1808. His
father, Henry Knaus, and mother, Catherine Walters, were also
natives of Pennsylvania, and were born, the father, October 22,
1771, and the mother November 7, 1773. They were married April
5, 1791, and in 1817 emigrated to Missouri, settling in Old Franklin,
in this county, where they made their permanent home. Henry Knaus
was a blacksmith by trade, and the maker of the celebrated' " Knaus
axe," by which his name became a household word all over this sec-
tion of the state. He was a man of sturdy worth and strict integrity,
and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. Mrs.
Knaus came of an excellent family, and to the elevating influence of
her character upon her children is due not a little of the success in
life they afterwards achieved. John Knaus, the subject of this
memoir, was brought up to the blacksmith trade, and succeeded his
father in the business, continuing the manufacture of the " Knaus
axe," which had now come into almost universal use. Inheriting his
father's qualities of integrity, industry and perseverance, and enjoy-
ing the advantages of a practical education, in securing which his
mother had greatly interested herself, he succeeded from the first in
the business his father had left him, and, giving his attention also to
farming and other interests, soon accumulated a handsome compe-
tence. He was married, April 5, 1841, to Miss Mary A. Crews, a
lady of intelligence and refinement, born October 16, 1822. Of this
union six children were born — Nannie A., wife of Reuben Long;
Walter C, Joseph H., Albert G., Ella and Alsis — all of whom are
now living. Mr. Knaus died March 6, 1878, and his wife, who sur-
vived him about three years, August 2, 1881.
392 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WALTER C. KNAUS,
now serving his second term as clerk of the circuit court of Howard
county, was born in this county September 23, 1843. He was second
of a family of six, the children of John Knaus, a sketch of whose life
has just been given. He was reared on his father's farm, near New
Franklin, and in youth had the advantage of good schools, where he
acquired the more practical parts of an English education. When
about twenty-one years of age he engaged as clerk in a general store
at Boonesboro, this county, and there continued until he entered upon
the duties of circuit clerk in 1879. Having discharged the duties of
that office to the satisfaction of the people, in 1882 he was elected
for a further term of four years, to expire in 1886. Mr. Knaus is not
an accident in public life. He is a man of excellent business quali-
ties, and he is respected by all with whom he comes in contact.
REV. J. H. LEADBETTER,
pastor M. E. church south, is a native of South Carolina, having
been born Majch 13, 1846. When twelve years of age-, his parents
went to Alabama, and in the military institute of that state he was
educated. In 1867 he was licensed to preach, and two years after-
wards was duly ordained. His first charge was in Montgomery,
Alabama, after which he was stationed at Monticello, in the same
state. In 1870 he came to Missouri, and in 1871 had charge of the
church in this city. In 1872 he was stationed at Wright City, Mis-
souri, and the following year went to Jonesburg, where he remained
'two years. In 1875 he took charge of the church in Clarksville,
Missouri,' and in 1878 was sent to Louisiana. There he remained
four years, and in 1882 came to Fayette, where he is now stationed.
Rev. Mr. Leadbetter is a faithful, earnest minister of the gospel, and
is a man of more than ordinary natural ability. He has been a close
student, and as a thinker and speaker is cultured and vigorous. His
father, Henry W. Leadbetter, was a native of North Carolina, and
his mother, whose maiden name was Belinda Herndon, was also orig-
inally of the same state. On the 25th of November, 1869, Rev. Mr.
Leadbetter was married to Miss Sue M. Meredith, a native of Ala-
bama. They have three children — Jodie, Willie and Alice.
JAMES LEVERIDGE,
who for nearly sixty years has been a resident of Howard county, '
is a son of Joseph and Mary (Shields) Leveridge, both of whom were
born in Kentucky, the former in 1797, and the latter in 1799. James,
the eldest of four living children by the marriage, was born in Madi-
son county, Kentucky, February 10, 1818, and came with his parents
to this county in 1824. He was early deprived of the care of a father
in consequence of his being killed by the kick of a horse in 1828.
He was reared a farmer and has since followed this vocation. Dur-
HISTORY OF HOWARD "AND COOPER COUNTIES. $93
ing the late war he served in the Missouri state guards for six
months. Mr. L. has been twice married, first, February 10, 1842,
to Miss Jane McCully, a daughter of William McCully. Mrs. Lev-
eridge died, September 3, 1874. His second marriage occurred Feb-
ruary 19, 1878, to Mrs. Martha A. Harris, widow of Ezekiel Harris.
Her maiden name was Shores. The mother of Mr. Leveridge was
married a second time to Jacob Ditzler. To them were born eight
children, two of whom are now living. Mrs. Ditzler died in 1876.
o*
o"
JOSEPH MEGRAW,
of Megraw & Son, contractors, builders and dealers in lumber.
In 1847, Mr. Megraw, then a youth seventeen years of age, came
from Ireland to this country and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
There he learned the carpenter's trade and remained until 1852,
when he came on to Fayette, where he has since lived. His parents
were both natives of Ireland, and there both lived and died. His
mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Adair, died in 1849, two
years before he sailed for America, and his father, Joseph Megraw,
in 1866. Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was born, February 28,
1830. On the 17th of August, 1858, he was married here to Miss
Martha Tindall, daughter of T. Tindall, an old and highly-respected
citizen of this county. They now have five children living:
JosephE., Emma, William J., Thomas T. and Bob J. When Mr.
Megraw landed in this country he was a stranger in a strange land
and' without means. But the material was in him out of which suc-
cessful men are made. He could work, and he was not ashamed or
afraid to do it. For many years he has been one of the leading con-
tractors and builders of Howard county, and there is hardly an im-
portant edifice in Fayette or the surrounding country that he has not
constructed or been consulted in regard to its construction. The
court-house, the school-house and other buildings almost innumerable,
attest the fact that he has not led an idle life. He has been one of
the school directors since 1868 — for fifteen years — and he has
been twice called to serve as a member of the city council.
J. MAISBURGER,
of Maisburger & Smith, blacksmiths. Mr. Maisburger was hardly
a year old when he was brought with his father's family to this
country from Germany, in 1848, having been born in that country
October 19th, 1847. The family first settled in St. Louis and in a
few years afterwards came to B6onville, Missouri, where they re-
mained several years and then returned to St. Louis. Returning to
Boonville they made that their permanent home, and there Joseph,
the subject of this sketch, was principally reared. In 1860 he began
the blacksmith trade which he learned and has ever since followed.
In April, 1882, he came to Fayette and established his present busi-
ness, forming a partnership with Mr. Smith. He has a family consist-
394 HISTORY OE" HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ing of his wife and four children. His wife, before her marriage,
which was solemnized June 29th, 1872, was a Miss Laura Huber, and
his children are John, Albert T., Mary and Willie. He is a member
of the Catholic church.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM F. MITCHELL,
proprietor of the Hotel Howard and present mayor of Fayette,
was born in Glasgow, Missouri, October 2, 1844. His father, Alex-
ander Mitchell, an old and prominent citizen of Howard county, is a
native of Virginia, and was born in Gloucester county, April 23d,
1807. He was reared in his native state, where in early youth he ac-
quired a good practical education, and afterwards learned the carriage
maker's business, which he followed there and subsequently a number
of years in this state. In 1835 he was married to Miss Julia C,
daughter of Daniel Brown, of Essex county. Four years afterwards
he came with his family to this state, first locating in Boone county
where he remained eighteen months. In 1841 he moved to Glasgow,
in Howard county, and engaged in carriage making, which he followed
in that place until 1846, when he came to Fayette, where he has since
lived. Here he pursued his regular occupation for twenty years. In
1866 he was elected to the office of mayor — the position his son now
holds — to which he was annually re-elected for fifteen years, his last
term expiring in 1881. He is now a venerable old gentleman, six
years beyond the allotted age of three score and ten and is still well
preserved in mind and body. His life has been an active and useful
one, and above all, it has been honorable and upright, and he has an
enviable position in the social and public life of the community in
which he lives. His good wife has been spared, a motherly and noble-
hearted woman, to accompany him and comfort him in his old age.
Ten children have blessed this union, eight of whom are still living:
Richard and Edward O. are engaged in the drug business in Linn
county; Alexander, Jr., and David L. live in Cole county; Julia C.
is the wife of Charles Lee, of this county ; Misses Maria and Laura
are with their parents, and Captain William F. is the mayor of Fay-
ette, and the subject of this sketch. William F.'s youth was not
wasted in idleness, but was closely occupied and to good1 advantage,
either by attendance in school or by work ; for the disposition of his
father to industry was transmitted to the son, and, besides this, his
father was not the man to bring his sons up in idleness. He had the
advantages afforded by the common schools of Fayette and later on
entered Central college, but his college course was cut off before
graduation by the breaking out o'f the war. However, he had suc-
ceeded in acquiring a good practical education before the war began,
notwithstanding he was then but seventeen years of age. Like most
of the young men of southern parentage and sympathies in central
Missouri, he identified himself with the south in the struggle between
the sections, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Captain Major's com-
pany of General Clark's division, Missouri state guards, where he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 395
served three months. He was then transferred to Wade's battery in
the regular Confederate service, in which he followed the three-barred
flag of the south through victory and defeat until he was captured in
1862. He was then confined in the military prisons of St. Louis and
Alton until the summer of 1863. In Alton he was prostrated with the
small-pox and, his health breaking completely down, he was dis-
charged from prison on parole. Returning to Howard county, he
found the country so disturbed that it was impossible to remain and,
determined to adhere faithfully to his parole of honor, he went to Illi-
nois, where he became interested in the hotel business and remained
there until the conclusion of the war. After the war closed he came
back to Fayette, but only remained two months, going hence to St.
Louis and engaging there as clerk on a steamboat under Captain Ben
Johnson. Seven months later, while on the river, he was attacked
with the malarial fever and shortly afterwards, in 1868, returned to
Fayette in order to recover his health. Here he accepted a position
in the Crighler house in which he continued a year, but at the ex-
piration of that time became a clerk in W. G. Ritchie's hotel, where
he remained six months. He then made a trip to Texas, returning in
1870, and on the 18th day of September, of that year, was united in
marriage to Miss Nellie P. Ritchie, a refined and accomplished lady,
a daughter of W. G. Ritchie. Since then Captain Mitchell has been
engaged in the hotel business in Fayette, except one year during which
he was a member of the firm of W. G. Ritchie & Co., grocers, in
Moberly, Missouri. As noticed above, he is now the proprietor of the
Hotel Howard, in Fayette. To Captain and Mrs. Mitchell three
children have been born, two of whom are now living: Ida May and
George Ritchie. Captain Mitchell has twice been deputy sheriff of
Howard county — under Mr. Leland from 1876 to 1878; and under
Mr. Cooper from 1880 to 1882. Although strongly urged to become
a candidate in 1882 for the office of sheriff, he declined to be antago-
nized to his friend the present incumbent. At the last municipal elec-
tion of Fayette he was elected mayor of the city, the position he now
holds. For a number of years he has been prominently identified
with the public affairs and politics of this section of the state. He is
a man of great energy, superior intelligence and popular manners,
although he is very quiet and unassuming in his disposition. In busi-
ness affairs he is honorable, prompt and accommodating, and as a
hotel keeper he is a landlord that guests like better the longer they
know him.
DAVID O. MORRIS,
of Morteson & Morris, lumber, building material, etc. It is a fact,
illustrated by the history of almost every town and city, that the suc-
cessful business men come from the farm — have had a farm bringing
up. This is often remarked, and it is generally attributed to the fact
that a farm rearing is the more favorable to the formation and de-
velopment of those qualities of character, without which, success in
396 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
any business is next to impossible. Mr. Morris, the subject of
this brief sketch, reared on the farm and a successful business man of
Fayette, is another witness to this fact. He was in his thirtieth
year when he left the farm ten years ago to engage in mercantile bus-
iness, and now he holds a place in the business affairs of Fayette, not
insignificant, to say the least and to speak with the extreme of
modesty. He was born in Howard county, Missouri, September 29,
1844, and his father, William H. was also a native of this county.
In 1873 David O. went to Burton and started the first store in that
place, and also held the position of postmaster there. In 1880 he
came to Fayette, and was engaged in various lines of business until
January, 1883, when he formed his present partnership in which he
has since continued. The firm carry a heavy stock of lumber and
building material and is justly popular with the trade. Mr. Morris
was married November 25, 1869, to Miss Mary McCafferty, daughter
of Judge McCafferty, of this county. One child, Mary, has been born
to them. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Baptist
church.
WILLIAM H. NIPPER.
Twenty-five years ago, and for fifteen years prior to that, Mr.
Nipper was well known all over Howard county as one of the few good
carpenters they had to build their houses and homes. He worked in
all parts of the county and thus became as well known in those days
as perhaps any one in it, and he was as universally respected, not
only as a capable and conscientious mechanic, but as an
upright man and citizen as he was well known. He is
now living on his farm in this county, an excellent homestead
of 270 acres, where he has lived since 1858, and in his old age the re-
spect he enjoyed in earlier life has not been diminished. He was
born in Caswell county, North Carolina, November 5, 1818. His
father's Christian name was Samuel, and his mother's name before
her marriage was Tabitha Gordon. In 1822 his parents moved to
Blount county, Tennessee, and there William , the subject of this sketch,
was brought up. In his eighteenth year he began work at the car-
penters trade, which he learned and followed over twenty years.
Marrying in Tennessee in 1840, Miss Louisa, daughter of S. P.
Mitchell, now of Howard county, becoming his wife, three years
later he came to Missouri with his family and settled in this county,
where he has since lived. He has eight children, William H. H.,
James W., Sisco, John L., Maggie, Lou L., Mollie L. and Kate P.
Mr. Nipper is a member of the M" E., church south.
JUDGE HENRY A. NORRIS,
of Norris & Knaus, furniture, house-furnishing goods, undertaking,
etc. That Howard county, although one of the -pioneer counties
in the state, so to speak, and therefore one of the older ones, is a
favorable county for new comers to settle in, is proven by the sue-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 397
cess of almost every one deserving it who has come here, and by no
one in a more striking manner than by Judge Henry A. Norris.
Judge Norris has been a resident of this county but six years, yet he
is one of the leading citizens and business men of the county, and
the presiding judge of the county court. A biographical sketch,
therefore, of one who has shown himself possessed of the elements
of success he has evinced, cannot be uninteresting. Judge Norris is
of Virginia parentage, his father and mother having been born in that
state ; his father, Samuel G. Norris, Jane 24, 1824, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Parthenia Murray, in June, 1826. The
father, however, was brought to Missouri by his parents when quite
young, in 1832. He died in 1872, his wife surviving him, and she
now resides in Centralia, Boone county, Missouri. Judge Norris was
born in Boone county, December 25, 1846. Having acquired the
elements of an education at the common schools, at the age of four-
teen he entered a store as clerk in his native county, in which occupa-
tion he continued, with different firms, however, from time to time,
until 1874. He then gave his attention to farming, which he followed
until 1877, and in October of that year he came to Fayette, where he
has since resided. In 1880 he engaged in his present business. He was
married October 22, 1871, to Miss Fannie Frazier, a native of Ken-
tucky. Boyd G. and Mattie F. have been born to them. Judge Nor-
ris, as a business man and as a citizen and public ofiicer, is deservedly
popular and respected.
CHAKLES M. OGDEN,
wagon-maker. Mr. Ogden may be called a new-comer to Howard
county, having settled in Fayette to pursue his trade only three years
ago; but identifying himself at once with the interests of the people, he
has long since come to be regarded as one of the good and useful cit-
izens of the community. He came originally from Ohio and was born
in that state, in August, 1832. In 1856, having learned the wagon-
maker's trade, he went from Ohio to Wayne county, Indiana, where
he remained until 1868. He then came to Missouri, and in 1872
settled in St. Clair county, continuing there until he came to Fayette
in 1880. He was married, January 28, 1856, to Miss Margaret
Johns, of Indiana, and he has a family of seven children — Virginia,
Mattie, Lizzie, Grant, Nellie, Alice and Frank.
JAMES W. A. PATTERSON,
like many of the early settlers of Howard county, is a native of
Kentucky, and was born in Shelby county, May 22, 1808.
His father, William Patterson, and his grandfather, James Patterson,
were both natives of Virginia and of Scotch extraction. The father
of James came to Kentucky in 1792 ; he died in 1821. His mother's
maiden name was Mary Allen. She was born near Harper's Ferry,
in Virginia ; her death occurred in 1854. The subject of this sketch
(27)
398 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in 1824, was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade, and served four
years. In 1828 he came to Boonville, Cooper county, Missouri, and
worked at his trade a few months and then removed to Fayette and
became a partner of William Givens in the tannery business. After
the death of his partner he continued the business until -1837, and
then engaged in farming until 1842, when he resumed his former oc-
cupation, doing an extensive business until 1854. He then returned
to his farm where he has since lived and accumulated a competency.
During the war he remained at home, but in common with others he
suffered very greatly, pecuniarily estimating his loss at $40,000. His
landed estate before dividing with his children was about 1,000 acres ;
his homestead comprises 452 acres. In 1868, he was elected to repre-
sent the county in the state legislature and filled the position with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was
married, January 6, 1836, to Miss Jane Turner, who was born in
Howard county, March 3, 1816. Mrs. Patterson's father, James
Turner, was a native of Madison county, Kentucky. He came to
Old Franklin in 1809. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson con-
sists of five children living: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Berkley; Mary J.,
now Mrs. Jordan; Laura K., Robert A., James W. One son, Wil-
liam, is deceased.
R. J. PAYNE,
one of the oldest citizens of this vicinity, and a man who has been
identified with the interests of the county for a long period, was born
here on his present farm, May 1, 1825, his father being Robert Payne,
of Scott county, Ky. May 25, 1848, R. J. was united in marriage to
Miss Leonora Benson, of Howard county, and the daughter of Zach-
ariah and Martha Benson, of Kentucky. She died May 6, 1866, leav-
ing four children — Laura F., William, Thomas J. and Robert W.
Mr. Payne is actively engaged in farming and the raising of stock upon
section 36, and is the owner of a farm of 480 acres, under good cul-
tivation.
JOHN W. AND JAMES M. PEACHER,
farmers and millers. These gentlemen are well-known farmers and
business men of Howard county. They have a farm of one hundred
and fifty-six acres, and their mill is a saw and grist mill. Both were
reared in this county — John W. having been born January 11, 1850,
and James M., June 25, 1852. Their father, William Peacher, was
also born and brought up in this county, and the mother, whose name
before her marriage was Emily F. Burnan, was of Macon county, Mo.
Their father is now dead. It was about 1860 that they settled in their
present place, and since the death of their father they have been very
successful in farming and milling, which they make their entire
business.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 399
WILLIAM S. PEARSON
is one of the substantial and successful farmers of Howard county.
He was born and reared in this county, and is now forty-eight years
of age. His father, Thomas Herndon, and mother, whose maiden
name was Lucy Cartner, were both natives of England, and came to
Howard county at an early day. They had seven children, William
S., the subject of this sketch, being the fourth. His father died in
1847, and his mother in 1875. Both were well respected by all who
knew them, and were deeply regretted when they passed away. Wil-
liam S. Pearson was married, September 10, 1869, to Miss Fannie,
daughter of Johu Snell, who was one of the early settlers of the
county. Mr. Snell died in September, 1870, and Mrs. Pearson, his
daughter, February 17, 1871. She was a most amiable and estimable
lady, and in her home she seemed to live only for the happiness of
those around her. Mr. Pearson served with the " Richmond Grays "
..eight months during the war, but was then taken prisoner and paroled.
He is a member of the Christian church, and also of the I. O. O. F.
As a farmer and a citizen he holds an enviable place in the estimation
of his neighbors and all who know him.
ISAAC PEARSON,
an early but now retired merchant of Fayette, Missouri, was born in
Kendal, Westmoreland county, England, January 20, 1810. John
Pearson, his father, and his mother, Mary Pearson, whose maiden
name was Bland, were also natives of England. On the 27th of De-
cember, 1825, Isaac Pearson, with his brother, Thomas H., sailed for
America, arriving in Philadelphia February 17, 1826. In the spring
of the following year, Isaac, the subject of this sketch, having gone to
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the. meantime, came by river from that
city to Franklin, in this county, on the steamboat Muskingum,
reaching there April 9, 1827. There he engaged as clerk in the store
of Joseph Simpson, an acquaintance of his father's. Afterwards he
went to Sante Fe, New Mexico, and about 1830 to Chihuahua, where
he engaged in merchandising. From that point he went to Old Mex-
ico, and finally to the city of Mexico ; but after an absence of nearly
five years he returned to Missouri, and in 1835 he and his brother,
Thomas H., engaged in merchandising at Fayette, in which he con-
tinued about four years, when he went on a farm. Later on he re-
turned to the mercantile business, and was a partner of Boone, Pear-
son & Smith, of Fayette, and Boone, Bostwick & Co., of Glasgow,
continuing until 1864, when the store at Glasgow was burned during
an attack by the soldiery on that place, by which a loss of over $50,-
000 was inflicted. In 1837 he was married to Miss Julia A. Hunting-
ton, daughter of Jonathan Huntington, and of this union Isaac H.,
the son now in business in Fayette, was born. Mr. Pearson has led
an active and somewhat eventful life, and through all the vicissitudes
of fortune has ever maintained a strict integrity and a spotless name
among those who know him best.
400 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ISAAC H. PEARSON,
dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, etc., a leading merchant of Fay-
ette, and a son of Isaac Pearson and Julia A. Huntington, who
were married in 1837, was born in Howard county, Missouri, Febru-
ary 8, 1839, and was reared in this county, receiving his education
from the common schools and from Central college. His father was
also for many years' a prominent merchant of Fayette, and at the age
of sixteen he entered his father's store as clerk, where he continued
until 1864. He then went to Springfield, Illinois, where he clerked
six months, and thence to Keokuk, Iowa, but returned to Fayette,
his old home, in August, 1865. Here he engaged in his present bus-
iness, first with Mr. Benjamin Smith, under the firm name of Smith
& Pearson, but five years afterwards, in 1870, became and has since
continued sole proprietor. On the 20th of February, 1866, he was
married to Miss Kate Terry, of Saline county, this state. They have
five children living: Julian H., Guy, Benjamin S., Leigh H. and
James W. Mr. Pearson possesses all the qualifications of a successful
business man, and as a citizen he is popular and public spirited. He
is a member of the Episcopal church.
DAVID PEELEE
was born in Rutherford county, North Carolina, May 8, 1794.
He came to Old Franklin, Howard county, in the fall of 1817, to
look at the country, and in the spring of the following year, with his
brother John, emigrated to Missouri, settling in Howard, where
he continued to reside until his death, which occurred April 30, 1882.
He planted his first crop in the spring of 1818, and continued success-
fully the occupation of farming until his death. He was several times
called upon to serve his fellow-citizens officially ; first in the capacity
of magistrate for a term of years, afterward as judge of the county
court for some time, and later he was elected representative of the'
county, and, with Charles Kanole as colleague, was in the legislature
of 1840-41. He was married to Sarah Wilcoxson in 1821, by whom
he had ten children — Alfred, Elizabeth, Joseph, Martha A., Rebecca
I., Napoleon B., William H., Barnabas, John O. and James D. — all
of whom he lived to see grown up and settled in life, though four of
them preceded him in death. His wife, dying in the spring of 1857,
he was married again in 1864 to Miss Brown, of Howard county, by
whom he had two more children — Rosa Belle and George. Having
a limited education himself, he was made to feel the need of it by his
associations, and determined that his children should not suffer the
loss that he felt so keenly. Therefore he encouraged and aided them
in obtaining all in their reach as they grew up. He enjoyed the
friendship of a number of notable men — such as Benton, Gamble,
Ryland, the Leonards, Miller, McNair, Boggs, Reynolds, and a cata-
logue of others whose names are inseparably linked with the history
of the county and state. Such associations stimulated to reading and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 401
reflection, and produced a breadth of mind and force of character that
raised him above the level of mediocrity. With such friendships,
had he been more ambitious, he might have figured more notably be-
fore the public. The writer has often heard him utter this conviction,
forced upon him while in the legislature, that while the state had such
young men as Doniphan, Jamison and others to represent her, she
had no use for him in that capacity. Had he been avaricious, he might
have been very wealthy, for his eyes were not closed to the many op-
portunities that presented themselves during a long lifetime. His
tastes were rigidly simple, while his conceptions of honesty, integ-
rity and true manhood were severely exact, holding that a man who
was guilty of a little meanness, wilfully, only waited the opportunity
to commit a greater. His simple habits of life secured to him unin-
terrupted good health until its close. Though fond of home, and
finding his chief enjoyments there, he was social to an eminent de-
gree, and readily welcomed his friends with a heartfelt hospitality free
from any parade or ceremony. Strong and decided in his convictions,
yet he was unobtrusive, and therefore he seldom aroused ill will in
those whom he opposed, though they felt his opposition to be a living
force. Firm in his attachments and sincere in all things, he could not
affect friendship or good will where it was not felt; hence, his friend-
ships were lifelong. With his neighbors he had no broils or law-suits,
carried no weapons, needed no medicine, made no debts, cherished no
animosities, lost none of his mental or physical powers until the very
last, passed over a long life so well rounded and shaped as a citizen,
that at the end he could look back over it all and say that there was
little to regret. On his deathbed, among many others, he made this
striking remark : — "I have read some and lived long enough to know
something of the lives of men, and can say that few are blessed as I
am. Having lived beyond the allotted time, in full possession of my
mental powers, surrounded with so many of my children and
grandchildren and such kind neighbors — I have as good neighbors
as any man ever had — there is nothing I can wish for ; I am proud
of my friends, proud of my neighbors, and proud of my children."
Such was the close of the life of one of the pioneers of the state — a
sample of that sturdy, simple manhood that laid the broad and deep
foundation of the prosperity of the great commonwealth of Missouri.
ALEXANDER PETEIE.
Among all the immigrants who settle in this country from Europe,
none are more thrifty or make better citizens than the Scotch. They
are almost invariably men of more than average intelligence, indus-
trious and of even, excellent habits, and they assimulate readily with
our people and institutions, and soon come to be regarded as the best
and most substantial citizens. Mr. Petrie is another of the many
illustrations that could be given of the truth of what is here said. He
came over to this country, from Scotland, and settled in Howard
county when a young man twenty-three years of age, and with no
402 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
means but his brawn and brain, and now, sixteen years after-
wards, he has a farm of 216 acres in one of the richest counties
in the state, an interesting family around him of six children,
and is a school director of his district. Such a record no man need
be ashamed of, and many might well covet. He was born in Moray-
shire, Scotland, in September, 1844, and came to this country in 1867.
His father, Alexander Petrie, and mother, Isabella, whose name before
her marriage was Morrison, were also both natives of Scotland, and
his mother died there, in October, 1881, his father still surviving her.
On coming to this county, he first worked on a farm with Mr. John
Walker, where he continued three years. He then rented land of Mr.
Prewitt, which he worked until 1876, when he bought the farm on
which he now lives. On the 30th of June, 1866, he was married to
Miss Elsie Tolmie, also a native of Scotland, and he has six children —
Alexander, Jessie, Bella, John, Kate and Donald. Mrs. Petrie died
October 14, 1881. Mr. Petrie is a member of the M. E. church.
RICHARD R. PIERCE.
In 1839, Charles S. Pierce, the father of Richard R., came from
Virginia and settled in Ho.ward county, where he lived until his death,
and reared his family. Richard R. was born in Rappahanock county,
Va., July 31, 1837. His father, also a native of Virginia, was born
March 26, 1809. When quite a young man, Charles S. Pierce was
married, in Virginia, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, of Rappahanock county.
Of this union four children were born, of whom the subject of this
sketch was the second. His first wife having died, in 1842, Mr.
Pierce, the father, was married again in 1847, Miss Martha Broils be-
coming his second wife. Seven children were born of this marriage.
In 1876, March 26th, he died at his home in this county, his wife fol-
lowing him in death one year afterwards, March, 1877. In 1839, on
coming from Virginia, the family first settled near Old Franklin, but
remaining there only a year, they then came and settled on the place
where the father died ; and here Richard R. was reared. In 1861, on
the breaking out of the war, young Pierce, then twenty-four years
old, joined the Confederate army, enlisting in company E, 9th regi-
ment, but six months afterwards, while retreating from Lexington,
Mo., he was taken prisoner and paroled. In November, 1863, he
again entered the army, becoming a member of company C, Elliott's
battalion, in General Shelby's command, in which he remained until
the General surrendered, at Shreveport, La., in 1865. Returning
home after the conclusion of the war, he again engaged in farming, in
which he has ever since continued. Mr. Pierce has a farm of 260
acres, well improved, and he is one of the successful farmers of How-
ard county.
DAVID A. PIERCE,
is one of the enterprising young farmers of Howard county. He was
born here May 22, 1855, and has followed farming all his life. He
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 403
now lives in Prairie township, having moved to his present place, from
Eichmond township, in 1883. In Kichmond township he had lived
since 1878, and prior to that on his father's farm, although he had
been farming on his own account for some time previously. He is a
son of Charles S. and Martha Pierce, an old and respected family of
this county. In 1883, he was married, February 14, to Miss Mariam,
daughter of B. F. Snyder, of Howard county.
LEWIS S. PROSSER,
dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, etc., Fayette. Among
the biographical sketches of the leading business men of Howard
county, the name of Lewis S. Prosser justly claims a prominent place.
Mr. Prosser is a native of Chariton county, Missouri, and was born
November 20, 1847. His father, Dr. Lewis S. Prosser, was born in
Virginia and came to Chariton county in 1842. His mother,
whose maiden name was Julia E. Price, is also a Virginian by birth,
from the Old Dominion which gave General Sterling Price and so
many other distinguished citizens to Missouri. Dr. Prosser, since
his immigration to this state, has continued to reside in
Chariton county, where he has been constantly engaged in
the practice of his profession and where he has reared his family.
Mr. Lewis S. Prosser's youth was spent in that county on his father's
farm, during which, when not at school, he assisted in farming. After
he had grown to early manhood, having acquired a substantial edu-
cation, he engaged in clerking, and in this he continued, desultorily,
however (being engaged part of his time in farming), until 1874,
when he came to Fayette, Missouri. Here he began the dry goods
business, the house being styled and known as " L. S. Prosser &
Co.," his partner being Mr. Tyson Dines, an old pioneer of Missouri,
and for many years a minister of the gospel. In this relation he
continued until 1878, since which he has been alone. In March,
1883, he moved into his new business building, one of the best busi-
ness houses in Fayette. Here he carries a heavy stock of goods. Mr.
Prosser is a thoroughly competent and energetic business man, and
the success he has achieved has been well earned. He was married
February 20, 1872, to Miss Mary C. Dines, daughter of his former
partner, a most excellent and worthy lady, by whom he had two chil-
dren, Mary B. and Paul P. He is a member of the A. O. U. W.,
and a Knight Templar in the Masonic order.
WILLIAM L. REED.
The Reed family were among the early pioneers of Clark county,
Kentucky. Joseph S., the father, and Mary (Bush) Reed, the
mother of William L., were both born in this county, and here their
son William was born August 13, 1853. He was reared in his native
county until 1865, and then accompanied his parents to Howard
county, Missouri. In 1867-68 he lived in Boone county, and in 1869
404 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
returned to this county, and here owns a farm of 200 acres in sec-
tion 6. He was married February 1, 1877, to Miss Anna E. Manion, a
native of Kentucky. Their three children are named Mary, Fan-
nie A. and William H. Mr. Keed is a member of the I. O. O. F.
JAMES H. ROBERTSON,
attorney and notary public. Mr. Robertson, born and reared in
Howard county, where he took the usual -course in the common
schools, entered McKee college, of Macon, Missouri, and continued
as a student there three years. His father, Philip Robertson, was an
early settler of this county, emigrating from Virginia in 1828. The
father was born in Orange county, of that state, October 25, 1802,
and died at his home, in Howard county, March 7, 1863. He was
married to Miss Winny, daughter of John Cain, who settled in How-
ard county as early as 1817. His daughter, Mrs. Robertson, who
was born November 27, 1805, died September 10, 1845. James H.
Robertson was born February 15, 1842, and in 1858, when but six-
teen years old, engaged in school teaching, which he followed until
1861. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted under Captain
Rains in the Missouri state guards, serving three months, and he
then enlisted in the regular Confederate service in company C, 3d
Louisiana infantry. He remained in the Confederate army, except
while a prisoner, until captured and paroled at Shreveport, Louisiana,
in 1865. He was in ten engagements, among them the battle of Wil-
son's creek, Missouri; the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, and the
siege of Vicksburg. At Corinth he was wounded and taken prisoner
and confined in the hospital three months. Returning later to the
Confederate service, he was again captured at the fall of Vicksburg,
and finally, having the third time taken his place in the Confederate
ranks, was captured, as stated above, at the close of the war. In
1865 he returned home to Howard county, Missouri, and engaged
in farming, following that until 1868, when he established the Dem-
ocratic Banner. He edited the Banner until 1872, and having stud-
ied law in the meantime, was admitted to the bar (in 1871, however)
and began practice. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney of
the county, filling that office two years, and in 1878 was again elected,
his last term having expired in 1880.
THOMAS A. RORER
is a pi'ominent farmer of Howard county, having a place of 260
acres of excellent land, well improved and well cultivated. He was
born in this county March 10, 1846, and was here reared and edu-
cated; Besides taking the usual course in the common schools, he
was a student in Central college three years. His father, German
Rorer, was a native of Virginia, but came to this county in an early
day. He married Miss Mariah Withers, of this county, and by this
union five children were reared. The father died in 1864. Thomas
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 405
A. has followed farming all his life. In 1860 he went to Audrain
county, this state, where he l'emained two years. Returning home,
he then farmed in Chariton township until 1882, when he located in
his present place. He was married April 25, 1876, to Miss Lucy J.
Wilkerson, daughter of William Wilkerson, a pioneer settler of
Howard county.
CHARLES ROSENBAUM,
dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, etc. Well known and
prominently identified with the business interests of Howard county,
is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, one of the leading
merchants of Fayette. Mr. Rosenbaum is a native of Germany, having
been born in that country July 20, 1837, but he has lived in this
country since he was fourteen years of age, so that in duration of res-
idence, as well as in name, he is as much of an American as two-
thirds of the population of the United States. Enterprising, intelli-
gent and of a progressive mind, he saw even when a youth that
America presented opportunities and advantages for rising in the
world, not to be found in the older countries of Europe, and accord-
ingly, in 1851, he came to the United States and settled in Wakefield,
R. I. There he remained ten years engaged in the dry goods and
clothing business, and in 1861 came to Lebanon, Mo., believing that
still better opportunities were to be found farther west. Devoting
himself closely to business in Lebanon for three years, he then pushed
on still farther westward, and making a detour to Lawrence, Kan.,
on his journey, where he stopped a few months, he finally settled in
Fayette, where he has since lived, and where he has built up a good
business, winning the confidence of the people with the growth of the
country. In November, 1860, he was married to Miss Schlessinger, a
noble and true woman, who died, however, November 17, 1874, leav-
ing him two children — Joseph and Jacob. About five years after-
wards, January 28, 1880, he was married again, this time to Mrs.
Fannie Semell, a most excellent lady, her maiden name having been
Hymen ; and of this marriage they have one child — Mortimer. Mr.
Rosenbaum is a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the A. O. U. W.
and of the I. O. B. B., of Sidota, Mo., lodge No. 258. He was for
several years a member of the city council of Fayette, and also of the
school board. As a citizen and as a business man he has the respect
of all who know him.
M. SCHMIRK,
ofSchmirk & Bowers, undertakers, furniture, stoves, tinware, etc.
The life of Mr. Schmirk illustrates with singular aptness the sterling
qualities of the German character. Economical, but not mean, indus-
trious but not reckless of resources in the pursuits of wealth, steady,
constant and true, the son of the fatherland goes forward with even
step in life, achieving in the end, if not so brilliant a success as some,
406 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a far more certain and substantial one than the majority. And such,,
thus far, has been and promises still to be, the career of Mr. Schmirk.
Born in Saxony, Germany, March 18, 1831, at the age of twenty-
three he came to America without a friend and without means to
make his way in a strange land save his honest hands and the courage-
to use them. Having learned the cabinet trade in his native country,
on arriving in the new world in 1854 he settled in Virginia, where he
worked two years. Influenced by the better opportunities in life in
the west, in 1857 he came to Missouri and settled in Fayette, where
he has since lived. Here he worked for S. C. Major until 1867 ; and,
true to the character of his race for frugality and steady advance-
ment in life, he that year was able to become the partner in business
with his late employer in which he continued until the death of Mr-
Major in 1880. After this the present partnership was formed.
Mr. Schmirk is a member of the Masonic order and of the German
Lutheran church. In character and integrity he may justly say :
" Come one, come all; this firm rock shall fly
From its firm base as soon as I."
JOHN L. SETTLE.
Except during the war, Mr. Settle has lived in this county and)
followed farming all his life. On the breaking out of hostilities he-
was thirty years of age and in 1864 enlisted in the Confederate army,,
in company E, of Col. Perkin's command, and served until the final
surrender in 1865. His father, Martin Settle, was from Virginia and
was born there about 1780, but came to Howard county in 1823. His
mother, Ann Settle, was a native of Kentucky and was a Miss Horse-
man before her marriage. They had eleven children, of whom John
L. was the tenth. He was born in this county in 1831. His father
died in 1858 and his mother in 1878. John L. was brought up on
his father's farm, where he remained until 1854, when he settled on
his present place. His farm consists of 159 acres of excel-
lent land in a good state of improvement. In 1853 — May
23, — he was married to Miss Martha Dudgeon, daughter of A.
Dudgeon, of this county, and they have two children — Wilford D.
and Jeff D. Mr. Settle is a member of the Masonic order and of the
Christian church. He is a man of solid worth and of great industry
and energy.
JOHN SHAFROTH (Deceased).
The subject of this memoir was for twenty-five years a leading
merchant of Fayette, and a man whose life was so interwoven with
the business interests and prosperity of the place that the whole com-
munity felt a loss when he passed away. He was born in Switzerland,
September 3, 1810, and came to America when a young man, settling
first in St. Louis, where he lived three years. He then came to
Eocheport, Missouri, but a year later came to Fayette and here made
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 407
his home until his death. He was marrried November 9, 1840, and
reared a family of six children — Sophia, William, Laura, Louisa,
Carrie and John T. He died May 8, 1866, aged fifty-five years,
seven months and fifteen days. Such were the measures of a well-
spent life — from birth to marriage, and to death . But how little they
•tell — nothing — of the real life he had ! — of his trials, hopes, disap-
pointments and triumphs ; of his sorrows and pleasures, and withal,
of the worth of the man — of a character that raised him from the
position of a stranger, alone, penniless and in a foreign land, to that
of competence and general esteem ; surrounded him by friends and
blessed with the comforts of home and family ; — such, more nearly,
would be the outline of the life-record of John Shafroth, were it to be
written. But here we can only stop to pay the tribute of a word to
his memory — a man in whom the better qualities of human nature
were so mingled that —
"None named him but to praise ;"
and, having carved out a successful career in the face of difficulties,
yet having held steadfastly to the right amidst all surroundings, he at
last died the death of a man with a clear conscience and an irreproach-
able name. But his name and the influence of his life for good have
not passed away, for —
" To live in'hearts we leave behind,
Is not to die."
SOLON SHEPHERD.
The " Old North state " was not derelict in her duty to send out
her hardy, brave-hearted sons to assist in the great work of carrying
civilization into the interior of the continent and of developing its
Midas-like resources. Among the thousands who turned the fronts
of their covered wagons toward the west in the early days of the
country, and came on to the then wilds of Missouri, was James Shep-
herd, the father of Solon, the subject of this sketch. He was born
in North Carolina in 1793, and afterwards, though still in his teens,
was with the "man of iron" — Jackson — in the Indian wars of
Georgia and Carolina. On reaching manhood he came westward, and
made his home in Wayne county, Kentucky, where he married Miss
Barbara Cotron, a native of Virginia but a resident of Kentucky, and
they reared three children, of whom Solon was one. In 1819 the fam-
ily emigrated to Howard county, Missouri, where the parents lived
until their deaths. The father died September 22, 1845, and the
mother in February, 1870. Here Solon Shepherd was born June 12,
1825, and he has ever lived since in this county. He was married,
June 6, 1870, to Miss Frances Brown, daughter of Robert Brown, who
was one of the first settlers in this county, having immigrated here in
1810. Mr. Brown died May 1, 1871. In 1870, the same year of his
marriage, Mr. Shepherd settled on his present farm, which consists of
273 acres.
408 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
HENRY C. SHIELDS.
Mr. Shields commenced in life as a school teacher, when nineteen
years old, having been born in "Warren county, Ky., July 20, 1840.
This he followed six years, and until he was able to begin farming.
He was married in this county, January 11, 1866, to Miss Mary John-
son, and they had two children — Minnie V. and Edward E. His
wife died March 19, 1876, and two years afterwards, March 22, 1875,
he was again married, Miss Porlee, a daughter of Thomas Shields, be-
coming his wife. They also have two children — Eomie B. and an
infant. Mr. Shield's parents were originally from Virginia. His father,
Egbert O., was born in Nelson county, in May, 1818, and his mother,
whose name before her marriage was Ellen Brent, some years after-
wards, in the same state. In 1839, Mr. Shields, the father, went to
Kentucky, where his wife died, in 1844. In the winter of 1845, he
returned with his children to Virginia, where he remained six years,
and then he married again, his second wife having been a Miss Ann E.
Bibb. In 1850, he came with his family to Pike county, Mo., where
Henry C. was reared and educated. Henry C. came to Howard county
in 1862, and, in 1871, settled on his present farm, which consists
of 160 acres of well-improved land. For four years he held the
position of deputy surveyor of the county — from 1868 to 1872
— and was then elected surveyor himself, serving eight years. He
is a member of the Christian church, and an elder in that denomina-
tion. As a citizen and neighbor he has the confidence of all who
know him.
SOLON SMITH,
stock dealer. The men who succeed in life are those who have the
intelligence to see an opportunity to better their affairs, and the sa-
gacity and energy to take advantage of it. Howard county has long
been known to be one of the best fine-stock counties in the state, and
it is apparent to even the least thoughtful that there is more money
made in handling fine stock than there is in handling common grades.
Hence, it would seem to go without saying that this county offers su-
perior advantages to the stock trader, advantages certainly unsurpassed
elsewhere (outside of large cities) in the state. Yet, this fact does
not seem to have been generally recognized, judging by the compara-
tively small number of stock dealers'in the county who devote their
entire time and attention to the business. But among those who have
shown the discernment to properly measure the advantages it offers in
this line, and the enterprise to avail themselves of the opportunity
thus presented, is Mr. Smith, the subject of the present sketch. He
has for a number of years been engaged exclusively in dealing in stock
in this county, and the results of his experience more than justify his
own judgment as a stockman, and the views here expressed. Asa
stock dealer he has been abundantly successful, and he has the reputa-
tion of being one of the best stock traders in this section of the coun-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 409
try. He was born and principally reared in the blue-grass regions of
Kentucky, his native county being Madison, and the date of his birth,
the 3d of April, 1842. He was brought up to farm life, and has made
stock his study from boyhood. From handling Kentucky stock he
learned what fine stock was, and he has never lost sight of the differ-
ence between dealing in valuable and in cheap stock. In 1857, he
came with his parents to Missouri, who, after stopping in Cooper
county for one year, came to Howard county and made this their per-
manent home. In Kentucky, he had attended the common schools,
and after coming to this state he attended the Lathrop academy, of
Boone county, and Central college, at Fayette. After the conclusion
of his scholastic course he resumed his place on the farm, and, after
starting out in life for himself, he continued to follow farming, mainly,
until 1873, when he formed a partnership with Mr. J. Tolson, and
erected a large feed and sale stable building, in Fayette, where they
made a specialty of the mule trade. They continued in this partner-
ship until 1882. Mr. Smith then disposed of his interest in the busi-
ness, and has since been engaged alone in general stock dealing. With
his life-time knowledge of stock, with his ten years and more of active
experience in dealing in them, and considering the success he has al-
ways achieved, it is certainly not too much to expect a more than or-
dinarily successful future for him in this line of trade. On the 26th
of September, 1867, he was married to Miss Elizabeth W., an amiable
and refined daughter of Dr. S. T. Crews, an early settler and promi-
nent physician of Howard county. Their family consists of four
children — Mary K., Paul C, James S. and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith are members of the Christian church.
JUDGE JAMES T. SMITH,
probate judge of Howard county, came to this county in 1856, and,
barring an absence of a year in southwest Missouri and his course at
law school, he has lived here ever since. He is also from Madison
county, Kentucky, that prolific source of so many of the best men of
Howard county. He was born there July 20, 1838, and was therefore
but eighteen years of age when he came to Missouri. Here, in
Fayette, he attended Central college, and afterward attended law
school in Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1860 with marked dis-
tinction. After his graduation he went to Butler, Bates county, in
this state, and there located in the practice of the law. But at the
expiration »f a year, he returned to this county and engaged in farm-
ing, which he followed until 1875, when he entered into co-partner-
ship with Mr. W. A. Dudgeon in the drug business. He continued
in this until the fall of 1878, and was then elected to the office of
probate judge, which he now holds. He was married June 28, 1866,
to Miss Josephine Wilcoxson of this county, a young lady of the most
excellent worth and accomplishments, and they now have a family of
four children : Willard , George W. , Newton E. and an infant, unnamed .
410 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Judge Smith is a man of rigid integrity and superior ability, and he
enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a
prominent member of the Masonic order of Fayette.
DR. THOMAS J. SMITH.
Dr. Smith's grandfather, Enoch Smith, was one of the pioneers
of Kentucky, having settled Montgomery county, of that state, at an
early day. There, in the same place where the grandfather had forced
his way with rifle and axe, the father, Enoch, Jr., was afterwards
born December 25, 1795. When about twenty-three years of age,
Enoch Smith, Jr., was married to Miss Sallie Grimes, a native of
Fayette county, Kentucky, and of this union twelve children were
born, of whom, Dr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth.
Dr. Smith's parents lived in Montgomery county, Kentucky, until
the fall of 1881, when they came to Missouri, but both died the fol-
lowing year. There the son grew up and received the rudiments of
his education. In 1844 he entered Bethany college in Brooks county,
Virginia, of which Alexander Campbell was then president, where he
continued two years, graduating in 1846, with the honors of the
college. Returning home after his graduation from Bethany, he at
once began the study of medicine to which he gave his whole time and
attention, and in 1849, commenced a course in the Eclectic medical
college in Cincinnati, which he completed two years afterwards, grad-
uating with honor from that eminent school. Thus thoroughly
equipped with both general and professional education, he came to
Missouri and located at Fayette, Howard county, in 1851, where he
has practised ever since — a period of thirty-two years. Dr. Smith
was married in 1848, to Miss Margaret McCulloch, a native of New
Orleans, and they have had eleven children, of whom six are now liv-
ing : Louise, Annie, Maggie, Sallie, Newland and Enoch ; those de-
ceased were, Thomas, Franklin, Sterling, Alexander and Fannie. He
is a consistent member of the Christian church, and endeavors to so
live that his life shall exemplify the depth and sincerity of his faith.
As a physician he enjoys a well earned reputation for skill and ability,
and as a man and a citizen he is without reproach.
ANDREW J. SMITH
was born in Chariton county, Missouri, March 31, 1840.. His father,
Mathias Smith, was a native of Germany, and emigrated to Pennsyl-
vania in 1825, and in 1826 came to Missouri, where he lived until his
death, which occurred in 1865. The maiden name of Andrew J.'s
mother, who is still living, was Christa A. Ruff. She, also, was born
in Germany. Andrew J. was the eldest of seven children, and was
reared on a farm in his native county, and followed this occupation
until April, 1882, when he commenced working at the blacksmith
trade, and is a partner in the firm of Maisburger & Smith. He married
Miss Margaret Huber, a native of Germany. She died in December,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 411
1878, leaving four children, John M., Sylvester, Paulina H. and
Elizabeth J. In his religious preferences he is a Catholic. During
the late war he served over three years in the Missouri state militia,
.and held the position of sergeant in the company.
THOMAS H. STAPLETON.
The family of which Mr. Stapleton is a representative justly oc-
cupies a prominent place in the biographic annals of Howard county.
'George H. Stapleton, the grandfather of Thomas H., came with his
family, then consisting of his wife and four children, from Kentucky
in 1816, and settled in this county. He was a leading member of the
Baptist church, and was clerk of the first general association of that
-denomination ever held west of St. Charles. As a farmer and busi-
ness man he also occupied a prominent position, and as an evidence
'of the confidence and esteem in which he was held, it may be men-
tioned that he was called to serve the people of the county for six
years in the capacity of judge of the county court. A short time
after his official term expired, in 1833, he died, leaving his family a
handsome competence. His wife, before her marriage, was Miss
Eliza Sheeley. She, also, died in this county. Pour children were
born to them after they came to Howard county, making a family of
-eight, as follows: William H., father of Thomas H. ; George W.,
Amanda (Mrs. Joseph Wilcoxson) ; Margaret (Mrs. William Mau-
pin) ; Theodore C, Joseph, Mary (Mrs. Neri Brashear), who died
in this county, and David S. Stapleton, who died in Cedar county,
Missouri. William H. Stapleton was born in Fayette county,
January 22, 1816, the same year his father immigrated to Mis-
souri. He was therefore reared and educated in this county. In
his twenty-first year he was married to Miss Evalina, sister of Dr.
"Kingsbury, a wealthy and old settler of Howard county. Of this
union seven children were born, but three of whom are now living —
-Joseph, of Randolph county, Missouri ; Elizabeth, wife of Geo. W. P.
Smith, also of Randolph county, and Thomas H., the subject of this
sketch. Mr. Stapleton has followed farming and milling principally,
and he has been very successful in both occupations. He has im-
proved one farm and built two steam flouring mills, viz., the Staple-
ton mills, four miles south of Fayette, and the Fayette City mills.
He now owns three farms in the county, besides some valuable town
property. Thomas H. Stapleton is a native of this county, born
"March 7, 1856. He was reared on his father's farm, but attended
the common schools in his youth, and in 1872 and 1873 took a course
at Mt. Pleasant college, in Huntsville, Missouri, thus acquiring a
more advanced education. Returning from college, he engaged in
farming, which he has since followed. Besides strictly agricultural
"interests, he has also been engaged with Mr. Preston in the manufac-
ture of a corn planter, which is in general use, and is very popular.
•Jointly with Mr. Geo. W. P. Smith he has 364 acres of excellent
412 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
land, well improved. He was married May 26, 1881, to Miss Eliza-
beth I. Vaughan, a native of Missouri and a relative of Henry Clay,
the Kentucky statesman. They have one child, William M. H.
GEORGE W. STAPLETON,
farmer and stock. raiser, section 25, is the youngest son of George
and Eliza Stapleton, who came to this (Howard) county from Ken-
tucky in 1816. George W. was born in Howard county, Missouri,
in the same house which he now occupies, September 29, 1835. In
January, 1861, he was married to Miss Martha Cornelison, of Mad-
ison county, Kentucky, and a daughter of John and Aletha Cor-
nelison, of the same county. She died in April, 1866, leaving two
children, only one of whom survives, John E. During the war Mr.
S. remained at home and operated the old Stapleton mill. This mill
was the only one in the county and surrounding country that was
conducted during that conflict. He now owns a fine farm, containing
800 acres. Mr. S. joined the Masonic order in 1861.
DR. JOHN A. TALBOT.
Dr. John A. Talbot was for many years one of the most promi-
nent physicians and one of the leading men of Howard county.
Aside from being a thorough and educated physician, he was naturally
a man of superior intelligence, and withal possessed in a marked
degree of the qualities that make one respected and esteemed by those
around him. His life was an active and energetic one, and without
doing any man wrong, but by his own exertions and good manage-
ment, he accumulated a handsome fortune. He was born in Erie
county, Pa., November 18, 1805, where he lived until he came to
Missouri. His father, George T. Talbot, was a native of Maryland,
but when a young man went to Pennsylvania and there married and
reared his family. On his mother's side, Dr. Talbot, was of the All-
nutt family of Pennsylvania, his father having married Miss Mary
Allnutt of that state. In youth, the son had excellent school advan-
tages not only in the public schools of the period, but also in college.
His professional education was acquired at Jefferson college, Phila-
delphia, from which he was duly graduated. His parents, however,
were not wealthy, and he contributed very materially by his own ex-
ertions to the means for his education. Having completed his pro-
fessional education, he resolved to come west and seek his fortune in
the new empire then rapidly springing up along the shores of the
Missouri. Accordingly he came to Howard county, where he settled
and entered upon the practice of medicine ; and how he succeeded in
the realization of his hopes has been indicated in a preceding sentence..
He married Miss Alice Daly, a refined and accomplished lady, born
September 5, 1814, and of this union Alice, George D., lone,
William, Ethelbert, Ralph, John and Robert — seven children — were
reared. He died August 1, 1858, his wife following him in death
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 413
April 15, 1871. He lived an honorable and respected life, and now
that he has passed away, his memory is cherished as that of a good
man and an upright citizen.
HENRY C. TINDALL.
In the veins of Henry C. Tindall mingles the blood of the courtty,
hospitable Virginian and the indomitable progressive New Englander.
His grandfather Tindall, then a young man, came with his father's
family from Virginia to Missouri in an early day. Shortly afterwards
the family settled in Howard county and here the father of Henry C.
was born and reared. His father on reaching manhood, was married
to a Miss Kingsbury, whose father with his grandfather's family, .
came from Massachusetts. Jere Kingsbury, the grandfather of
Henry C. on the mother's side, was born in Massachusetts, December
5, 1784, and died in this county April 5, 1863. His wife, the grand-
mother of Henry C, was born in North Carolina, June 18, 1797, and
died here June 5, 1852. Mr. Tindall's (H. C.'s) father was bom in
Howard county, Mo., March 8, 1825, and died May 18, 1855 ; and his
mother, whose maiden name was Lucina Kingsbury, was born in this
county, January 31, 1827, and is still living. Mr. T.'s ancestry rep-
resents two of the earliest pioneer families of the county. Henry C.
Tindall, the subject of this sketch, was born in Howard county, Mo.,
February 9, 1846, and was brought up on his father's farm in this
county. In youth he had the advantage of the common schools of his
neighborhood, and he also attended one term in Central college and
two terms in Mt. Pleasant college at Huntsville, Mo. He thus ac-
quired an excellent practical education which qualified him for the
business duties of life. But on the farm at home he had already
formed a taste for an agricultural life, which, on his return from col-
lege, he adopted as his regular occupation and this he has since fol-
lowed. However, in 1882, he was elected to the office of county
clerk, the position he now holds, but he has not given up farming as
his regular occupation. On the 17th of November, 1870, he was
united in marriage to Miss Theodora C. Wilcoxson. They have five,
children now living — Lulu, Jefferson W., Josephine, Jackson C. and
Leonora. Mr. Tindall served in the Confederate army from the fall of
1864 until the general surrender in 1865, having been a member of
company E, Searcy's battalion of Missouri sharpshooters during that
time.
NERIAH P. TODD
was born and reared in Howard county and has always lived here,
except about one year, during which he was in the Confederate army.
He is a son of Neriah Todd, of this county, whose sketch appears else-
where, and was born August 26, 1843. In 1864, when twenty-one
years of age, he enlisted in company E, commanded by Captain T.
W.Todd, in Perkins battalion, and served until the general surrender
28
414 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in 1865. He then returned home and farmed on the old homestead
until 1874, when he located on his present place. His farm consists of
386 acres, and he is an energetic and successful farmer. He was mar-
ried February 10, 1874, to Miss Mary J. Afflick. They have four
children, Sallie W., Fletcher, Neriah P. and Eugene B. Mr. Todd
is a leading dealer in and breeder of short-horn cattle and fine sheep.
NERIAH TODD,
farmer and breeder of blooded stock. Even before the war central Mis-
souri had a widespread reputation throughout the Mississippi and Mis-;!f
souri river states as an important centre of blooded stock . Conspicuous/ \
among the citizens of Howard county who have engaged largely in
this business is Neriah Todd, the subject of this sketch, and his son
Chenault. It is not, of course, the province of a biographical out-
line to give in detail the business in which its subject is engaged, and
the fact can therefore only be noted that the Messrs. Todd, father and
son, rank among the prominent short-horn stockmen of the county.
Mr. N. Todd has a farm of 527 acres and makes a specialty of raising
Durham cattle, of which he has one of the finest herds in the county.
His son is also largely engaged in this business, having begun in 1870,
buying his breeders from the best stock in Kentucky and Illinois. He
has a large herd, at the head of which is " Sharon Geneva," a fine
Durham bullock, of the pure Rose of Sharon breed, raised by Mr. A.
Renick, of Kentucky. Neriah Todd's father, Thomas Todd, was a
native of North Carolina, and was born December 25, 1771. He
came to Kentucky in 1790, and March 5, 1795, married Mary Che-
nault, of the latter state, who was born May 14, 1775. They had eight
children, of whom Neriah Todd was one. In 1816, when young
Neriah Todd was but twelve years old, they immigrated to Howard
county, Missouri, settling first at New Franklin, and afterwards, in
1820, they settled on the place where Neriah now lives, and where his
parents died. His father died June 13, 1857, and his mother, June 2,
1834. Mr. Todd, the father, was prominently identified with the de-
velopment of Howard county, and was regarded as an intelligent, ener-
getic and upright citizen and farmer. Neriah was born in Madison
county, Kentucky, December 4, 1804, but was principally reared in
this county. He lived with his father on the home farm until 1829,
when he improved a farm in section 2, but returned to the home
place in 1850. He was married December 15, 1829, to Miss Minerva,
who was born in Kentucky, June 2, 1806, a daughter of William
Hocker, an old citizen of Howard county, he having settled here in
1824, and of this marriage there are eight children : William, Thomas,
Eugene, James, Sarah, Neriah, Jr., Elizabeth and Chenault. He has
been a member of the Baptist church thirty years.
JUDGE BEN H.'TOLSON.
The Tolson family represents a type of citizenship that consti-
tutes the substantial, intelligent element in every community. In-
HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 415
dustrious, conservative and energetic, they generally achieve a sub-
stantial success in whatever pursuit they follow, and appreciating the
advantages of a reasonable knowledge, at least, of the information
that can be derived only from books, they are almost invariably
friends of education, and commonly rank among the more intelligent
in their respective communities. Being usually well-to-do in life and
satisfied with the conditions that surround them, they are the first to
go to the defence of the state against threatened invasion or violent
changes in the form or methods of government. Such has been the
character of the Tolsons from their first settlement in this country,
prior to the revolution. George Tolson, Judge Tolson's great grand-
father, was a native of England, and settled in Stafford county, Vir-
ginia, in the time of the colonies. He there reared a family, and
William Tolson, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
one of his sons. William served in the colonial army under the im-
mediate command of General Washington during the entire struggle
for independence, and one of his brothers, Benjamin, rose to the po-
sition of major during the same war. John Tolson, son of William,
and the father of Judge Tolson, was born February 3, 1791, in Staf-
ford county, Virginia* where his grandfather first settled, but emi-
grated to Madison county, Kentucky, in 1810. When the war of
1812 broke out he volunteer in the United States service, and was in
several hard-fought battles. Among the rest was that known as
"Dudley's Defeat," in which he was taken prisoner and stripped by
the Indians and compelled to run the gauntlet. After the close of
the war he returned to Madison county, and in a short time after-
wards, January 12, 1815, was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca,
daughter of Benjamin Howard, of the distinguished Howard family
of Kentucky. Of this union nine children were born, of whom Judge
Tolson was the eldest, and he was born in Madison county, Kentucky,
January 10, 1816. In the fall of 1819 the family came to Missouri
and settled in Howard county, where they made their permanent
home, and here John Tolson died January 9, 1870, his wife having
preceded him in death eight years — September 6, 1862. Speaking of
the lives they led, it has been said of them : " They both lived and
died in the fellowship of the Baptist church. They lived peaceable
and exemplary lives, and an old pioneer said of Mr. Tolson, that
'he was the best man he had ever known.' " Benjamin H. was reared
on his father's farm and remained with the family until 1835. Hav-
ing in the meantime acquired a good practical education, he engaged
in school teaching, which he followed until 1842. However, after his
first school, he attended the university at Columbia in order to pre-
pare himself the more thoroughly for his profession. Teaching agaiii
for a time in this state, he then went to Kentucky and taught three
terms near Boonsboro, in that state. Returning in 1842, he was
thereupon married to Miss Eliza J., daughter of David R. Downing,
an early settler of the county. He then bought a part of his father's
old homestead and settled down to farming, in which he has since
continued. In 1859 he moved to his present farm. He owns a hand-
416 HISTOKT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
some place of 485 acres, all well improved ; and besides this, he has
another body of land of 1,062 acres in Randolph county, Missouri.
Prior to the war he owned twenty-two slaves, and notwithstanding he
lost those and a great deal of other property, be is still regarded as
one of the wealthy farmers of Howard county. In the spring of 1858
he was elected justice of the peace, which position he filled for six-
teen years, and in the fall of 1874 was elected to the office of county
judge, and has proved himself an able and efficient member of that
body. Judge Tolson has been three times married. By his first
wife he had two sons, John and Joseph. By his second, formerly
Miss Sarah F., daughter of Wm, B. Gibbs, he had two daughters:
Bettie, the wife of James Gibbs, and Anna. His present wife was
formerly Miss Lo Manion, daughter of John O. Manion, of Ken-
tucky, and late of this county He and his wife are both members of
the Christian church, with which they have been connected for many
years.
JOHN D. TOLSON.
Notwithstanding one's opportunities in life may not be unfavor-
able, opportunities will not bring success unless united with the qual-
ities which enable him to win it even in the face of difficulties. That
Mr. Tolson's career as a business man has been characterized by
marked success, is perhaps not entirely undue to the fact that he was
not without a nucleus of means with which to begin business, yet he
undoubtedly owes more to his own exertions for what he has accom-
plished than to any other cause. Though comparatively a young man,
he already occupies a prominent position among the business men of
the county. John D. Tolson, the elder of two sous, born to Judge
Benjamin H. Tolson and his first wife, Eliza Downing Tolson, was
born in this county December 10, 1843, and was educated in the com-
mon schools of the county, having also the advantage of a course at
Central college ; but as the war broke out in 1861, thus necessitating
the closing of that institution, he was prevented from completing his
education there as he bad expected to do. After the conclusion of
the war he engaged, in September, 1865, in the dry goods business as
the leading partner in the firm of J. D. Tolson & Co. Two years
later the firm became Tolson, Pankey & Crews, and two years later
still, in 1865, he retired from business entirely and thereupon engaged
in farming. Continuing farming until 1874, he then embarked again in
merchandising, dealing mainly in hardware, but shortly afterwards
added a stock of groceries, his brother becoming his partner for a time,
and then retiring. In 1877 he disposed of the grocery branch of his
trade, but continued in business, dealing in farming implements and
machinery. In 1883 Mr. Tolson consolidated his farming implements
and machinery business with the grocery, grain, etc., house of Boughner
<fc Hughes, Mr. Hughes retiring and Mr. Smith taking his place, the
new firm being styled, Boughner, Tolson & Smith, as given before.
Few houses, if any, in Howard county do a business equal in niagni-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 417
tude to the trade of this establishment, and its popularity and influ-
ence is rapidly increasing. Mr. Tolson was married October 5, 1869,
to Miss Kate Crigler, daughter of Lewis Crigler, an old pioneer of
the county, and they have four children : Lewis C, Josephine H.,
John D. and Irving. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F.
JOSEPH TOLSON,
although a comparatively young man, has had a somewhat varied ex-
perience in business, and the fact that he now has one of the largest
and best farms in the county, well improved and well stocked, is proof
conclusive that his career has not been a disastrous one. He, also, is
a son of Judge Tolson, and was born in this county January 22, 1850.
He was brought up on his father's farm, but in his youth had the ad-
vantage of the common schools, and of a course at Central college,
which latter institution he attended during the terms of 1867 and 1868.
After his course at college he returned to the farm where he remained
four years, but in 1872 engaged In the drug business in Fayette, con-
tinuing in this but one year ; he then with his brother, John D. Tolson,
engaged in the grocery and hardware trade under the firm name of
Tolson Bros. Retiring from this firm two years afterwards, in 1875
he formed a partnership with Solon Smith in the stock business, and
this he followed for four years. He then retired from the stock trade
and resumed farming, in which he is now engaged. He was married
July 31, 1873, to Miss Shanie Page, a young lady of this county.
She died March 22, 1874. He was married again January 10, 1881,
to Miss Laura F. Payne, a daughter of R. J. Payne, a citizen of
Howard county. They have one child, Joe S. Mr. Tolson is a
member of the Masonic order. His wife is a member of the Baptist
church.
GEORGE B. TOLSON,
brother of Judge Tolson, of Howard county, and one of the responsi-
ble and substantial citizens of the county, is a farmer by occupa-
tion and owns a place in section 17, near Fayette, of 160
acres. Mr. Tolson was born in this county, September 1, 1831,
and was here reared and educated. In 1852 he went to Grundy
county, this state, and engaged in school teaching, which he followed
until 1855. Returning then to this county he gave his attention to
farming, continuing that occupation until 1861, when he enlisted in
the Richmond Grays under Captain John B. Clark, Jr., afterwards
General Clark. Eight months after his enlistment the company re-
organized and was then known as company B, second battalion, in
which he continued. During the last two years of his service in the
army he was adjutant of the 9th Missouri regiment, which position
he filled until the final surrender at Shreveport, La., in June, 1865.
Returning home at the conclusion of the war he resumed farming. In
1869 — November 26 — he was married to Miss Mattie, daughter of B.
418 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
G. Enibree, a native of Kentucky, but also an old settler of Howard
county. Mr. Tolson has four children — Rosalee, Mary K., Pearle
and John B. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order. In
1878, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and re-elected
in 1882.
CHAELES J. WALDEN.
When nine years of age, Mr. Walden was left an orphan by the
death of his father in California, in 1851. Aside from the sympathy
and encouragement a devoted mother gave, he has had but little help
from others to make his way through life. What he has accom-
plished, therefore, he owes mainly to his own exertions — is a monu-
ment to his own worth as a man. And the story of much of his life
is a record of struggles amidst difficulties to rise in the world, result-
ing, just as the meridian is approached, in a reasonable degree of
success. Charles J. Walden was born in Carroll county, Mo., October
27, 1842. In 1852 he came to Howard county with his mother and her
family of seven children, his father having died in California in 1851.
In the spring of 1853, he was apprenticed to the printer's trade and
entered the office of which he is now the proprietor, the paper then
being known as the Howard county Banner. Having served an ap-
prenticeship of more than four years, he went to school in Central
college one term, after which he returned to the farm, working during
the summer and attending country school during the winter months,
until the spring of 1861. When the civil war broke out he enlisted
in General J. B. Clark's company, known as the Richmond Grays.
The greater part of the four years' struggle was spent in the army,
the last service being in the trans-Mississippi department, under
General J. O. Shelby. On the 13th of June, 1865, with about 1,300
survivors of the "lost cause," he stacked arms at Shreveport, La.,
and took the oath of allegiance and turned his face homeward to old
Howard. On his arrival home he found things in aji unsettled condi-
tion, owing to the adoption of what is called the "Drake constitu-
tion," which disfranchised a large portion of the white male popula-
tion of the state. He went to Illinois, and after remaining there only
a short time, returned to Missouri, stopping at Hannibal a few months.
From there he went to Huntsville and from there to Glasgow in the
spring of 1867. He continued to reside at Glasgow until October,
1872, when he bought the Advertiser office at sheriff's sale and re-
turned to the home of his boyhood days. He was united in marriage
to Miss Bettie Holloway, at Glasgow, Mo., on the 12th of January,
1862, and to them have been born nine children, six of whom are now
living — Wilber A., Jennie M., Jessie B., Freddie H., Homer and
Charlie.
DR. JAMES J. WATTS,
though not one of the earlier settlers here, is nevertheless one of the
older practitioners of Howard county. He came to Fayette in 1859,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 419
and has been in active practice in this county every since — a period
closely approaching twenty-five years. His father, William Watts,
and mother, Mary B. Smith, were natives of Virginia, and there mar-
ried and reared their family. Dr. James J., the subject of this
sketch, and the youngest of five children, was born in Madison
county, of that state, October 2, 1818, and was educated in his native
county. In 1836 he began the study of medicine with Drs. Blakey &
Thrift, of Orange county, Virginia, which he continued uutil 1837,
when he came out with his father's family to Missouri and here set-
tled in Eandolph county. Kesuming his medical studies in this state
uuder his brother, Dr. Wm. B. Watts', which he continued until 1839,
he then entered the medical department of the university of Louis-
ville, Kentucky, where he remained as a student until 1840. On his
return to Eandolph county, after his course at the medical school, he
began the active practice of medicine at Huntsville, which he con-
tinued until 1847. In that year he returned to the medical school at
Louisville, where he graduated in 1848. Then resuming his practice
in Randolph county, he continued it without interruption until 1859,
when, as has been observed, he came to Fayette — practising, how-
ever, for the six years preceding his removal to this city in the south-
ern part of Randolph county. He was married March 31, 1840, to
Miss Martha W. Lewis, a lady of excellent attainments. They have
had eleven children, eight now living. — William H., Charles W., Mary
E. (now dead), James J., Agnes W., Millard F., Laura H., Katie J.
and Gertrude L. Dr. Watts is a member of the M. E. church south,
and aside from being a successful and capable practitioner, which his
forty years' experience sufficiently attest, is regarded as an honorable
and upright man.
HAMPTON B. WATTS,
the popular and efficient county assessor, was born in Howard county,
Missouri, January 14, 1848. His father, Benjamin Watts, who came
here in 1835 from Clark county, Kentucky, made this county his
home Until 1856, when he was killed by an elk on the present site of
Fayette. Hampton has lived here all during life, with the exception
of four years, which he spent in Texas. September 12, 1868, he was
married to Miss Mary J. Morton, who was born in Clark county,
Kentucky, January 20, 1847. They have had six children, four of
whom are now living — Evelyn M., William W., Hampton M. and
Benjamin W. Mrs. Watts is a member of the Christian church. Mr.
W. has an excellent farm of 200 acres, located about one mile from
Fayette.
GEORGE H. WILCOXSON
is one of the most successful farmers of Howard county, and he is a
descendant of one of its pioneer citizeus, Isaac Wilcoxson, a man who
possessed all the sterling qualities of a hardy, brave and successful
420 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
pioneer. Isaac Wilcoxson, the grandfather of George H., immigrated
to this county from Mercer county, Kentucky, with his family, in the
year 1818. He died here the 8th of November, 1826. The land on
which he settled, and of which he made his farm, he bought under the
so-called "land sales" regulation, for which he paid $8 per acre,
even in that early day. It was regarded as one of the best bodies of
land in the county. Joseph Wilcoxson, his son and the father of
George H., was but eleven years old when the family came to Mis-
souri, having been born in Mercer county, Kentucky, March 30,
1807. He died, also, in this county, where he had spent his whole
life since boyhood, September 9, 1856. He was one of the leading
farmers and prominent citizens of the county. Public-spirited and a
friend to education, he not only saw to it that his own children had
the advantages of good schools, biit he exerted himself actively for
the general maintenance of common schools in the county. George
H. Wilcoxson, born in Howard county, Missouri, November 12, 1835,
was reared on his father's farm, and there formed a taste for the oc-
cupation of farming which led him to adopt that calling as his em-
ployment in life. However, during his youth he was given a good
education, which he anxiously sought, having taken the course of the.
common schools and also attended Central college. He remained on
his father's farm until twenty-two years of age, and in 1857 settled oil
the place where he now lives. He has a splendid farm of 565 acres,
and the improvements are of a very superior class. The esteem in
which his grandfather and his father were held by those around them
has descended to the son undiminished. He was married February
24, 1864, to Miss Sallie Richardson, daughter of James Richardson,
of this county. They have three children : Laura B., Hattie M. and
Anna.
R. P. WILLIAMS.
In 1835 there came to Howard county a comparatively young
man, who subsequently became one of its most worthy citizens and suc-
cessful farmers, and whose descendants have since become promi-
nently identified with the business and public affairs of the county and
state. Francis Epps Williams, the father of R. P., came of excellent
Virginia parentage. His father, Thomas Roper Williams, was a man
of sterling worth, one of the most successful farmers and highly re-
spected citizens of Campbell county, Virginia, His mother, form-
erly Miss Elizabeth Cross, of the well-known Cross family of that
state, was a lady of amiable qualities and withal superior intelligence
and culture. Francis Epps Williams was born in 1801. In youth
he acquired a good practical education. When thirty-four years
of age he came to Missouri and settled in Howard county. He after-
wards became the owner of the Governor Jackson farm, near Fayette,
and prior to the late war was one of the wealthy men of the county.
He was a man of strong, clear intelligence, energetic and industrious
almost to a fault, a good manager, conducting his farm on business
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 421
principles, yet open-hearted, hospitable and kind in that bounteous
spirit, characteristic of the typical old-fashioned Virginia gentleman.
He was a man Who had no tastes for public life and was free from all
political ambitiou, perferring rather the quiet and pleasures of fcorne
and the society of neighbors and personal friends. Thus in compar-
ative retirement, and with modest worth, he lived out a long and useful
life, and died regretted by all who knew him, leaving a name that is an
honor to his descendants, an inheritance they have not proven un-
worthy to receive. In early manhood he was married to Miss Mar-
tha A. Talbot, of his native state, a lady worthy in every sense to
have been the wife of the true-hearted sterling man that he was, and
of this union four sons and two daughters were reared to majority,
viz. : Martha A. , the widow of the late R. T. Prewitt ; Colonel John
F. Williams, insurance commissioner of this state ; Maria G., wife of
Judge Henry, of the supreme court; R. P., of Fayette ; W. T.,
now deceased ; and Frank and Earnest, twins. Mrs. Williams now
finds a pleasant home in the family of her son, R. P. R. P. Wil-
liams, the second son, now a banker of Fayette, has always lived in
this county, and his life is so intimately interwoven with business
affairs and interests of the county that this volume, in a biographical
point of view, would hardly be complete without an outline, at least,
of his career. Mr. Williams was born in Howard county Missouri,
on the 8th of September, 1841, and was educated in the schools of
the county and in the state university. In 1866 he engaged in
merchandising in Fayette, which he followed until 1871, when the
Fayette bank was organized. Of this institution he was assistant
cashier. This position he held until 1878, when he and Mr. Payne
purchased the bank, of which he is still one of the principal owners,
On the 31st of October, 1877, he was married to Miss Anna Overall,
of St. Charles county, and a granddaughter of one of the first set-
tlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have a family of two
children — Jenet and Adele.
JOHN D. WISELY,
The Wisely family came originally from Pennsylvania, Daniel
Wisely, the grandfather of John D., having lived in that state (then
a colony) before the revolution. He was a volunteer in the colonial
army during the war for independence, and served through the entire
struggle. After peace was restored he went to Wythe county, in
the State of Virginia, and settled there, where he reared his family,
and where Daniel, Jr., the father of John D., was born in 1796.
Daniel Wisely, Jr., was reared in his native county, and was there
married to Mary Straw, also of Virginia, of which union ten children
were born, and of these John D. was the fourth, having been born in
Wythe county, Va., December 1, 1820. In 1836 the family came to
Missouri and settled in Howard county and here the parents died ; the
father, July 18, 1868, and the mother, November 4, 1872. John D.
was brought up to the occupation of a farmer and this he has ever
422 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
since followed, although for a number of years he was engaged in
milling, but in connection with his farming interests. His milling ex-
perience extended from the spring of 1860 up to about the middle of
1877^ having run a mill on his place during that time. In 1877, he
disposed of his milling interest and again turned his whole attention
to farming. In 1879, he moved on the farm on which he now lives —
a body of laud of 590 acres. In 1865 he was married — January
26 — to Miss Frances A. Pulliam, of this county, and they have six
children — John D., Jr., Luella, Mary, Minnie, Hattie and an infant.
JULIUS C. WITHEES,
drugs, paints, oils, books, etc. The interest of a father in the wel-
fare of his son is a blessing that Mr. Withers never knew, his father
having died a few weeks before the son's birth. His father, whose
name also was Julius C, was a native of Kentucky and came from
Danville, in that state, and settled in this county early in youth.
Having attained to manhood here, he married Miss Mary F. Wil-
liams, of this county, and subsequently, in August, 1851, died, his
wife surviving him. Of this union, Julius C, the subject of this
sketch, was born, September 5, 1851. When in his tenth year he
obtained a situation as clerk in the drug store of Dr. Hawkins, in
Glasgow, this county, in which he continued until 1863. After this,
having taken a course in the common schools, he entered Central col-
lege, at Fayette, and there acquired a more advanced education.
Thus equipped from the schools, and with a practical knowledge of
pharmacy, in 1875, he formed a partnership with Mr. H. Miller and
engaged in the drug business in Fayette. At the expiration of a year,
Mr. Miller withdrew and Mr. Withers continued the business alone
until 1879. He then disposed of his interest, selling to Messrs. Dud-
geon & Smith, and engaged in farming. Discontinuing farming in
1882, he established his present business, in which he has been very
successful. He was married, August 6, 1876, to Miss Emma C. Tin-
dall, daughter of Thomas Tindall,' of this county, and they have two
children — Alice and Mary. Mr. Withers is a member of the Baptist
church. What he has accomplished in life he owes almost wholly to
his own exertions.
ROLAND E. WITT
settled on the farm where he now lives in 1873. Prior to that he had
been engaged in various occupations and had been reasonably suc-
cessful in all. He acquired a good education in his youth, and at the
age of twenty he was well qualified to enter upon the duties of school
teaching. He taught school two years, from 1858 to 1860, inclusive,
and was very successful as a teacher. In 1860, he engaged in the saw
and grist-mill business in Carroll and Chariton counties which he fol-
lowed four years. He was then offered a position as clerk in the com-
mission house of Keller, Austin & Co., St. Louis, which he accepted,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 423
and which he filled one year. At the expiration of that time he en-
gaged as a salesman, first with Witt, Sloan & Co., and afterwards with
Scott, Collins & Co., continuing with the two firms in all three years.
From St. Louis, in 1868, he went to Audrian county, where he gave his
attention to farming, following that until 1873. He then returned to
Howard county, where he had been principally reared, and settled on
the farm on which he now lives. He has a handsome place of 250
acres in an excellent state of cultivation and improvement. Mr. Witt
is a native of Nelson county, Virginia, and was born December 1,
1838. His parents were also natives of the same county. His father,
David H. Witt, was born April 3,1817. When quite a young man,
he (D. H.) was married in his native county to Miss Jane M. Bates,
and by this union they reared four children, Koland E. being the
eldest. In 1844 the family came to Missouri, and for a short time
stopped in Saline county, and then came on to Howard county, where
they settled. The father died January 20, 1877. Roland E. was
but six years old when his father's family came to this state. He was
married October 30, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Collins, a native of Nel-
son county, Virginia, and they have nine children, John C, Jane B.,
Sarah E., Mary I., Stella F., David H., Maggie, Mariam and Leta.
Mr. Witt is a member of the Masonic order, and both as a Mason and
a citizen he is without reproach.
JOHN A. WOODS
was the seventh of nine children, the family of Larkin K. and his
wife Mary, whose maiden name was Hocker. Larkin K. Woods was
a native of Kentucky and was born in that state in 1803. In 1816 he
was brought with his father's family to Howard county, where he was
reared and lived until his death, which occurred February 14, 1866.
John A. was born in this county August 26, 1844, and was
brought up on his father's farm, where he lived until 1867. He
then settled on his present farm, which now consists of 210 acres.
On the 4th of April, 1866, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Martha J.,
daughter of Boyd McCrary, an old settler of this county. They have
five children : Boyd, Tillie, Eva, Hattie and Mabel. Like most of the
young men in this part of the state during the war, Mr. Woods enlist-
ed in the Confederate army, with which he continued until the general
surrender. Being quite a youth, however, when the war broke out,
he did not enlist until 1864, then becoming a member of company E,
of General Clark's division. He surrendered at Alexandria in 1865.
JAMES H. WOODS.
That the pioneer days of Howard county have long since passed
away, is plainly manifest from the fact that so many of the active men
of the present day are the grandson's of those who cleared away the
forests and first made homes within its borders. Mr. Woods is one
of these, his father having been born in this county and having here
424 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
lived and died. Archie Woods, the grandfather of James, came to
Howard county among the first of its early settlers and here he made
his home and reared his family. Archie, Jr., his son, was the father of
the subject of this sketch, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss
Elizabeth Wilkerson, of this county. They had two children, James
H. being the elder. James was born in this county September 15,
1851. He was brought up on his father's farm and in youth was
given a good practical education in the common schools of his neigh-
borhood. He followed farming and stock dealing until 1875, when he
engaged in merchandising in Boonsboro. But after an experience of one
year in the mercantile business, in which he was reasonably successful,
he returned to his farm, where he has since lived. He has a place of 235
acres of well improved land, and on his own estate enjoys the compe-
tence and independence which his industry and good management
have brought him. The maiden name of his wife was Sallie L. Af-
flick, of Monroe county, Missouri. They were married February 1,
1883.
DR. URIEL S. WRIGHT,
who has been in practice in Fayette about twelve years, although com-
paratively a young man, has achieved marked success in his profes-
sion. He is now thirty-six years of" age, a native of Howard county,
and hence enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his youth. It is
to indite an eloquent testimonial to the vast service Central college has
been to the people of central Missouri to sketch the lives of the men
who have grown up here since it was established. Dr. Wright also
drank of this noble fountain of knowledge from which so many have
drawn, but which none have exhausted.
" On and on it flows,
Like the current of a gliding river."
He was born in Fayette, February 1, 1847, and was reared in this
county. Having received his education from Central college, in 1847
he went to Warsaw, Illinois, and there engaged in the drug business.
But, returning subsequently to Howard county, he engaged as clerk
in a drug store in Glasgow, in which he continued over two years,
studying medicine during the same time under Dr. Willhite, a prom-
inent physician of that place. The two years following, he attended
the regular terms of the St. Louis medical college, from which insti-
tution he was graduated in April, 1871. Immediately after his gradu-
ation he came back to Fayette, and here he has since practised with
satisfactory success. Dr. Wright is a member of the Baptist church;
and a prominent member of the Masonic order. He was married
September 24, 1873, to Miss Carrie Shafroth, a most excellent and
accomplished lady. They have a family of four children : Uriel S.
Jr., Anna L., Nannie L. and Katie L.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CHARITON TOWNSHIP.
KECTOE BARTON,
farmer and dealer in stock and tobacco, Glasgow. About eighteen
years of Mr. Barton's early life were devoted to mercantile pursuits,
but in 1869 he located on the farm where he now lives, and where he
has charge of a place of 1,100 acres devoted to grain and stock raising.
He was born in Linn county, Missouri, March 20, 1837. His father,
Wharton R. Barton, is an Ohioan by birth, having been born in that
state in March, 1809. When he (the father) was a small boy his
parents moved to Illinois, thence to St. Louis, and in that city he
grew to manhood. In St. Louis he had the advantages offered by
the schools of the city. Subsequently he came to this county, and in
1835 moved to Linn county, where he soon became one of the leading
farmers and citizens of the county, as he was one of its first settlers.
He was for a number of years sheriff, and, afterwards circuit clerk,
and held various other positions of public trust. Wharton R. Barton
has been twice married ; first to Miss Jane, daughter of Edward War-
ren, one of the early settlers of Howard county. She died in Linn
county in November, 1849, leaving six children. His second wife
was formerly Mrs. Elizabeth Lockridge of this county. Her family
name, before her first marriage, was Rooker. Mr. and Mrs. Barton
have six children living. Rector Barton, the subject of this sketch,
was born of his father's first marriage, and when his mother died in
1849, he was but twelve years of age. In his boyhood days, however,
he had attended school regularly, and, being of studious, industrious
habits, acquired the elements of an education, so that he was qualified
to begin as clerk in the mercantile business. Accordingly, he came
to Glasgow and obtained a position in a dry goods house, and con-
tinued clerking, with but one year's interval, until 1862, a period of
thirteen years. The following year, then being twenty-six years of
age, he began business on his own account, establishing a dry goods
store in Roanoke, in which, however, he continued but one year. In
1864 he went to New York, and in 1865 engaged in the tobacco and
dry goods business in Mason county, Kentucky, but in the fall of the
same year returned to Roanoke, this county, and resumed the dry
goods business there, in which he continued four years, and until
1869, when he located on the farm where he now lives. On the 20th
of May, 1860, he was married to Miss Sallie C. Savage, who was born
in Mason county, Kentucky, January 21, 1838. They have three
children, Oswald S., Maggie M. and Jennie W. Mr. and Mrs. B.
are members of the M. E. church south, and he is a member of Liv-
ingstone lodge No. 51, A. F. and A. M., and also of the A. O. U. W.
426 history or Howard and cooper counties.
JOHN V. BASTIN,
farmer. Mr. Bastin's parents, Richard and Mary (formerly a Miss
Roper) Bastin, were originally from Virginia, where they grew up
and married, but afterwards moved to Woodford county, Kentucky,
and there reared a family of four children. However, Richard Bastin
died in Kentucky before all the children were grown, in about the
year 1816, and four years afterwards the widow and her family came
to Missouri and settled in Howard county, where she subsequently
died at the advanced age of eighty-one. The children of this family
are, or were, as follows : Harriet, widow of the late Jackson Clark ;
John V. ; Jessie, died in this county in 1851 ; Mary, a widow of the
late Mr. Cash. John V. was born in Woodford county, Kentucky,
March 6, 1808, and was a boy twelve years of age when the family
came to this county. Two years afterwards he was apprenticed to
Price Prewitt, near Old Franklin, the place then being known as
Ft.' Hempstead, to learn the tanner's trade, with whom he served six
years, and then, being twenty years of age, went to work for himself.
He worked for wages the first two years after completing his appren-
ticeship and then engaged in the -tanning business on his own account,
in which he continued in this county twenty-three years. From the
tanning business he turned his attention to farming, commencing his
farm life in about 1841, which he has since continued. He now owns
a good farm of 400 acres. On the 15th of January, 1833, he was mar-
ried to Miss Ann A. Peery, daughter of Thomas Peery, originally of Vir-
ginia, but an early settler in this county from Kentucky. She was
born near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, October 12, 1816, and was one of
a. family of twelve children. Her father also reared three children by
his second marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bastin have had eleven children,
ten of whom lived to reach the age of maturity, but only four of them
are now living : Richard, Mary F., wife of Wm. Wilhoit ; Henrietta
and John E. Mrs. B., a venerable and motherly old lady, is still
living.
HON. THOMAS E. BIRCH,
banker. Mr. Birch is now cashier of the Glasgow Savings bank, and
is one of the oldest cashiers in the state, having held a position of
this kind for the last twenty-seven years, and being now sixty-eight
years of age. There is a volume of honorable worth implied in the
foregoing sentence, but of the living it is not always meet to speak
in words of praise ; hence we pass in silence by the character of the
man. He was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, November 24,
1815. Four years afterwards his father emigrated from the Old Do-
minion to Kentucky, and in 1830 Mr. Birch came to Howard county,
Missouri, where he has since continued to live except for an intermis-
sion of thirteen years — from 1843 to 1856 — during which he resided
in Plattsburg, Clinton county, this state. While a resident of Clinton
county he was register of the United States land office at Plattsburg,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 427
and represented that county in the legislature in 1848-49. Here-
turned to Glasgow in May, 1856, since which he has been contin-
uously engaged in banking in this city. He was, in the first place,
cashier of the branch of the "Western bank of Missouri, and so con-
tinued until the expiration of its charter. Then, in association with
John Harrison and Richard Earickson, he organized the banking
house of Birch, Earickson & Co., and after this firm closed out in
1871, the Glasgow Savings bank was organized, of which he has since
been cashier. In May, 1841, he was married to Miss Eliza, daughter
of Colonel Morrow, and his companion still survives to brighten his
home and life.
RICHARD THOMPSON BOND,
professor of mathematics in Pritchett Institute, was born in Hollidays-
burg, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1838. His father, Rev. Richard
Bond, M. D., was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, and his
mother, Eliza Ann Thompson, in Westmoreland county, Virginia.
His parents moved to Missouri in 1840, and in 1841 settled in Dan-
ville, the county seat of Montgomery county. There he attended a
select school, taught by Rev. C. W. Pritchett, during several years,
and afterwards attended Central college, located at Fayette, Missouri.
During the next ten years he was occupied in teaching, farming,
merchandising, mining, freighting or travelling. He made three trips
from New York city to San Francisco by water, two via Panama, and
one via Nicarangua ; also numerous trips overland to Denver, Santa
Fe, Boise City and Oregon, before there was any Pacific railroad. In
February, 1867, he came here and settled down, married Miss
Hannah Mcllhany in Callaway county, and the next fall came to
Glasgow to teach in Pritchett School Institute, where he has been
ever since as teacher or president, save four years spent in St. Louis
teaching mathematics in Washington university.
JUDGE JOHN BOTTS.
Judge Botts comes of an ancestry of brave-hearted pioneers
and soldiers, who have shown the hearty manhood to help clear away
the forests and build up states, and the moral courage to defend them.
The founder of the family in this country came to America in the
early days of the colonies. The judge's grandfather, Joshua Botts,
was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and followed the meteor
like flag of the infant Republic until it moved in triumph from north
to south. He afterwards became a pioneer settler of Tennessee and
reared a large family. He lived to the advanced age of 106 years and
finally died in Linn county. The judge's father, Thomas Botts, who was
a soldier in the war of 1812, tore himself away from her whom he
had just made his wife, and volunteered for the defence of his country.
When the storm of the war had passed he became the first settler in
the northern part of the county, at a time when his only neighbors
428 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were the knights of the torch and the tomahawk. He lived here
many years and was a successful farmer and became very wealthy.
His wife, formerly Miss Martha Wilson, daughter of Eobert Wilson,
was a woman worthy to be the wife of a soldier, pioneer and noble-
hearted man. They had nine children, six of whom are now living :
Joshua, Seth and Thomas, of Linn county ; Judge Botts, of this
county; Mrs. Susan Eyan, of Livingston county; and Mrs. Ann Mul-
lins, of Colorado. About 1834, the family moved to Linn county,
where the father died about 1852 and the mother about 1875. Judge
Botts was little more than a year old when his parents settled in
this county in 1816. He grew up here and was married in 1835, Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of William Harvey, becoming his wife. They
were both quite young, the groom being only twenty and the bride
fourteen, but their married life has been a happy one, and has been
blessed with ten children, seven of whom are living : Louisa A., the
wife of Dr. J. K. Sands, of Salisbury ; William M., of Linn county ;
John D., Fanny, the wife of Dr. Worthiugton Morehead, and Misses
Ella, Mary E., Nora B. and Emma B., all of this county. A year
after his marriage, Judge B., moved to Linn county, and there lived
until sixteen years ago, when he returned to this county. , The quali-
ties in a family that make pioneers and soldiers in early and troublous
times, in times of peace and in an advanced state of society, make pros-
perous, progressive citizens, leaders and representative men in their
respective localities. Judge Botts became one of the largest and
wealthiest farmers of Linn county, his farm numbering over 1,300
acres, and he was one of the leading citizens of the county. For
thirty years -he was a member of the county court, and two years
later he was an able and popular representative of the people in the
state legislature. In 1867, he returned to Howard county to spend
the golden evening of his life under the vine and fig tree he had plant-
ed in the radiant morning. Here he has an elegant home supplied
with every comfort.
" How blest is he who crowns in shades like these,
A youth of labor with an age of ease."
JOHN H. BOWEN,
of Bo wen & Kuffel, editors and proprietors of the Central Missou-
rian. Among the young members of the press of Missouri, who, by
reason of their ability and personal worth, give every promise of a
prominent and useful future, is the young gentleman whose name
heads this sketch, now one of the editors and proprietors of the Cen-
tral Missourian. He is a native of Indiana and was born in Madison,
of that state, April 4, 1854. When a lad five years of age he was
brought to this state by his parents, who immigrated to Missouri in
1859. In boyhood and early youth he had the advantages afforded
by the local schools, and being of a quick, ready mind and of studi-
ous habits he acquired at an early age the practical essentials of a
good common school education. Quitting school while still a youth
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 429
he entered the printing office of Colonel L. J. Easton, editor and pro-
prietor of the Glasgow Journal, under whom he learned the art pre-
servative of arts and also acquired a practical knowledge of the busi-
ness management of a paper. Determined to get the full benefit of
his opportunities in the Journal office, he occupied his spare time with
writing for that paper, first for the local columns, and then when the
wings of his Pegasus had become sufficiently enfledged he contrib-
uted liberally to the editorial department. Thus when the year 1877
dawned upon the world he was well qualified to take charge of a
paper, and strict economy in his expenditures had put him in a situa-
tion to purchase an office as soon as a desirable one offered. Accord-
ingly, when the Salisbury Press was oifered for sale he became its pur-
chaser and conducted it until 1878, when he sold out to advantage
and went to St. Louis. During the fall of the following year he
bought a half interest in the Central Missourian at Glasgow, becoming
an associate with Mr. Ruflel in editing and conducting the paper. Mr.
Boweh is a terse, vigorous writer, independent and fearless in all he
says and does, a bold defender of the right as he honestly sees it,
and a bitter, merciless antagonist to wrong wherever it shows its head.
He possesses to more than an ordinary degree the stronger and better
qualities of a journalist. Several years ago Mr. Bowen was married
to Miss Mary Ruffel, of Glasgow. They have two interesting children,
Raymond and Irene. Mr. B.'s parents, Thomas H. and Martha
Bowen, were married in Madison, Ohio, where his mother was born and
reared. His father, however, is a native of Pennsylvania.
C. R. BROWN,
farmer and stock raiser. Although Mr. Brown is still comparatively
a young man, he is one of the prominent farmers and stock raisers of
the county. He has a fine farm of 380 acres, and has it well im-
proved and well stocked. He raises stock, principally cattle and
hogs, for the regular markets, and has been very successful in this
line of business. His father, Samuel H. Brown, was a native of Mad-
ison county, Kentucky, but was brought by his parents to this county
when but four years jof age: His parents, James and Anna B. Brown
(formerly a Miss Clark), came to Howard county in 1815, and made
this their home until their deaths. Samuel H. grew up on his father's
farm, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss Mary S. Givens,
originally from Virginia. C. R. Brown, the subject of this sketch,
was the third of a family of eight children resulting from this mar-
riage, and was born on the 10th of September, 1845. He was edu-
cated in the schools of this county, principally the schools of Fayette,
and afterwards chose farming as his occupation for life. When Price's
army returned to this state, in 1864, he was then nineteen years of
age, and enlisted in the Confederate service, in which he continued
until the close of the war. Returning home in 1865, he began farm-
ing on his own account, and has since proved himself an enterprising',
successful farmer and an intelligent, useful citizen. In 1871 he was
29
430 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
married to Miss Belle, daughter of Colonel James Eichardson, of
Eandolph county, Missouri. They have four children — James, Anna,
Charles and Mary. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic order.
COL. GEORGE W. CASON
was born in Howard county, Missouri, May 2, 1841, and was reared
and educated in this county. Farming has always been his pursuit in life,
and he now has a landed estate of 400 acres, all in a good state of im-
provement. In May, 1861, he became a member of the state militia,
or state guards, under General Price, and remained in service for about
three years, leaving the army at Memphis, Tennessee, on account of
disability, resulting from sickness and wounds. Entering as sergeant,
he was promoted to major, and then, in the spring of 1863, to
colonel of the 1st regiment of the 3d division, Missouri state troops.
After returning home he was married, March 26, 1865, to Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of James Howell, also originally from Tennessee,
who came to this state by way of Kentucky, settling in Howard
county in 1816. At that time the country was inhabited mostly by
wild beasts, and Mr. Howell, being an excellent marksman, was de-
tailed to procure meat for a colony of twelve families, in return for
which his crops would secure attention and be raised. This was long
before a tree was cut down upon the present site of Fayette. During
the visit of the first steamboat up the Missouri river, Mr. H., with
others, took 500 pounds of bear meat to the landing at Old Franklin
and exchanged it for hog bacon — the first they had had for over
three years. Mr. and Mrs. Cason now have two children — Vinnie
and Willie — having buried seven children since their marriage.
George Cason, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Spottsylvania county, Virginia, March 2, 1793. He was married in
1820 or 1821 to Miss Maria E. Partlow, and in the fall of 1831 re-
moved to Missouri. Here they resided until his death — December
23, 1877. They had a family of thirteen children, twelve of whom
reached maturity, but only three survive him. George Cason was a
soldier in the war of 1812, and served through the entire struggle.
He was a large property-holder in this county, at one time owning
1,000 acres of land, which he deeded to his children as they became
of age. He owned one of the first flour and corn mills in the county,
this being utilized by people ten to twelve miles around. By trade he
was a millwright. For forty-four years he lived on one place. He
was a zealous member of the Baptist church, and was beloved by all.
His widow, who was born February 11, 1806, lives at the old home-
stead, and though seven years past three-score years and ten, is still
sound in mind and body.
THOMAS A. CASON,
farmer, is the son of George and Maria Cason, who came to Howard
county from Virginia in 1836. The father died in 1877, but Mrs.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 431
Cason, whose maiden name was Partlow, still lives in this county.
Thomas A. was born seven years after his parents came to Missouri,
September 15, 1843, and was reared on his father's farm. In 1864 he
entered the Confederate army under General Price, during the raid
into this state, and served until about six months previous to the close
of the war, when he was captured and remained in prison for some
time. Two years after the war, in 1867, he was married to Miss
Lavinia F., daughter of Captain William E. Warden, of this county.
They have four children — William E., Ben Carr, Iva H. and Oren
W., the baby. They are both members of the Christian church. Mr.
Cason owns a large farm, upon which he and his father-in-law are en-
gaged in farming.
JUDGE H. CLAY COCKEEILL.
H. Clay Cockerill was born in Eichmond, Eay county, Missouri,
December 5, 1831. His father, Dr. T. N. Cockerill, being one of the
original proprietors of the city of Glasgow, the family moved to this
county in 1836. He was sent by his father to Howard high school, in
Fayette, Missouri, in 1845, and from there he went, in 1848, to Mis-
souri university, where he graduated in 1852. He then graduated
from Harvard college law department in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
and in 1853 moved to Platte City, Missouri. There he held succes-
sively the offices of police justice, school commissioner, deputy
county clerk, probate clerk and probate judge. He was married,
May 3, 1855, to Lalla E., daughter of Judge William B, Almond.
He was all through the Kansas troubles, taking part on the pro-
slavery side of the so-called "border ruffian" war. He moved
with his family to Glasgow in the fall of 1861, where he has since
lived. After the death of his first wife he married her sister, in
1866. In the fall of that year he was elected representative from
Howard county, and served two winters as a democrat in the leg-
islature. From 1861 till the close of the war he was major and
adjutant-general under General Thomas J. Bartholow, who command-
ed this district of Missouri during the rebellion. He has, of late
years, retired from active pursuits, and is at present living upon his
farm, near Glasgow.
HON. H. W. COCKEEILL,
editor and proprietor of the Glasgow Journal. Harry W. Cockerill,
son of Judge H. Clay Cockerill, was born in Platte City, Missouri,
March 10, 1856. He moved to Glasgow in the fall of 1861, receiving
the greater part of his early education at Pritchett school institute.
He graduated at Jones' commercial college in St. Louis in 1872. He
left Pritchett school institute in 1874 before completing the collegiate
course, and matriculated at Hamilton college, Clinton, New York,
entering the sophomore class. He received his diploma from this in-
stitution in 1877, and returned to Glasgow, Missouri, where he en-
432
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
gaged in the drug business as a member of the firm of Cockerill &
Swinney. Selling out in 1879, and moving to Arkansas, he became
principal of the Powhatan high school. Returning to Glasgow he was
examined before the circuit court and licensed as an attorney at law at
the December term of the court, 1880. He married April 24, 1881,
Rebecca, daughter of William F. Dunnica. He was nominated by the
democratic party, and duly elected representative from Howard
county in 1882, which office he now holds. He is at present editor and
proprietor of the Glasgow Journal.
DR. M. B. COLLINS.
Dr. Collins was born in Howard county in 1836 ; has been prac-
tising medicine in Glasgow over twenty-two years, and is one of the
leading physicians in the western part of the county. His parents,
James and Mildred Collins, his mother being formerly a Miss Johnson,
were originally from Virginia, but settled in this county at an early
day. Dr. Collins, whose mother died when he was an infant, lived
with his uncle, Jack Collins, till five years of Age, when he went to
Virginia to live with his grandfather, Colonel Valentine Johnson, of
Orange county. In 1851 he returned to Missouri, where he lived
with his uncle, M. B. Collins, and continued the prosecution of his
studies at Elm Ridge academy. In 1855, when nineteen years of age,
he resumed the study of medicine under Dr. Rucker, continuing it
afterward under I. P. Vaughan, and in 1860 graduated from the Jef-
ferson medical college, of Philadelphia, which he also attended after
his graduation. In 1861 he began the practice of medicine in Glas-
gow, which he has since continued. In his professional career he has
been successful, both as a physician and in situating himself comfort-
ably in life, notwithstanding that as to the latter particular he has
done a great deal of practice for which he never asked or expected
anything except the gratitude of those whom he benefited, which he
has not always received, and the consciousness of having done his
duty to suffering humanity. From the beginning he possessed the
four leading qualifications for a successful physician, industry, the
love of medicine as a science, a natural liking for its practice, and a
determination to go to the front in his profession. With these qual-
ifications he could hardly have failed to win the success he has. June
16, 1862, he was married to Miss J. D. Finks, an excellent and ac-
complished lady of this county. They have a family of three inter-
esting children, Mildred, May B. and Bruce B. The doctor and his
wife are both members of the Baptist church.
F. M. COLVIN,
farmer and stock raiser. Benjamin Colvin, the father of F. M., came
to this state from Virginia in early youth, and after reaching manhood
was married in Boone county, where he lived, to Miss Nancy J. Smith,
originally of Kentucky, but partly reared in this state. Mr. Colvin
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 433
died in 1845, leaving one child, F. M., who was born in Boone county,
Missouri, February 19, 1844. F. M. Colvin was educated in the
common schools, and on reaching the age when it became necessary
for him to adopt a calling, chose that of farming, to which he was
brought up and which he has since followed, including, in late
years, stock raising also. In 1864 he enlisted in company B, Elliott's
battalion, under General Shelby, in which he served until the close of
the war. Since the war he has made Howard county his home, and
his farm in this county numbers 380 acres of good land and is im-
proved in a substantial, serviceable manner. On the 15th of March,
1868, he was married to Mrs. Susan J. Hays, formerly a Miss Hume,
originally from Madison county, Kentucky. They have three children
living: Ludie, Cordell and Edgar, and one dead, Eebecca. Mr. and
Mrs. C. are members of the Christian church, and Mr. C, is also a
member of the I. O. O. F.
JOHN CRfGLER,
farmer. Mr. Crigler is another of the many old and substantial citi-
zens of Howard county who came from Madison county, Kentucky,
where he was born July 26, 1812. His parents were originally from
Madison county, Virginia. His father, whose name also was John,
was a native of Madison county, Virginia, where he was reared and
there married to Miss Sallie Hume. They reared a family of seven
children, John, the subject of this sketch, being one of their sons.
John, Jr., was reared and educated in his native state. Farming be-
came his permanent occupation which he has followed through life.
In 1840, on the 20th of October, he was married to Miss Gabriella
Farris, of Kentucky, born August 1, 1823. She died in October,
1866, and of this union six children survive — George C, Michael F.,
Joseph, William, Bethenia J. and Alice B. However, before his
wife's death in 1854, Mr. Crigler immigrated to this state with his
family, settling in Howard county, where he has since lived. He
owns a farm of 240 acres. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
JOHN P. CUNNINGHAM.
Among the leading, energetic and progressive business men of
Glasgow, is J. P. Cunningham, the present cashier of the Howard
county bank. He was born in this county May 31, 1844, and was
reared and educated in the county. His father, John Cunningham,
was a farmer by occupation and came to Howard county as early as
1817. He was a native of Virginia, but in an early day emigrated to
Kentucky, and afterwards came on to Missouri and settled in this
county. Here he was married to Miss Delina Padgett, a young lady
of Kentucky birth, and they reared a family of eight children of
whom John P., was the youngest. The names of the children were
as follows: William F., Thomas H., Hannah E., Enoch B., George
W., Henrietta F., Sidney B., and John P. Mr. Cunningham con-
434 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tinued farming here until 1850, when, the California gold excitement-
having broken out the year before, he, like thousands of other enter-
prising, resolute spirits, braved the dangers and hardships of an over-
land journey to the Midiasian fields of the far-oif Pacific coast.
Arrived at his destination, he survived his journey but a short time,
being cut off by death the following spring, in the very meridian of
life and the flower and vigor of manhood. Mrs. Cunningham, who
had thus been left a widow with a large family, continued to reside
at her old home where she and her husband had parted in 1850, for
the, last time in this life, and finally in 1873, she too crossed the
silent river to the unknown and echoless shore. Mrs. Cunningham's
children were brought up to habits of industry, and she instilled into
their minds the principles of integrity and morality that shown con-
spicuously in their father's life, and all of them were given good
practical educations in the ordinary schools of the times. In 1864,
John P., the subject of this sketch, having then reached the age of
early manhood, and being possessed in a large degree of his father's
spirit of enterprise, himself made a trip to California, and in the land
where his father sleeps : the
Sleep, that no pain shall wake,
Night, that no noon shall break,
Till joy shall overtake
His perfect oalm.
The memory of his father doubtless had much to do with his visiting
that country, the poetic, tender memory that a son cherishes of a
noble father. He remained in California and Nevada, engaged in
various lines of business until 1866, when he returned to his old home
in Howard county, and here he has since lived. For a number of
years after his return he was engaged in school teaching, for which he
was well qualified, and subsequently in 1871, he embarked in the
drug and grocery business, which he continued for four years. In
1875, he came to Glasgow, where he was appointed postmaster,
serving until 1882, when he was elected cashier of the Howard
county bank, the position he now holds. Mr. Cunningham is a
thorough business man, accommodating and polished in his manner,
and is popular with all who know him. He is a member of the
Livingston lodge, No. 51, A. F. and A. M.
GEORGE F. AND WILLIAM P. DAUTEL,
composing the firm of W. P. Dautel & Bro., stoves, tinware, queens-
ware, etc. These gentleman are sons of Christian and his wife Mary
Everback Dautel, who came to Glasgow in 1857. Their father was a
Pennsylvanian by birth, but their mother was a native of Ohio.
Christian Dautel was a tinner by trade, and lived in Philadelphia
some time after his marriage, where George F. was born February 3,
1852 ; William P. was born about three years afterwards, in Louis-
ville, Kentucky, June 13, 1855. On coming to Glasgow Mr. Dautel,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 435
the father, engaged in the tinner's business, and by industry and good
management gradually built up the flourishing establishment to which
his sons have since succeeded, and which they are so successfully
conducting. In 1876, the father retired from the business, and
William P. succeeded him. In March, 1883, George F. became his
partner, thus forming the present firm of W. P. Dautel & Bro. Both
sons were brought up to the tinner's trade in Glasgow, under their
father, and having also received good educations in youth from the
schools of this city they are, therefore, both well qualified for the
business to which they have succeeded. They are energetic, enter-
prizing business men, and are respected no less for their unquestioned
integrity than for their business ability. From 1872 to 1877, George
F. worked at his trade in St. Louis, and from that time until he
became a member of the present firm, worked in Salisbury, Missouri.
February 22, 1883, he was married to Miss Edmonia Hurt, a young
lady of Macon county, Missouri. William P. married June 8, 1879,
Miss Bertha Wagner becoming his wife. She died, however, in 1881,
leaving him one child — Florence. George F. is a member of the
I. O. O. F.
C. E. DENNY,
farmer. Mr. Denny, who has one of the finest and best improved
farms in Howard county, his residence ranking among the very finest
in the county, is a Howard county farmer by birth, education and
occupation, and one that the county has no reason to be ashamed
of. He has a splendid farm of 480 acres, well improved and
kept in a neat business-like /condition. His place is exception-
ally well adapted to stock raising, to which he gives considerable
attention, being abundantly supplied with water and thoroughly set
with grass, where not in cultivation. He was born in this county,
January 24, 1842, and was a son of James M. Denny, one of the
pioneer settlers of Howard county. James M. Denny was a native of
Kentucky, and was there married to Miss Elizabeth Best, whose
parents came originally from Tennessee. Of this union twelve chil-
dren have been reared to majority, C. E., the subject «f this sketch,
being the eleventh. In youth, C. E. attended the common schools of
his neighborhood, entered Mt. Pleasant college at the age of twenty-
one years, and received a good, practical education. On the 15th of
October, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary B.Enyart, who was born
in this county, January 30, 1850, and a daughter of Humphrey
Enyart, one of the pioneer settlers of Howard county, he coming with
his father, Silas Enyart, from Madison county, Kentucky in 1816.
His parents came originally from North Carolina.
THOMAS G. DIGGES,
druggist. Mr. Digges, son of the late Judge Digges, is the oldest drug-
gist in point of continuous business in Glasgow. Judge Digges was
436 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
himself in the drug business for many years and to this T. G. was
brought up, which he has followed almost without interruption since.
His present business was established in 1867, over sixteen years ago.
He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and enjoys a
lucrative and increasing trade. Mr. Digges was born in Callaway
county, Missouri, March 16, 1844. His father, and mother, Jane C,
were both natives of Virginia, but came to Missouri in 1837. They
first settled in Callaway county, but three years afterward came to
Glasgow, where both lived until their death. Judge Digges followed
the drug business for a long time and was one of the leading citizens
of the place. He was several times mayor of the city and was for a
number of vears a member of the county court. He died February
27, 1883. Mrs. Digges died in 1848. In 1876, Mr. Digges, the sub-
ject of this sketch, was married to Miss Bettie Shouse, a young lady
of Kentucky birth, and a most excellent and worthy lady. They
have three children, Ethel, Howard G., and Haydon. Mr. Digges is a
thorough druggist, an enterprising business man and a useful and
highly respected citizen.
DR. WILLIAM T. DRACE.
farmer and stock raiser. Dr. Drace is a physician and surgeon of
thorough education and ample experience, but on account of an unfor-
tunate affliction — partial deafness — he has been compelled to give
up the practice of his profession, and since 1869 has devoted his
attention exclusively to farming, in which he is now engaged,
including also stock raising. He came to this county from Franklin
county, Missouri, in 1882, and now has a neat farm of 208
acres. .His father, Silas Drace, was a native of Virginia, and came to
Missouri at an early day, and was here married to Sarah Osborn, also
originally of that state. Nine children of this union are now living,
including the Doctor, who was born March 16, 1839. The family
was reared in Franklin county, this state, and there William T. (the
Doctor) was educated. He studied medicine under Dr. Nally, of
Washington, in this county, and in 1864 was graduated from the St.
Louis Medical college. He then served as surgeon of the 43d Missouri
infantry and afterwards engaged in the general practice until 1869,
when he was compelled to retire, as above stated. He followed
farming in Franklin county successfully until he came to this county.
He was married January 28, 1868, to Miss Frankie Chiles, of his
native county. They have five children : Delia, William S., Pearl,
Frankie and Alvin. The Doctor and his wife are both members of
the M. E. church south.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN DUNNICA.
That intelligent industry and frugality, united with upright con-
duct, cannot fail to bring abundant success in life, is forcibly illustrated
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 437
by the career of W. F. Dunnica, one of the founders of the city of
Glasgow, and now a retired banker and an eminently respected citi-
zen of the place. He commenced his business career at the age of
seventeen, in 1824, as a clerk in a general store, and, practically,
without a dollar. In 1881, at the age of seventy-four, he retired
from all the active duties and cares of life — and could have retired
as well many years before — with an abundant competence for him-
self and those who are to succeed to his estate, and with a name
widely known in business and social life, and universally respected
wherever known. The sketch of such a career will repay careful pe-
rusal. William F. Dunnica was born in Woodford county, Ky., Sep-
tember 3, 1807. He is of Irish and German ancestry. His mother,
before her marriage, was a Miss Harper, a member of the well-known
family of the name in Kentucky. His grandfather, on his father's
side, came over from Ireland at an early day, and settled in Ken-
tucky. His father, William H., was a soldier under General Harri-
son, in the northwestern expedition, and was wounded in the battle
of Tippecanoe. Subsequently, he returned to Kentucky and organ-
ized a volunteer company, of which he was made captain. After the
conclusion of the troubles in the northwest (the fall of 1817), he
laid in a stock of goods, in Kentucky, suited to the pioneer trade of
the west, and, loading them into a keel-boat, brought them down the
Ohio, and up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to Cote Sans Des-
sien, an early French village in what is now Callaway county, where
he arrived in the spring of 1818, after a journey of the greatest diffi-
culty and hardships. Arrived at his destination, he opened his goods
within the pickets put up to protect the inhabitants against the In-
dians, and there commenced merchandising. Young Wm. F. accom-
panied his father on this trip. In such a school of enterprise and
hardships was he brought up. The father continued to merchandise
at Cote Sans Dessien until his death, which occurred in 1822. How-
ever, prior to that, he had brought his family out from Kentucky,
and, in the meantime, had also been engaged to some extent in surveying
and dealing in land. During his father's lifetime, in Cote Sans Dessien,
William F. attended the local schools of the village, and after his
father's death, returned to Kentucky, in order to have the advantages
afforded by more advanced schools. By close application and hard
study, in his native state, he soon acquired an excellent education,
and, in 1824, came back to the home of his adoption, in Missouri,
and at once began his active career in life, by entering as clerk for
Anson G. Bennett. In this position he continued until 1826, when
the question of the location of the state capital became an exciting
issue in public affairs. He then went to Jefferson City, and, in con-
junction with Calvin Gunn, established the Jeffersonian, the first paper
ever published in that place, in which the claims of the present capital
— for the location — were ably argued, and, as the result proved, with
great success. Eighteen months after he went Jefferson, he was
offered a clerkship in the state auditor's office, which he accepted and
retained until 1831. While engaged in this office, he transacted con-
438 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
siderable business as land agent, and, in this business, became ac-
quainted with many prominent men throughout the state. Among
the many with whom he had business relations was Mr. George Col-
lier, a leading citizen of St. Louis, who became interested in young
Dunnica, on account «f his well-known business qualifications and
his strict integrity and sobriety. Through Mr. Collier's influence,
he was appointed to a clerkship in the branch bank, at St. Louis, of
the United States bank. He held this position with great credit to
himself, and to the entire satisfaction of the oflicers of the bank, un-
til the United States bank act lapsed, by the veto of President Jack-
son, in 1833. On the dissolution of the bank, a copartnership was
formed between Messrs. Dunnica and Collier, in the mercantile busi-
ness, the house being located at Old Chariton, at the mouth of the
Chariton river, which was then a promising business point, the busi-
ness being conducted by Mr. Dunnica, who, for nearly twenty years
afterwards, engaged in various mercantile pursuits at Chariton and
Glasgow. However, in 1836, he, with thirteen others, bought the
land and laid off and established the town of Glasgow, where he now
lives. During this time, he also became largely interested in the to-
bacco business, with Mr. W. D. Swinuey. In 1858, a branch of the
Exchange bank, of St. Louis, was organized at Glasgow, by the
prominent citizens of the latter place, and Mr. Dunnica was, of course,
chosen one of its officers, and, afterwards, its cashier. In this posi-
tion he remained until the unsettled condition of the country, during
the war, necessitated the removal of the bank to St. Louis, which
was done in 1864. But, during the same year, he and Mr. Thomson
organized a private bank, under the firm name of Thomson & Dun-
nica, having also connections with other banks, which continued until
it was merged into the Howard county bank, of Glasgow, in 1877,
and in this Mr. D. became cashier, a position which he held until he
retired from business, in 1881. However, he is now a member of the
banking house of Cordell & Dunnica, but takes no active part in its
business. Aside from his private interests, Mr. D. has been an en-
terprising and public-spirited citizen, and has contributed very mate-
rially to the general prosperity of Glasgow and surrounding country.
He has never sought or desired office, although he has several times
been induced to accept minor official positions that did not interfere
with his business. His desire has been, so far as public affairs are
concerned, to make himself a useful factor in the material develop-
ment of the county with which he is identified. He has been twice
married: First, in 1836, to Miss Martha J., daughter of Judge
Shackelford, of Saline county. She died, in 1858, leaving him three
children — two sons and a daughter. He was again married, in 1860,
Miss Leona H., daughter of John Hardeman, becoming his second
wife. Three children also have been born of this union — all daugh-
ters. Mr. and Mrs. Dunnica are both members of the M. E. church
south.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 439
WILLIAM L. EARICKSON,
farmer. Except about five years, that Mr. Earickson was engaged in
mercantile pursuits, farming has thus far constituted his regular oc-
cupation in life. He now owns and lives on a farm of 200 acres
adjoining the old family homestead, where he was principally reared.
But in the meantime, like most men of an enterprising disposition,
he has looked for a better country and changed his residence to
another, only to return more satisfied to live in the neighborhood
where he was brought up than ever. He was born in Jefferson
county, Kentucky, May 10, 1816, and was the second of a family of
fourteen children. His father, Peregreen Earickson, was a native of
Maryland, but grew up in Kentucky, where his parents had. immi-
grated, and there married Miss Laranie Stucky, of that state. In
the spring of 1819 the family moved to Chariton county, Missouri,
and six years afterwards settled in Howard county, where the chil-
dren were reared. The father died in September, 1865, but Mrs.
Earickson preceded him in death about ten years. Six of the chil-
dren, including William L., are now living. He obtained a very good
ordinary education in his youth, and when a young man began clerking
in a dry goods and grocery store in 1838, whichhe continued in differ-
ent stores for about four years, and then began business on his own ac-
count. About this time, November 10, 1842, he was married, and a
year afterwards concluded to go on a farm. His wife was formerly
Miss Martha Dicken, born in Kentucky January 27, 1826, daughter
of Eichard Dicken. On quitting merchandising, in 1843, Mr. Earick-
son moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and followed farming there
for twenty-two years, and with excellent success. But even after so
long an absence, the memory of the old neighborhood of his boyhood
days, and —
" The land where his father died "
was not effaced from his mind, and accordingly he determined to re-
turn and settle as near the old homestead as he could. He became
the owner of the adjoining farm, and now he is spending the later
years of his life amidst the same scenes that cheered and brightened
the old age of his parents. He has an excellent place, well improved
and in a good state of cultivation, and is in every way comfortably
situated in life. Like his parents before him, he and his good wife
have been blessed with fourteen children, nine of whom are now living
and six are still at home — William W., Charles S., Emma B., John
H., Oliver, Lou., James A., Kirk and Nattie.
JACOB ESSIG,
proprietor of the Glasgow city mills. Mr. Essig was born in Ger-
many and was reared in that country and in Switzerland, but has been
a citizen of Glasgow for about seventeen years. He learned the mill-
ing business before coming to America, and learned it with that thor-
oughness required in every trade by European laws and customs.
440 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
After coming to this country he followed his trade for a number of
years, and afterwards for several years was engaged in the saloon
business, but in 1879 bought his present mill property, which he has
had greatly improved, supplying it with the latest roller process ma-
chinery, and otherwise reconstructing and refurnishing it. He now
justly claims to have one of the best mills in the country, and is doing
a large and increasing business. He was born May 27, 1835, and
from Germany, his native country, went to Switzerland, coming
thence to New York in 1866, and on to Glasgow, Missouri. He was
married July 9, 1873, to Miss Mary Geiger, a native of Germany, and
they have four children — Laura, Edwin, Tillie and Mary.
GEORGE R. ESTILL,
farmer and carpenter. Mr. Estill comes of the well known family of
that name, of Madison county, Kentucky, and, also of this county.
His father, Daniel Estill, was born in the first named county, October
1st, 1790, and his mother, formerly Miss Sallie Broaddus, was born
in the same county in 1800.. They were married in 1814, where they
continued to reside until 1834, when they immigrated to this state
with their family and settled in Chariton township, Howard county.
Of their marriage four sons are living — George R., Ibgan, Sidney
and Dudley, the last mentioned now a resident of Texas. The father
died in this county in 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-six years,
his wife preceding him to the grave in 1866. Robert R. Estill, the
subject of this sketch, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, April
2d, 1822, and was reared in his native county. When a young man
he learned the carpenter trade, which he has since followed in con-
nection with farming. March 20th, 1855, he was married to Miss
Susan M., daughter of Elder John Reed, for many years an able and
zealous minister of the Christian denomination, in Morrison county,
Missouri. For over forty years Mr. and Mrs. Estill have been earnest
and faithful members of that church.
ALEXANDER GRISHAM,
farmer. Fountane Grisham, the father of the subject of this sketch,
was a native of Kentucky, and on reaching manhood married in that
state, Miss Elizabeth Campbell becoming his wife. After his mar-
riage, he emigrated with his family to Shelby county, Indiana, where
he lived a number of years and where Alexander was born, April
13th, 1829, being one of a family of seven children, only two of
whom are now living. In 1836 the family came to Randolph county,
this state, thence a year later to Macon county, and in 1840 they set-
tled in Howard county, where the son Alexander was principally
reared. In the meantime, however, his mother died and his father
was married again. By this second marriage two children are now
living. Fountane Grisham died in 1834. Alexander attended the
ordinary schools of the times and acquired a sufficient education for
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 441
all practical purposes. Iu 1850, then twenty-one years of age, he
was drawn into the tide of emigration that swept across the continent
to the gold-fields of California. He made the trip overland, as was
the rule then, and endured the hardships and privations incident to
such a journey. He remained on the Pacific coast three years en-
gaged in mining, and although his experience was not such as to dis-
courage him he concluded it to be as easy to plow for gold as it is to
dig for it, and accordingly, in 1853, he returned to his old home in
Howard county, since which he has followed farming, and with satis-
factory success. He owns a neat place of one hundred and twenty
acres of rich land, and has it done with a good class of improvements,
all made by his own honest toil. He was married the 2d of March,
1854, to Miss Synthian Dennis, and nine children have blessed their
union : William, Seaton, Lulu, James, Martha, Zilpha, Fannie, Mary
and Logan. Both parents are members of the Christian church.
O. M HARBISON,
of the milling firm of Harrison, Marr & Co. Mr. Harrison comes of
a family of millers, both his father and his grandfather having followed
that occupation through life. John Harrison, his grandfather, was a
native of Pennsylvania, but came to Kentucky when a young man,
and there in 1819, married Miss Elizabeth McClanahan, afterwards
coming with his family to Missouri. Here he located in Howard
county, and engaged in the milling business. His death occurred in
1825. John, Jr., his son, and the father of O. M., then took charge
of the mill, and afterwards built up other mills until he became one
of the leading millers of central Missouri. In 1830 he was married
to Miss Pemala Marr, a young lady of Virginia birth. They had ten
children, five now living: Sarah E. and Fannie, John W., Oriel M.
and George B. John Harrison, Jr., died in 1875, leaving a large es-
tate, being the owner at that time of the extensive flouring mills, of
Glasgow, and other important property interests elsewhere. O. M.,
the subject of this sketch, was born in Howard county, Missouri,
May 11th, 1841. He was brought up and lived mainly on the farm,
until after his father's death, when he began his present milling busi-
ness. He was married on the 29th of December, 1862, to Miss Eliza
P. Way, of St. Louis, and they have been blessed with four children :
Ada, Pemala, Clark and Lelia. Mr. Harrison is a thorough-going
business man, is honest and enterprising, and reasonably hopes to be
as successful as was his father before him.
DR. JOHN W. HAWKINS.
Among the prominent physicians of Howard county is Dr. J. W.
Hawkins, of Glasgow, who has been engaged in the practice of his
profession in this county over twenty-two years. His grandfather, Cap-
tain Thomas Hawkins, was a soldier in the war of 1812. William G.,
the father of Dr. Hawkins, was born in Virginia in 1810, and in 1830
442 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
was married to Miss Sarah A. C. Pulliam, of the same state. In 1836
they moved to St. Louis county, Missouri, and there the following
year, on the 18th of August, Dr. Hawkins was born. Six years
afterwards, in 1843, they moved to Randolph county, and thence in
1846 to Chariton county, where Dr. Hawkins' father died September
•12, 1847. Mrs. Hawkins still survives her deceased husband. In
early youth Dr. Hawkins attended the schools of Fayette, and after-
wards entered the state university in which he was a student in the
senior class of 1856-7. The following year, in 1858, he began the
study of medicine with Dr. I. P. Vaughan, of Glasgow, and in
1861 was graduated from the Jefferson medical college of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania. Returning to Missouri immediately after
his graduation, he found the people of the state in a high degree
of excitement over the condition of public affairs, and became
himself one of the first 3,000 that assembled in Jefferson City
under General Price, in obedience to the laws of the state. An
agreement having been made between General Price on behalf of
the state and General Harney for the United States government
that matters should remain in statu quo in Missouri, so far as both
sides were concerned, Dr. Hawkins came to Howard county and
entered upon the practice of his profession in which he has since con-
tinued. On the 7th of May, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary
E. Callaway, of this county, and they now have three children,
Wesley Romeo, aged fourteen years ; Homer Pulliam, aged twelve,
and Mary Willie, aged five years. Dr. Hawkins is regarded as a
superior physician, and in practice has achieved marked success.
M. F. HAYS.
Mr. Hays is of French descent, his grandfather, John, having
come from the land of vines, of which he was a native, in the second
quarter of the seventeenth century. In the struggle of 1755, he was
under the immediate command of the then youthful Colonel Washing-
ton, and was with him in the terrible disaster of the 8th of July,
known in history as Braddock's defeat, when every British officer fell
except Washington himself. He also served directly under Washing-
ton during the seven years' struggle for independence, and after the
conclusion of peace he married a cousin of his old commander's and
made his home in North Carolina. He reared a large family, and his
descendents have settled in many of the states of the union. Ben-
jamin Hays, the father of M. F., immigrated to Kentucky in an early
day and afterwards served under General Harrison during the war of
1812. When in his twenty-seventh year, he was married in Kentucky
to Miss Elizabeth Bently and settled down in Madison county of that
state. In 1820 he determined to move to Howard county, and he
adopted the novel and adventurous plan of coming in a keel-boat.
Accordingly, he built a boat and loaded his family and worldly posses-
sions in it and came floating down the Ohio. It was plain sailing
until the Mississippi was reached, then the tug of war began. For
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 443
four hundred miles he had to battle against the currents of the Missis-
sippi and Missouri rivers, but finally he landed at Old Franklin and
subsequently became one of the most successful farmers of Howard
county. At the time of his death, April 3d, 1864, he had asplended
landed estate of over 2,000 acres. His son, M. F., now resides
on and owns the old homestead farm. M. F. Hays was born in
this county, January 13, 1827, and was reared here on his father's
farm. His place now contains nearly a thousand acres. He is a
prominent stock dealer and is a man of great industry and enterprise .
January 16th, 1849, he was married to Miss Rebecca J., daughter of
Henry Truit, of this county. They have four children, Laura, Ledo-
cia, Maud and Ada.
JUDGE JOHN M. HICKERSON.
Judge Hickerson is another of that large class, fortunately, of
substantial, well-to-do citizens of Howard county, whose residence is
an honor to the community in which they live. He has lived here
from boyhood, and has for years been one of the leading farmers of
the county, and, widely known as he is, he is not less universally re-
spected than he is well and widely known. For nine years, from 1872
to 1881, and until he resigned the position, he was a member of the
county court, and no justice ever sat upon the bench who enjoyed
more implicity than he, the confidence of the people in his uprightness
and intelligence. The family in this county to which the judge be-
longs is of French origin. Joseph Hickerson, whose father was from
France, was a native of Virginia and was a soldier in tke revolution-
ary war, participating in most of the important battles of the struggle,
including the battle of Yorktown. He reared a family in Virginia,
where he subsequently died, and Hosea Hickerson, the father of the
judge, was one of his sons. Hosea was reared in Madison county of
his native state, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss Janet
Dent, of the well-known Dent family of Virginia. Judge Hickerson
was born of this marriage, May 15, 1823, and when a young man,
eighteen years of age, came with his parents to Howard county,
where he has since lived. His mother died here in 1841, and his
father in 1864. In 1850 the judge returned to his native county and
state, where, on the 15th of February, 1851, he was married to Miss
Elizabeth Cropp of the same county, after which they returned to the
home he had made in his adopted country. She is still his companion
in life and has blessed him with five children, four of whom are living:
Robert H., Andrew J., John W. and Miss Mary E. He has a neat,
elegant farm of 360 acres, and it is one of the best kept and best man-
aged farms in the county.
WILLIAM J. HUGHES.
The Hughes family, of which the subject of this sketch is a
representative, have been pioneer settlers in four states of the union ;
444 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Missouri. The founder of the
family in this county was a Welshman, who came over to America
and settled in Maryland, in the early days of the colonies. There
William Hughes, the grandfather of William J., was born and reared.
He was married, however, in Pennsylvania, Miss Martha, daughter of
John Swan, of that state, becoming his wife. They were married in
Fort Pitt, where Pittsburg now stands, at the time the people were
" forted," or fortified, against the British and Indians. A short time
afterwards, and after the birth of Joseph S., father of William J., he
moved with his family to Pennsylvania. Remaining in that state for
a short time, he then emigrated to Kentucky, and was among the first
settlers of that state, having to take refuge frequently with his family
in the forts for protection against the Indians. There, Joseph grew
to manhood, and married his wife, Cassandra, who was a daughter of
Colonel William Price, an old soldier of the revolutionary war, and
for many years a state senator in Kentucky. In 1816, Joseph S.
Hughes came to this state and selected a location about four miles
west of Fayette, in Howard county, and the following year brought
his family out to his new home. He opened a farm there of about
300 acres, but some years afterwards moved to a place about five
miles east of Glasgow, where he also made a large farm. On this
place he lived until his death, which occurred in 1863, his wife follow-
ing him five years afterwards. They reared a family of eight chil-
dren, of whom the subject of this sketch, who now resides on the old
homestead of his father, was the seventh. Joseph S. Hughes was a
successful farmer and was respected by all who knew him for his many
sterling, manly qualities. William J., was born in this county, Jan-
uary 5th, 1826, and was reared on the farm where he now lives. He
received a good education in youth, and was brought up to habits of
industry which have not forsaken him . He was married November 29,
1849, to Miss LucyC, daughter of James Collins. They have ten chil-
dren : Joseph S., May F. ( now Mrs. W. E. Painter), Benjamin J., Will-
iam C, James C, Overton L., Robert L., Harry B., Louisa F. and
Ernest T. Mrs. Hughes is also a native of Howard county, having
been born here April 2, 1832. Mr. H. has a fine farm of 450 acres,
all well improved and in good condition. It is exceptionally adapted
to stock raising, to which he gives a large share of his attention. He
and several of his family are members of the Baptist church.
JOHN G. AND JOEL L. HUME,
farmers and stock raisers. The Hume brothers, who are extensively
engaged in farming and stock raising in this county, are sons of Joel
Hume, now deceased, for many years one of the leading farmers and
stock raisers of the county, and as universally and highly respected
as any man in it. Joel Hume's father, Reuben, a descendant of the
Hume's of England, was originally of Virginia, but became one of the
first settlers in Madison county, Kentucky, where he afterwards died,
leaving his wife, formerly Miss Annie Finks, aunt of Captain Finks,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. (445
of this county, and a family of seven sons. These, including the
father of John G. and Joel L., subsequently came to Missouri, and
all became wealthy and leading farmers of this section of the state.
Joel, who was born before his parents left Virginia, married in Madi-
son county, Kentucky, Miss Polly Ann, daughter of Yelverton Peyton,
an old Virginian and a soldier of the revolution, becoming his wife.
After the birth of eight children, the family immigrated to Howard
county and settled in Chariton township. He was a man of great
energy and industry, and he and his sons went to work with a resolu-
tion that never fails to bring success. He soon made one of the finest
farms in the county, and when he died, about the close of the late
war, had an estate of over 2,000 acres of fine land, most of it im-
proved, besides a large quantity of stock and other personal property.
But it was not on account of his success alone, or mainly, that he was
so universally and highly respected. It was because he was possessed
of the trne qualities of manhood to more than an ordinary degree that
all who knew him admired and esteemed him. Frank, honorable, gen-
ous, brave-hearted, and true in every relation of life, he was a pillar
of integrity, a steadfast friend, a useful citizen, and a noble, Christian
man. Such was the father of John G. and Joel Hume ; and these the
sons are not unworthy of their name. Both are enterprising, upright,
progressive citizens and intelligent farmers. John G. was born in
Madison county, Kentucky, January 1, 1831, and Joel L. in the same
county September 7, 1839. Both were brought up on their father's"
farm, where they still live, and which they now own, a place of about
1,000 acres, finely improved. Besides the usual farm interests, they
give special attention to stock raising, in which they have had marked
success. Both were in the Confederate army, and were fearless,
faithful soldiers. Joel L. was married' the 17th of April, 1872, to
Miss Louisa Lee, of this county, but she was taken from him by death
in 1881, leaving him three children — Eva L., Sarah F. and John O.
Both brothers are members of the Christian church.
E. Y. HUME,
farmer and stock dealer. Mr. Hume is a son of Joel Hume and
brother to John G. and Joel L., whose sketch precedes this, and, in
keeping with the character and reputation of his family, is one of the
leading farmers of the county. He was born in Madison county,
Kentucky, October 3, 1826, and was therefore eighteen years of age
when his father settled in Howard county, in 1844 — old enough to be
a principal hand in clearing the forest and making the home that
sheltered his parents and comforted them so many years. And he
was not an unwilling hand in this work, for, reared by an industrious
father, the bread of whose toil had given him the vigor and strength
of youth and early manhood, and appreciating the fact that only in
honest exertion is there an honest livelihood, he labored with a gener-
ous spirit to repay the debt that every child owes the dutiful parent —
the debt of gratitude — and to prepare himself for the active duties
30
446# HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of life. As the years of his youth filed by, bringing him nearer and
nearer to the age that he would have to rely on his own qualifications in
business affairs, he improved every opportunity that presented — and
they were none too frequent or favorable — to acquire an education ; aud
in the country schools, the log cabin, puncheon-floor school of early
days, and by private study, he obtained a sufficient knowledge of the
"Two K's and A. G.," reading, writing, arithmetic and gram-
mar, to answer all practical purposes. When the time came that he
should have a roof of his own, he shouldered his ax and went to the
woods for the second time in life to open a farm, and, tree by tree,
and acre by acre the timber was felled and cleared away, until now
his place covers nearly a mile square, numbering 500 acres, all fine
land and exceptionally well improved. Such is the reward of indus-.
try and honest, intelligent purpose ; such the effect of good bringing
up. Mr. Hume, like his brother, makes a specialty of stock raising
and dealing in cattle, and the fact that he is a Hume, a son of his
father, speaks enough for the success he achieves. He, too, was a,
gallant soldier of the bright-barred but ill-stai-red banner of the south,
that flashed through the heavens like a glorious meteor, and was gone
forever. On the 26th of November, 1846, he was married to Miss
Frances Peyton, of that honorable old Virginia family whose name is
written in every chapter of the Old Dominion's history, and which has
sent out brave pioneers wherever forests were to be cleared and com-
fortable, happy homes to be made. She came of the Kentucky branch,
of the family, and was born in Madison county of that state Novem-
ber 3, 1830. Her grandfather was one of the first settlers in her.
native county, and there her father, Yelverton Peyton, was born Decem-
ber 17, 1793, and died in Randolph county, Missouri, April 10, 1858.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his widow formerly, and
over seventy-one years formerly at that, was a Miss Mildred White,
of Kentucky. She is now living with another daughter of hers, Mrs.'
Mason, in Randolph county, Missouri, at the advanced age of eighty-
eight ; is sound in mind and body, and as chirp in manners and con-
versation as ladies ordinarily are at fifty. She has been a member
of the Baptist church since 1800, and now draws a pension of $72 ^
year on account of her husband's service in the war of 1812. Mr.
and Mrs. Hume have a family of five interesting children : Joel Y.,
John O., Henry D., Minnie and Reuben. The parents are both
members of the Christian church.
LEWIS FRANKLIN HUME,
farmer. Mr. Hume was a son of Staunton Hume, a brother of Joel,
mentioned in the sketch of John G. and Joel L. His father, Staun-
ton, was born in Virginia but reared in Kentucky, and in 1816 came
to St. Louis county, Missouri, where he married and lived until his
death in 1851. His wife, the mother of L. F. Hume, was formerly
Miss Sarah A. Breckenridge, of the distinguished family in Kentucky
of that name, and was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1804,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 447
Although the mother of twelve children, and now seventy-nine years
of age, she still enjoys good health and is active in mind and body.
Staunton Hume was a successful farmer in St. Louis county, and
there reared his family. The son, Lewis Franklin, was born in that
county, August 25, 1826, and in youth obtained a good ordinary
education in the common schools. When in his twenty-first year,
March 16, 1847, he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of John
Casin, one of the early settlers of this county. She was born in
Fauquier county, Virginia, September 19, 1826. Mr. Hume having
been reared on a farm adopted that occupation, which he has followed
thus far through life, but for about three years in connection with the
milling business, in which he was also engaged for that length of time.
Five years after his marriage, in 1852, he moved with his family to
Carroll county, Missouri, where he lived until 1864, and then returned
to St. Louis county. During his residence in Carroll county, in
1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service, but in December, 1862,
was captured at Black Water, and a month afterwards released on
parole. In the spring of 1866, he moved from St. Louis county to
his present place in Howard county. His farm numbers 160 acres,
and the distinguishing feature about it is, that it is one of the neatest,
best kept farms in the county. The farm itself reveals the fact that
its owner is an intelligent, progressive, business-like farmer. As a
citizen and neighbor Mr. Hume is respected and esteemed by all who
know him. Mr. and Mrs. Hume have lost six children and have four
living, viz. : Katie, Mattie, James and Staunton. Both parents are
worthy and .consistent members of the Christian church.
JOHN O. HUME.
That the events of the so-called late war are rapidly becoming
matters only of tradition and pastime, is forcibly illustrated by a
talk with Mr. Hume. He is one of the substantial, prominent farm-
ers of the county; yet, during the war, he was too young — being
from seven to eleven years old — to take any interest in the stirring
events of those times, and now, he only knows of its incidents by
reading, and by fireside stories. He was born in'this county April
10, 1854, and was brought up on his father's farm. In common with
other youths of his neighborhood he received a good ordinary educa-
tion. He began farming on his own account when quite a young
mau, which he has since followed. He now has a place of 220 acres,
well improved and well stocked, and is an intelligent, industrious
farmer and a well respected citizen. On the 16th of September,
1878, he was married to Miss Luella Snoddy, who was born in
Howard county, September 16, 1859. They have one child, Leo.
Mr. Hume is a son of Eeuben J. Hume, whose sketch appears else-
where. Mrs. Hume was a daughter of Samuel W. Snoddy and wife,
whose maiden name was Susan T. Harvey. His parents, Walker and
Narassa Snoddy, immigrated to this county in an early day, and here
Samuel W. was born February 18, 1828, and was a farmer by occu-
448 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
pation, which he followed until his death, February 3, 1873. He and
his wife reared three children, who are now living — George F.,
Luella and Jefferson D. Mrs. Snoddy was born in this county June
14, 1836, and was a daughter of William and Jane Snoddy, early
settlers of the county. She now makes her home at the residence of
Mr. Hume.
CAPTAIN A. R. JOHNSON,
architect, contractor and carpenter. Captain Johnson came from
North Carolina in 1866, and in 1867 located in Glasgow, where he
has since become one of the leading contractors and builders through-
out a large region of the surrounding country. He was born in
Chatham county, North Carolina, August 16, 1838. His parents,
Matthias M. and Martha Crutchfield Johnson, were also natives of the
same state. In youth Capt. Johnson acquired a good practical educa-
tion in the ordinary schools of his neighborhood, and at the age of
eighteen began to learn the carpenter trade, which he completed and
followed until the breaking out of the war. In 1861, he went with
his section in the four years' struggle, and followed the meteor-like
flag of the south from Sumpter to Appomattox. He enlisted in
company G, 26th North Carolina infantry, and two years afterwards
was promoted for gallant service to the captaincy of the company,
which he held until the close of the war. Returning home after the
general surrender he remained hardly a year, and then came to
Missouri, locating a short time afterwards in Glasgow as noted above.
Capt. Johnson is an intelligent, enterprising business man, and is
well respected by all who know him. On the 2d of June, 1863, he
was married to Miss Affie Cattrane, in North Carolina, who still
presides over his home.
GRISSOM LEE.
Mr. Lee's father, Thomas Lee, was one of the pioneer settlers of
Howard county and helped to clear away the forests for some of the
first farms in the county. He was a farmer by occupation and fol-
lowed that until his death, in December, 1871. He came this county
from Kentucky, but was married before leaving that state, to Miss
Gabriella Herndon, and they reared a family of twelve children —
Edmond R., JohnH., Elizabeth, Mary A., Amanda, Grissom, Nancy,
James B., Sarah F., Louisa, now deceased, Noah and Lucy. Mrs.
Lee preceded her husband in death many years. Grissom Lee was
born in Howard county, Mo., March 28, 1833, and was reared in this
county, receiving a good ordinary education in common schools. He
was brought up on the farm and has always followed farming as his
occupation. He now lives on the old parental homestead, which he
owns and which he helped to improve. His place contains 140 acres
and is an excellent farm. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate
army under General Price, in which he served eight months. Mr. L.
is a member of the Baptist church.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 449
SAMUEL LEFEVER.
Mr. Lefever was the seventh of a family of eight children, born
to Samuel, Sr. and Mary Horshman Lefever, who were married in
Pennsylvania and afterwards settled in Morgan county, Ohio, where
the subject of this sketch grew to manhood" Samuel Lefever, Sr.,
was a native of Westmoreland county, Pa., and was by occupation a
farmer and carpenter, to which calling the son, Samuel, Jr., was
brought up. Mrs. Lefever, however, was originally from Virginia,
but came to Pennsylvania in an early day. Samuel," Jr., was born in
Armstrong county, Pa., November 16, 1830, and after growing up in
Ohio, whither he had gone with his parents, he followed farming and
carpentery until 1881, when he came to Howard county and pur-
chased the farm on which he now lives, since which he has devoted
his whole attention to farming. His place consists of 332 acres, most
of which is well improved. He was married June 1, 1854, to Miss
Mary Ferris, of Morgan county, Ohio. They have nine children —
John F., Fletcher B., Joseph A., Dora J., Jacob, Mary C, Roena
E., Martha V. and Samuel H. Mr. and Mrs. Lefever are both mem-
bers of the M. E. church.
MONTE LEHMAN,
of Lehman & Miller, dry goods, clothing, furnishing goods, boots and
shoes, etc. This establishment, of which Mr. Lehman is one of the
proprietors, is one of the largest business houses in Howard county.
Two large buildings, connecting with each other, are occupied — one
filled with dry goods and clothing, the other with gents' furnishing
goods and boots and shoes. Their custom extends for many miles
throughout the surrounding country, and is steadily increasing. The
business was originally established here many years before the war,
on a small scale, by Joseph Lehman, the father of the subject of this
sketch, and is another illustration of what a lifetime well spent may
accomplish, and that a son properly reared may safely succeed to his
father's business. Joseph Lehman, the father, was born in Bavaria,
Germany, February 2, 1806, and was there reared and learned the
tailor's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1838, when
he came to America. He disembarked on this side of the Atlantic at
Baltimore, where he worked at his trade about five years and then
came west to Shawneetown, Indiana, and in 1844 came on and located
in Glasgow. Here he worked for a time at his trade and then com-
menced the mercantile business, which has grown to its present ex-
tensive proportions. Before leaving his native country he was married
to Miss' Hannah Steiner, who died in Glasgow leaving him four child-
ren— William, Monte, Frances and Rose. He was again married, in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Miss Lena Golman, also a native of Ba-
varia, who still survives her husband and now lives in Glasgow, he
having died December 23, 1881. One child is living by his last mar-
riage— Henry. Monte Lehman, the subject of this sketch, was born
450 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
while his father lived in Baltimore, April 2, 1840. When fifteen
years of age he entered a printing office to learn the printer's trade,
which he subsequently acquired,, and at which he worked until the out-
break of the war. Having come to Glasgow in the, meantime with
his father's family, he here, in 1862, enlisted in company H, 9th Mis-
souri cavalry, Missom-i state militia, in which he served until the close1
of the war, and was mustered out of service as lieutenant, having had,
during most of the time, the command of the company. Determined
to make a successful business man of himself, as he had been a good
soldier, Mr. L., then still a young man, went to Philadelphia and took
a thorough course in a commercial college, thus qualifying himself
for mercantile pursuits. Returning to Glasgow, he then became a
partner of his father (which was succeeded by Lehman Brothers, then.
M. Lehman), in his present business, and after his father's death be-
came sole proprietor, since which, in 1881, Mr. Miller, an enterpris-
ing and successful business man, was admitted to an equal partnership,
in the house, thus forming the firm of Lehmau & Miller. November
9, 1875, Mr. L. was married to Miss Fannie Hessrich, an accomplished,
and attractive young lady of Boonyille. They have three children —
Charles W., Edna N. and Harry. He is a member of the K. of P.
and of the A. O. U. W.
MAJOR J. W. LEWIS.
James Walker Lewis was born in Buckingham county, Va,, Oc-
tober 23, 1823. He was the fifth of six children of Thomas and
Jedidah Lewis, four of whom were boys. His father was a successful
farmer of the Old Dominion, and at his death, which occurred in
1826, left a fine estate. But, unfortunately, having involved himself
by indorsements for others, his estate was absorbed in the payment
of these claims and the tedious processes of law incident thereto,,
leaving nothing for his widow, or for his children, the eldest of whom
was less than fifteen years of age. In 1831, the widow having learned-
something of Missouri, from relatives of her husband* who had pre-
ceded her here, determined to cast her lot in the west. In October
of that year, she arrived in Howard county with her family, where
she rented a farm. In 1833, she married Wm. L. Banks., Her eldest
son, Benjamin, feeling now relieved of the care of the family by this
event, which had devolved upon him since his father's death, took
the subject of this sketch, then a lad of ten years, with him to Linn
county, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits, James W. do-
ing the cooking, etc., and Benjamin the outdoor work.; They con-
tinued in this, however, not quite two years, and then returned to
Howard county. James W. worked for a time for his board and
clothes. After this, and until the formation of a partnership between
Benjamin W. Lewis aud William D. Swinney, in the manufacture of
tobacco, James found employment in various occupations, principally
in hauling freight from the river with an ox team and delivering it at
various points in the county. After the formation of the partnership,:
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 451
he was employed by them, and was so engaged during the continua-
tion of the partnership, at a salary. By untiring industry and energy,
and the most rigid economy in these various employments, he was en-
abled to accumulate small means, and not wishing "his little capital to
remain idle, he invested his small accumulations in a copartnership
with his younger brother, William J. Lewis. In 1847, they engaged
in the manufacture of tobacco at St. Louis, under the firm name of
J. W. & W. Lewis. At first they operated on a limited scale, but by
a thorough system of honorable and liberal dealing, the firm very
soon assumed high rank among the business firms of that city,
James remaining at Glasgow, on a salary, with Swinney & Lewis,
while William conducted the business at St. Louis. In January,
1850, the firm of Swinney & Lewis was dissolved, by the withdrawal
of Mr. Swinney. The three brothers then became equally interested
in the business, under the firm name of B. W. Lewis & Bros., at
Glasgow, and of Lewis & Bros., at St. Louis. These copartner-
ships continued with gratifying success for several years, when John
D. Perry was admitted into the house at St. Louis, and Thomas J.
Bartholow in the one at Glasgow, the firm name of the former being
changed to that of Lewis, Perry & Co., while the one at Glasgow re-
mained the same. The business was then conducted with great suc-
cess for several years, when Messrs. Bartholow and Perry withdrew,
and the business has since been continued in the same name, by Maj°r
Lewis. Mr. Lewis is also interested in the banking house of Bar-
tholow, Lewis & Co., and has been since its organization. In 1872,
on account of its increasing business, it was deemed best to make it
a chartered institution, which was done that year, Major Lewis retain-
ing a large interest and is one of the directors. His farming interests
in Howard, Chariton and Randolph counties are very great. He and
his nephew, James B. Lewis, own a .large saw mill at the mouth of
the Chariton river. Major Lewis, in early life, was connected with
the democratic party, and voted for Douglas, in 1860 ; but has since
acted with the republicans, and is considered a leader among them' in
this section of the state. Though often solicited, he has never per-
mitted his name to be used in connection with a political office. Pre-
vious to the late war, he and his elder brother had gathered about
them a large number of slaves and employed them in their factory.
But a year before the emancipation proclamation Was issued, they, be-
lieving the interests of the country demanded the abolition of all
slave property, freed their slaves, retaining in their employ, at liberal
wages, such'as desired to remain. Others, desiring to set up for them-
selves, received substantial assistance in securing more permanent
homes. Major Lewis united with the M. E. church in 1843, and in
1845, adhered to the church south, there being at that time scarcely,
any division of sentiment in the congregation of which he was a memr
ber. Upon the re-establishment of the M. E. church in Glasgow, in
1862, he reunited with it, and has since been among its chief sup-
porters in all its various interests, and in return, has been the recipient
of the highest honors of which a lay member is eligible, that of dele
452 HI8TORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
gate to the general conference. While Lewis' library and college
probably owe their origin more directly to the philanthropic spirit of
his deceased brother, their completion, support and success have been
largely dependent upon his generosity, and, in years to come, will
remain as monuments more enduring than brass to the memory of
the Lewis' family. On the 7th day of October, 1852, he was married
to Virginia V., daughter of Singleton Bartholow, of Maryland. By
her he has three children living — two sons and one daughter.
COL. B. W. LEWIS.
Benjamin Whitehead Lewis was born on the 10th day of January,
1812, in Buckingham county, Virginia. His parents, Thomas and
Jedidah Lewis, had six children, four of whom were boys, Benjamin
being the oldest. The father died in 1826. The family were left in
destitute circumstances owing to his death, and the subject of this
sketch being the eldest, though a boy under fifteen years of age, the
care and responsibilities of the family were thus thrust upon him.
In 1831, the mother believing there were more favorable opportuni-
ties for her sons in the west, she with her family came to Missouri
and rented a farm near Glasgow, where they engaged in farming.
Some two years afterwards, she was married to William Banks. Ben-
jamin being thus relieved of the care of the family, to a certain extent,
removed to Linn county ; but, in about two years, returned to Howard
county. Here Benjamin commenced his real career as a business
man, a career that led up to great wealth, and to a conspicuous'posi-
tion among the foremost citizens of Missouri in business affairs, and
in the respect and confidence of the people. He began by taking em-
ployment in a tobacco factory in Glasgow. Soon he formed a part-
nership with J. F. Nichols, Win. J. Moore and R. P. Hanenkamp, in
that line of business. The following year, he sold out his interest in
that firm, and formed a partnership with Wm. D. Swinney, in the
same line. This continued until 1849, and was almost unprecedent-
edly successful ; but that year their entire establishment was destroyed
by firer resulting in a loss of over $25,000. The factory, however,
was immediately rebuilt on a more extensive scale than ever, and, in
1850, Mr. Swinney having withdrawn from the business, the three
brothers, B. W., J. W., and W. J. Lewis, united their iuterests un-
der the firm name of B. W. Lewis & Bros., in Glasgow, and of
Lewis & Bros., in St. Louis. Under this arrangement, their business
was carried on with rapidly increasing success. They were now an-
nually working up about 4,000,000 pounds of tobacco, and exporting
large quantities of plug, fine-cut, etc., to England, and to the conti-
nent of Europe, their trade extending to Australia. When the war
began they were working over 500 hands. In 1862, the Glasgow
factory was again burned, involving a loss of $200,000. On account
of the disturbed condition of the country at that time, the factory
was not rebuilt until 1863. In 1862, Benjamin W. Lewis was ap-
pointed aid to Governor Fletcher, with the title of colonel. For
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 453
many years he was prominently connected with every public enter-
prise in which the community where he lived had an interest. He
was one of the largest stockholders and a director in the Glasgow
branch of the Exchange bank, of Missouri, and, at his death, left a
legacy of $10,000 to found a public library in Glasgow, to be under
the management of the M. E. church, and, subsequently, his widow,
brother, James W., and eldest son, B. W. Lewis, erected a suitable
building for the library, at a cost of $26,000. An earnest member of
the church, a short time before his death he and his brother James
purchased and fitted up a neat church edifice and donated it to the
M. E. church. Prior to the late war, Mr. Lewis had always been a
democrat, having voted the democratic ticket in 1861. But siding
strongly with the Union in that struggle, he naturally became a re-
publican, and acted with that party until his death. His political views
thus seeming to place him in antagonism with a majority of his fellow-
members in the southern M. E. church, he united with the M. E.
church, and was chiefly instrumental in organizing a society in Glas-
gow, in that denomination. On the 21st of October, 1864, at 11
o'clock at night, a band of guerrillas, under the notorious Bill An-
derson, went to the residence of Mr. Lewis and demanded of him
$10,000, or his life. Having but a small amount of money about his
person, he was taken from his home (after being subjected to personal
outrages sOiatrocious and brutal as to hardly bear mention) and driven
to the bank of Thomson & Dunnica, for the purpose of being forced
to raise the amount demanded. But failing to get it there, his life
would undoubtedly have been tortured out of him had not Mrs.
Thomson, hearing of his peril, proceeded at once to his relief with
$7,000, principally in gold, which the bandits accepted as his ransom.
Mr. Lewis was thrice married. His first wife was Amanda, daughter
of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rector) Barton ; his second, a widow Bow-
man, whose maiden name was McPherson ; his third was Eleanor,
daughter of Talton and Sarah (Earickson) Turner. By his first wife,
Mr. Lewis left two children : the eldest, Benjamin W. Lewis, of St.
Louis, one of the leading railroad men of the west, and, lately, presi-
dent of the W., St. L. & P. railway, and James B., a leading farmer
of this county. By his last wife, who survives him, he left three
children — Richard E., Rebecca E. and Annie E. On the 1st day of
February, 1866, in the presence of his family and a circle of devoted
friends, he died, leaving behind him a name and character for honor,
truth, benevolence and virtue, that is a greater heritage to his family
than the magnificent fortune he bequeathed them, which amounted to
something near $800,000.
JAMES B. LEWIS,
farmer and stock dealer. Eleven hundred acres composes the landed
estate of Mr. Lewis, some of which is in Charitdn county, but his
farm in this county is one of the best in his township. It is all good
land, and is substantially and well improved. Besides the ordinary
454 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
farm interests, he gives considerable attention to the stock business,
in which he has been very successful, and for some time he was also,
engaged in dealing in grain, buying and shipping from North Missouri
and Iowa. He is a son of Colonel Benjamin W. Lewis, whose sketch
appears elsewhere, one of the most useful and successful men of
central Missouri. James B. was born in this county October 15, 1849,
and was educated in Lewis college. On the 14th of December, 1872,
he was married to Miss Carrie E. Tillman, of this county, but in less
than a year she died, leaving one daughter — Carrie T. Tour years
afterward, when the night of his sorrow, but not the remembrance of
it, had been dispelled by the light of new hope and the love of a noble
woman's heart, he was again married October 4, 1876, Miss Mary E.
Iglehart, of this county, born June 1, 1856, then becoming his wife,
and three children have blessed this union — Frank J., Eleanor S. and
Theodore B.
ANTON LUTZ,
farmer, vintager and stock raiser. Mr. Lutz is, or was, a stone
mason by trade, and when he first set foot in Howard county had but
five dollars in his pocket or in the world. But now he has one of the
best and largest farms in the county, improved with a fine brick
mansion and other buildings, etc., to match, and has a large vineyard ;
so that literally he now dwells in ease and comfort and sips wine un-
der his- own vine, if not fig tree. His farm contains 440 acres of
splendid land, and besides giving his attention to the usual farm crops,
etc.* and to his vineyard — one of the largest in the county or the
surrounding country-^ he also makes a business of raising stock for
the markets, in which he has been highly successful. He was born in
Prussia, in the vine-clad valley of the Rhine, on the 10th of December,
1815, and was there reared and educated. Prussia, as is well known,
has the finest school system, in the world, and Mr. L. enjoyed the ad-
vantages afforded by the schools of bis native country to more than
the ordinary degree, so that he obtained a somewhat advanced educa-
tion, and a very thorough one as far as it extends. But it is not the
popular idea in Germany that everybody can live by his education or>
his wits — in fact, it is believed that a great many must work, and
education is not supposed to unfit a man for work ; hence, most of
the youths of that country learn trades in addition to acquiring good
educations. Accordingly, Mr. L. learned the stone mason's trade,
antl learned it thoroughly, and followed it there until he came to this
country, in 1847. Here he went to work at his trade, continuing at
it day after day and year after year, until bjr economy and sober good
sense he had laid deep and broad the foundation of his fortune, for he
may now fairly be classed as a wealthy man in this western country.
He landed at New York and came west to Cleveland, Ohio, and
worked there two* years ; then he came and worked a year in St.
Louis, after which he came to Glasgow in 1850 and followed his trade
until 1864, when he became the owner of his present farm and home.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 455
Now he is more independent and by far more of a man than a whole
regiment of little titled Hesse-Darmstadt, Saxe-Altenburg nobodies.
In October, 1839, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Peller, of Prussia,
and they have seven children living — Catherine, William, Anton,
Ellen, Mary, Joseph and Charles.
WILLIAM LUTZ,
dealer in glassware, queensware, hardware, etc. Mr. L. began his
present business in 1870, with a small stock of goods, and now has
one of the leading stores in Glasgow. He owns the building which
he occupies, and also the one adjoining it — both good, substantial
stores. These facts speak more for his intelligence and enterprise
than anything that could be set in type. He is a native of Prussia,
and was born January 8, 1843. He came to this country when a boy,
with his parents — Anton and Elizabeth Lutz. They first settled in
Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1850 came to Howard county, where William
grew up and followed farming until he engaged in his present business.
In youth he acquired a good education, so that he has that qualifica-
tion as well as industry and good common sense as a business man.
Besides his mercantile business, he is. also engaged in the insurance
business, being the agent for the old reliable Phoenix Insurauce Com-
pany. He was married on the 3d of October, 1876, to Miss Mary
Schaefer, of Boonville, and they have three children — Augusta
Antonattie, William and Hubbard. Mr. L. is a member of the
A. 0. U. W.
CAPTAIN ABSALOM McCRARY,
farmer and nurseryman. Captain McCrary is not only a successful
and enterprising farmer, but he has been a gallant soldier of two
wars. He was born in this county, October 8, 1821, and was reared
here and educated in the common schools. Farming has been his oc-
cupation through life thus far, supplemented by the nursery business,
that is except during the time he served his country in the army. In
June, 1846, he enlisted in the service designed for the Mexican war,
and followed the starry flag to the halls of the Montezumas. Re-
turning home afterwards, he resumed farming and the fruit-tree cul-
ture. He has a neat place of 150 acres, ten acres of which are
devoted to the nursery business, his trees principally being apple
trees ; still he gives some attention to small fruit. He has a large
and well selected variety of apples, peaches, etc., etc. He is the
oldest nurseryman in the county, and one of the oldest in the state,
having been engaged in the business over forty years. In the last
war he enlistedin Captain Cooper's company of this county, in which
he served for a time as lieutenant and was afterwards appointed a
recruiting officer in the Confederate army, with the rank of captain.
The war closed, however, while he was in this commission. For three
years he was justice of the peace, of the county, for his township. In
456 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
November, 1849, he was married to Miss Caroline A. Yager, a native
of Madison county, Virginia. They have five children, Milton, Pat-
rick, Eva, Absalom E. and Callie. Mr. and Mrs. M. are both mem-
bers of the Baptist church.
JOHN McCRARY,
farmer, section 14. Mr. McCrary was brought to this county by his
parents in 1820, when but a year old, having been born in Cocke
county, Tennesse, January 31, 1819. He was reared and educated
in Howard county, having'had the advantages afforded by the com-
mon schools of this county. He was brought up on a farm and
adopted farming as his occupation in life, which he has continued to
follow. He now owns a farm of 380 acres. Besides the ordinary
business of farming he gives some attention to stock raising, in which
he has been very successful. On the 27th of September, 1842, he
was married to Miss Margaret H. Witt, she having been born in How—
ard county, March 20, 1825. She was a daughter of L. B. Witt,
one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. McCrary have
eleven children: Eliza A., Napoleon B., Olivia, Spencer H., Thomas
W., Theodore H., Alonzo M., John C, Ludie P., Bell and May.
Both parents are members of the missionary Baptist church.
H. METCALFE,
farmer. Like most of the residents of this county who come from
Kentucky, Mr. Metcalfe's ancestors were originally from Virginia. He
was a son of John P. Metcalfe, whose father came from Virginia in an
early day and settled in Kentucky. John P. was born and reared in
the latter state, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss Re-
becca Pogue, also of Kentucky, but of a Virginia family. John P. 's
father, Eli Metcalfe, was a brother to Hon. Thomas Metcalfe, formerly
governor of Kentucky. John P. and Rebecca Metcalfe reared six
children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth. H.
Metcalfe was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, June 6, 1829. He
was reared on a farm and has made farming his occupation for life.
He remained in Kentucky until 1857, when he came to Howard county
and November 25, 1858, was married to Miss Margaret B. Jackson,
daughter of Wade M. Jackson, of this county. She was born June
13, 1839. He then went to Pettis county where he lived four years.
In 1862 he returned to Howard county and has continued to live here
since. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalfe have six children, Ida R., Harriet C,
John P., Mary, Sabra and Pearl. Both parents are members of the
Baptist church.
WILLIAM A. MEYER,
grocer, etc., and agent of the Missouri river packet lines at Glasgow.
Mr. Meyer has led a successful business life, and in the notes from
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 457
which this sketch is written is found this simple tribute to his
mother: " My mother was well educated, and took great interest in
my education. I owe a great deal to her." How much the success-
ful men in every walk of life owe to the influence of their mothers
upon their early education and character is, unfortunately, not under-
stood as it should be, and therefore not often acknowledged ; hence this
tribute is worthy of special notice — shows that he who paid it not
only understands one of the principal sources of his success, but has
the heart to appreciate it.
" The mother in her office holds the key *
Of the soul; and she it is who stamps the coin
Of character, and makes the being who would be n savage,
But for her gentle cares, a worthy man ;
Then crown her queen of the world. "
Mr. Meyer was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, De-
cember 18, 1838. When still a child, his parents came to Missouri
and settled in Chariton county, where he was reared and educated,
attending the common schools and also receiving instruction at home
from his mother, Mrs. Meyer being a lady of superior accomplish-
ments and having devoted her whole mind and heart to the mental
culture of her children and the care of her family. W. A. thus ac-
quired more than an ordinary education. Having attained to man-
hood when the war broke out, he enlisted sometime afterwards in com-
pany H, 9th Missouri state militia, in which he served over two
years, and in 1865 he came to Glasgow and engaged as clerk in a mer-
cantile house, in which he was employed about five years. He then es-
tablished his present business and soon became one of the prominent
business men of the place. As a business man he is deservedly
popular, and has a large and increasing custom. He was married
February 22, 1866, to Miss May C. Steinmetz, of Glasgow. They
have three children now living: Samuel L., George E. and Ettie.
Mr. M.'s father, W. A. Meyer, was a native of Prussia and came to
this country in 1832. In 1837 he was married to Miss Margaret
Muench, of Pennsylvania, and in 1841 they came to this state, where
the father died in 1851.
CHARLES G. MILLER,
of Lehman & Miller, merchants. Of the above firm a somewhat ex-
tended notice is given in the sketch of the senior partner, Mr. Leh-
man, thus rendering unnecessary any mention of the business here,
except the statement that Mr. Miller is a member of the firm. How-
ever, if the truth is always necessary to be told, it ought to be added
in this connection that Mr. M. is one of the most thorough, accom-
plished and enterprising young business men in Howard county. He
was born in Boonville, Missouri, May 13, 1857, and had the advan-
tages afforded by the excellent schools of the place, in which he ac-
quired an unusually good education. On reaching early manhood he
458 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
commenced his mercantile experience in Boonville, then went to Chi-
cago where he was employed as clerk in the mercantile business until
.1880, when he came to Glasgow, and in 1881 became a member of
the present firm as elsewhere stated. He has to an eminent degree
all the qualifications for a successful business man, and one of the best
evidences of this fact is the success he has achieved so early in life.
His future seems to be a bright one. He was married, June 27, 1882,
to Miss Hattie B. Briggs, a cultured and fascinating young lady of
Howard county. Mr. Miller's father, George Miller, was a native of
Saxony, and when a young man came to America, locating shortly
afterwards in Boonville, where he married Miss Sophia Fox, of that
city, of which union three children were born, the subject of this
sketch being the only surviving one. Mr. M. is a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
ROBERTSON MOORE.
Mr. Moore is a venerable and honorable landmark of the pioneer
days of this section of the country, one that the present nor succeeding
generation cannot afford to forget. His name figures prominently in
the history of the " Boone's Lick" country, both in business and public
affairs. Away back in the thirties he was connected with the mercan-
tile interests of Old Chariton, and afterwards ran on the river for a
number of years ; was subsequently sheriff of Chariton county and
then representative of the county in the legislature. In fact, the history
of these early'times could not be written without prominent mention
of his name. He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, January
23d, 1812, and was one of three children born in that state to John
and Rebecca Moore, his father coming originally from North Carolina,
and his mother, whose maiden name was Robertson, having been born
in Tennessee, but with parents came to Kentucky early in life, and
after spending several years of their married life in that state came to
Missouri in 1817, and settled in Old Chariton. John Moore owned a
number of slaves, and by their labor carried on the blacksmithing
business ; he also did farming. Subsequently he became sheriff of
Chariton county, a position his son held a number of years after-
wards, and was one of the prominent men of the county. Robertson,
his son, and the subject of this sketch, was but five years old when
his parents came to Old Chariton, and hence he was brought up in that
place. In early life he obtained the best education he could in the
local schools and by study at home. Afterwards, and several years
before reaching manhood, he became clerk for James Glasgow, in
Old Chariton, a position he filled for a number of years. At the age
of twenty-five, in 1837, he began clerking on a steamboat on the river,
and ran the Mississippi and Missouri for eight years, becoming widely
known as the best and most popular clerk in the steamboat service;
Then quitting the river on account of his father's sickness he engaged
in farming, and now owns two farms in Chariton county, containing
400 acres, well improved. After the close of the war he engaged in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 549
merchandising in Glasgow. His terms of sheriff extended from 1846
to 1850, and from 1854 to 1858, after which he was elected to the
legislature and served two years in that body. Twice he has taken
the census for the government in Chariton county, and has held other
positions of trust. He was married on the 30th day of June, 1844,
to Miss Clarinda G. Maddox, a native of Kentucky. She died June
30th, 1865, leaving him one child, John S., with whom he now lives
and who is engaged in the livery business in Glasgow.
Hon. GARRETT W. MOREHEAD.
The Morehead family is of Scotch descent, and came to this
country by way of England. Hon. Garrett W.'s grandfather, Col.
Turner Morehead, was a citizen of Virginia and served in the revolu-
tionary army. He was in the principal engagements of the war, in-
cluding that of Yorktown, and was an intimate friend of Gen. Wash-
ington. In the latter part of his life he emigrated from Virginia to
Kentucky, and settled near Bowling Green in 1819. He reared a
large family, and several of his descendants became prominent in the
public life of the country; James T., cousin to Garrett W., was
governor of Kentucky and senator from that state, a colleague with
Henry Clay ; Charles S., another cousin, was also governor of and
congressman from the same state ; and John M., still another cousin,
was governor of South Carolina and a large manufacturer there, and
was the founder of the city of Morehead of that state. Turner, a son
of Col. Turner Morehead, and the father of Garrett W., was the eld-
est son of his father's first wife, formerly Miss Hoe, of the well-known
family of Virginia of that name. His father's second wife was a Miss
Payton of another prominent Virginia family. On reaching manhood
Turner located in Maiyland, and there, shortly afterwards, married
Miss Martha Worthington, of the Worthingtons, who were among the
first settlers of the state under Lord Baltimore, and a cousin to the
celebrated Methodist minister, Freeborn Garrison. In Maryland he
engaged in the mercantile business and became, and was for many
years afterwards, one of the leading wholesale merchants of Baltimore.
He continued in business in Philadelphia until the death of his wife, about
1868, when he came to Missouri, .and spent his last days with his son,
the subject of this sketch. It should have been stated, however, that
he participated actively in the war of 1812, having the command of a
company in that struggle, and was in the battle of North Point, in
which Lord North was killed. Garrett W., his son, was born at his
father's country' seat near Baltimore, May 1, 1819. In 1836 he came
to Ray county, Missouri, and became clerk to the firm of Morehead
& Aull, of which his uncle, Charles R., was the leading member. In
1840 he commenced business on his own account in partnership with
Mr. Jacobs, under the name of Morehead & Jacobs. About a year
afterwards they moved their business to the Point, near Glasgow, and
later sold off their stock and engaged in the tobacco trade ; but shortly
afterwards they returned to the regular mercantile business, this
460 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
time establishing themselves in Roanoke, where they continued until
the firm finally dissolved. Since 1851 Mr. Morehead has been en-
gaged in farming and stock raising. He has a splendid farm of 466
acres, well stocked and well improved. November 13, 1841, he was
married to Miss Sarah A., a daughter of Sinclair Page, an early settler
of this county. After thirty-seven years, devoted to the happiness of
her family, she passed away July 9, 1878, leaving four children now
living: Worthington, Henry C, Garrett W., Jr., and Sallie A. Jan-
uary 27, 1881, Mr. Morehead was again married, Mrs. Sallie J.,
widow of the late Gen. Lucien J. Eastin, becoming his second wife.
She was born in Boone county, Missouri, May 29, 1829, and was the
daughter of Geo. C. and Ellen Barnes Dale, of that county, George C.
being originally from Kentucky. In 1875 Mr. Morehead was elected
to the legislature from this county, in whieh he represented the people
with fidelity and ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his constitu-
ents. For many years he has been a prominent member of the Bap-
tist church, and served through several sessions of the association as
moderator. He was a director of the old Exchange bank in Glasgow
during its entire career, and is now serving in a similar capacity in the
directorship of the Glasgow Savings bank. He was the first W.
M. of the Livingstone Masonic lodge of Glasgow, and is still, of
course, a member of that order.
THOMAS W. MOREHEAD,
retired farmer and capitalist. Mr. Morehead is a brother to the Hon.
Garrett W., in whose sketch mention is made of their ancestry.
Thomas W. ts two years younger than his brother, having been born
in Baltimore, Maryland, August 21, 1821. About five years after-
wards his parents moved to Philadelphia, where he was reared to his
nineteenth year, receiving a good practical education in the schools
of that city, and also acquiring an excellent knowledge of mercantile
business in his father's store. In 1840 he came to Missouri and was
employed in selling goods in Richmond, Ray county, in which he con-
tinued about one year. On the 13th of May, 1841, he was married
to Miss Ann E. Miller, of Howard county, after which he engaged in
farming in this county. Coming of the family he did, and possessed
of the qualities of industry, frugality and superior intelligence he was,
it was to have been expected that he would succeed as a farmer, or,
indeed, in any line to which he might give his attention. The result
has been that he soon became one of the leading farmers of the county,
and, by good management and enterprise, accumulated a handsome
estate. He followed farming until 1865, when, having moved to
Glasgow the year before, he withdrew from all active pursuits, and
now, with an ample competence, and in the midst of family and
friends, he is leading a life of ease and honorable retirement.
" Age sits with decent grace upon his visage,
And worthily becomes his silver locks ;
He bears the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOl'ER COUNTIES. 461
Mr. and Mrs. Morehead have four sons and four daughters now living :
Robert T., William W., James O., Eugene, Matilda, Sallie, Bettie
and Stella. Both parents are consistent and exemplary members of
the Baptist church. Mr. M. is also a member of Lodge No. 51, A. F.
and A. M. and of the I. O. G. T. Mrs. M. was born in this
county in October, 1823. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and
her mother was originally from Virginia. Mr. Morehead is a public-
spirited citizen, and, by his enterprise and liberality, Glasgow and
the whole western part of the county have often been materially and
greatly benefited. He has not only striven for his own prosperity,
but he has exerted himself on all proper occasions for the prosperity
of the whole community in which he lives, and his life thus far has
been more than ordinarily a useful and valuable one.
JUDGE ALFRED W. MORRISON.
It is sixty-three years ago since Alfred W. Morrison, then a
young man some eighteen years of age, came to Howard county.
These three score and more years have been years of honor and ser-
vice to the county and state in which he lives. Few men have led
more honorable and useful lives. While his has not been so brilliant
as some, it has marked, with a clearness of intelligence, a substantial
ability, and above all, an unswerving integrity of purpose that stamps
one's success with a durability and real honor not always character-
istic of more striking and brilliant results. His father, William Mor-
rison, was a native of Wales, and, shortly after coming to this country,
made his home in Jessamine county, Ky., where he married Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of Alfred Williams, formally of Virginia. Six
children resulted from this union, of whom Alfred W., the only son,
was born November 25, 1802- When he was a small boy, his father
died and his mother married Lawrence J. Daly, an accomplished
teacher of that day, under whose tuition Alfred received a liberal
education, particularly in the department of mathematics. In 1820,
the family moved to Missouri and settled in Howard county, and in
1822, Mr. Daly became surveyor of the county, whereupon Alfred
became his deputy and thus acquired a thorough practical knowledge
of surveying. After reaching manhood, Alfred Morrison's acknowl-
edged ability and unswerving integrity, recommended him to the peo-
ple and to the public authorities for various .official positions, in which
he served almost continuously and always acceptably, for nearly forty
years. For ten years he was county surveyor, during which he laid
off the towns of Franklin, Fayette, Boonsboro and Roanoke, as
well as filling several government contracts on the western boundary
of the Platte purchase, on the northern boundary of the state adjoin-
ing Iowa, and in Camden county, on the Big Osage. He subse-
quently held the offices of sheriff, assessor and judge of the county
court, and for four years was receiver in the land office at Fayette,
by appointment of President Polk. He was also appointed, by Gen-
eral Clark, commissary to the expedition sent out to expel the Mor-
31
462 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
raons from the state, and without a dollar of public money, — but by
using the personal acceptances of the general commanding, involving
the expenditure of over $200,000, which was subsequently refunded,
however, by the state — he carried the expedition to a successful con-
clusion. In 1851, he was appointed state treasurer by Governor
Ring, to fill out the unexpired term of P. G. Glover, deceased, and he
discharged the duties of this office with such fidelity and ability that
he was three times in succession elected to the same position, and he
finally resigned it in 1861, against the earnest remonstrance of Gov-
ernor Gamble, rather than take the political test oath then required
by the party in power. Shortly after returning to Howard county
from Jefferson City, in 1861, he bought the Joel Hayden farm, a fine
estate of 800 acres, where he has since lived in honorable and comfort-
able retirement. Judge Morrison has been twice married. First,
March 15, 1825, to Miss Minerva, daughter of Captain Jackson, an
early settler of this county, but originally of Tennessee, and a soldier
under General Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. Five sons and
four daughters were born of this union ; of his children, only three
are still living — John L., former sheriff of this county, Samuel M.,
editor of the Daily /Standard, of Shreveport, La., and Preston E., also
of this county. On the 17th of September, the mother of these having
died two years before, Judge Morrison was married to his present
wife, previously Mrs. Martha C, widow of the late James H.John-
son, of Platte county, and a daughter of John Henderson, originally
of Virginia. Judge Morrison, although eighty-one years of age, is
still in vigorous health physically and mentally, and personally super-
vises his large farming and other interests, and can, if occasion
requires it, stand as much exertion and fatigue as men ordinarily at
forty years of age.
E. POIFJER,
blacksmith, manufacturer of wagons, etc., and dealer in agricultural
implements. Mr. Poirier is a Canadian by birth, but has lived on
this side of the St. Johns nearly thirty-five years, and since he was
thirteen years old, except a period of five years afterwards spent in his
native land. His grandparents were originally from France, but his
parents, Peter and Shersite, were Canadians. The subject of this
sketch was born, November 11, 1832, and at the age of thirteen,
came to St. Louis, Mo., where he learned the blacksmith's trade and
where he continued to live until 1860, when he returned to Canada.
In 1865, however, he came back to St. Louis, and during the spring
of the following year came up to Glasgow, where he has since lived.
Here he has followed his trade with success and has also engaged in '
the manufacture of wagons, plows, etc., and is now dealing in agri-
cultural implements, in which he has a good trade. He is an indus-
trious, energetic man, a good citizen, and is well respected in the
community. He is a member of the Masonic order. In April, 1870,
he was married to Miss Cleomatra Minor, of Chariton, county, Mo.
They have one child — Eleanor E. L.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 463
WILLIAM H. PRITCHETT, A. M.,
Professor of languages, Pritchett School Institute. Professor
Pritchett, although a yeung man but twenty-four years of age, has
already taken rank among the prominent educators of the state. He
adopted the profession of teaching with a full appreciation of its dig-
nity and importance, believing that it is the great calling upon which
all other interests depend, and that people advance in social develop-
ment and material prosperity in proportion to their advancement in
general education and in the higher departments of learning. For a
time he thought of devoting himself to the law, and even began the
study of that science, but upon mature consideration, and after weigh-
ing deliberately in his own mind the relative merits of the two walks
in life, satisfied himself that advanced education performs a service
to society far more important, a service in itself, more elevating
and ennobling than the licentiate in the legal profession, or in-
deed, in any other secular calling. Thus impressed with the dignity
and importance of his profession, he determined to make himself
worthy of it — ultimately to ornament it if it be possible to add lustre
to a calling so noble and exalted. In youth, he prepared himself to
begin it by a thorough course in college. William H. Pritchett was
born in Leavenworth, Kan., on the 19th day of December, 1858, and
is a son of Rev. Pritchett, then a missionary Methodist minister in
that state, but now president of Pritchett School Institute, of Glas-
gow, Mo. At the beginning of the war, the father returned with his
family to the old homestead farm in Warren county, but a part of the
time afterwards lived in St. Charles county. On the restoration of
peace he moved to his farm in Jackson county, where. he remained
until 1876. Hence, the early youth of the son, except while absent
attending school, was spent on the farm. But in 1876, his father
moved to Fayette, Mo., and there Wm. H. subsequently entered
Central college, and in 1881, received the highest degree conferred
by that institution. In Fayette, he became professor of languages in
the Howard Female college, a position he held about two and a half
years, his father ,being, during that time and altogether, about five
years the president of the college, In 1881, his father was elected
president of Pritchett School Institute, and Prof. Wm. H. was elected
to the professorship of lauguages in this institution, one of the en-
dowed chairs of the institute, the position, he now holds. In this
chair he has now served two years, and during this time has been
offered enviable positions in other colleges, which he has uniformly
declined, preferring to remain with, and to continue to build up, the
institution with which his and his father's names and reputations are
so intimately and honorably associated.
REV. J. H. PRITCHETT,
President, Pritchett School Institute, was born in Henry county,
Virginia, on the 8th of February, 1835. In the fall of the same
464 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
year his father immigrated to Missouri, stopping first in St. Charles
county, but settling permanently one year afterwards on the eastern
border of Warren county. There the father, who was a farmer by
occupation, lived until his death, and the sou remained with the family
on the farm up to the age of seventeen, receiving such instruction ,ih
the meantime as could be provided in private schools, which were
principally supported by the father and kept in a building erected by
him on his own farm. At the age of seventeen the son entered the
Howard high school, in Fayette, Missouri, and having completed its
curriculum in 1854, he spent the following year in charge of the
preparatory department of the same institution. In lfiaoi, he became
a licentiate in the M. E. church south, and in the latter part of that
year joined the Missouri conference of itinerant Methodist preachers,
going thereupon to Kansas territory as a missionary, where he re-
mained until the fall of 1860. Returning then to Missouri, he remained
with his family on the old homestead in Warren county, during the
civil war serving the various pastoral charges that were convenient.
In the spring of 1865, he went without his family to Montana terri-
tory, remaining there until January, 1866, engaged for the most part
in preaching and teaching. Concluding it best not to have his family
join him in that section of the country, and affairs in Missouri, in the
meantime becoming more settled, he then returned to this state, and
the last seventeen years he has spent partly in the ministry and partly1
in school work : six years in the regular pastorate, four in the presiding
eldership, and seven in the school room. In this last capacity he was
five years president of Howard college, and the past two years he'
has been president of Pritchett School Institute, the position he 'now
holds. The .active, energetic, and useful life marked out in this
sketch renders it unnecessary to say anything with regard to the value
of such a man to society in general, and particularly to the com-
munity in which he lives. Stinking, well-rounded sentences could
add nothing to the eloquence of the plain facts.
REV. CARR WALTER PRITCHETT,
Director of the Morrison Observatory, was born in Henry county,
Virginia, September 4, 1823. Until the completion of his twelfth
year his parents resided in the counties of Henry and Pittsylvania.
In 1835, they removed to Missouri, and settled in Warren county.
The oldest of ten children, his boyhood and youth were spent in
the arduous labor of opening and cultivating a farm. No time or
means could be afforded for attending school. In his twenty-first
year he attended St. Charles college, under President John H. Field-
ing, for eight months. In 1844, he began to teach, and in 1846,
became a licentiate in the ministry of the Methodist church. In
1846-47, he labored on the old Fulton circuit with William P.
Nichols. In 1847-48, he resumed teaching in a private academy,
known as Pleasant Hill, in Warren county. In 1849, he became
principal of the Danville academy, in Montgomery county, and in the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 465
fall of that year was married to Miss Bettie' Susan Smith, of Pike
county, Missouri. In 1851, he became principal of the female de-
partment of Howard high school, Fayette, Mo., in association with
William T. Lucky and William T. Davis. In 1857-58, he was asso-
ciated with Eev. Nathan Scarritt, now of Kansas City, in the organi-
zation of Central college, and part of the year officiated as president.
In 1859, he resided at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was engaged
in astronomical and mathematical pursuits. In 1859-60, he resumed
his professorship of mathematics and astronomy in Central college,
and again officiated as president, part of the year. During the war
he conducted a collegiate school, in the Central college building, at
Fayette, in association with Dr. William H. Anderson. In 1864-65,
he labored in the statistical department of the United States sanitary
commission at Washington, with Dr. B. A. Gould. In 1865-66, he
revived the old Howard high school, Fayette. After one year of
great prosperity, he became principal of Pritchett School Institute,
Glasgow, in 1866. After seven years, he resigned, and became
director of the Morrison Observatory, in 1874-75.
RALL BROTHERS,
carpenters and builders, and dealers in lumber and building material.
This firm is composed of three brothers — Lewis, Gustave and Ed-
ward — all originally from Wurtemburg, Germany. They were reared
in their native country, where they received good, ordinary educa-
tions, and also learned the carpenter's and the cabinet maker's trades,
of the last named of which their father was a master. Lewis served a
two years' term in the regular army, and in 1866 came to America,
landing at New York, but pushed on to Detroit, Michigan, where he
remained for a short time and then went to New Orleans, Louisiana.
In the spring of 1867, he came back north and located in Evansville,
Indiana, where he remained about a year. In 1868, he came further
west, to Missouri, settling finally in Glasgow, in 1869, where he has
since lived. Here he followed his i*egular trade exclusively until
1870, when he began in his present business. He was married
August 16, 1870, to Miss Julia Hessrich, a native of Boonville, and
they have five children — Robert, Ermen, Fannie, Nora and Sophia.
Gustave came to America in 1867, and met his brother at Evansville,
Indiana. Thence they came to Missouri, and on to Glasgow together.
In 1874, Gustave went to St. Louis, where he remained about five
years working at the carpenter's trade. During his residence there
he took lessons in mechanical and architectural drawing, making a
specialty of the latter, in which he became thorough, and he is now
conceded to be one of the finest experts, if not the finest, in this line
in central Missouri. Gustave was married July 23, 1878, to Miss
Emma Traubel, of St. Louis. They have two children — Rebecca
and Cora. He has been a member of the school board of Glasgow
for three years. Edward came to America after his brothers' emigra-
tion, and worked in Glasgow for a time, and then went to St. Louis,
466 HIST@RY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
where he remained until 1877. That year he returned to Germany,
but came back to Glasgow in 1880, where he has since lived. He
was married in Germany, to Miss H. Passauer, and two children have
been born to them, both of whom are living — Helen and William.
The Eall brothers are all thorough mechanics, untiringly industrious,
and intelligent and honorable, and they justly command a large share
of the building contracts in this part of the country, and have a
profitable and increasing trade in lumber and building material.
G. W. RHEA,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Rhea is an Ohio farmer, who settled in
this county after the war, and his farm bears out the reputation the
farmers of the Buckeye State have, that of being among the best
tillers of the soil in the whole country. He has what may not im-
properly be called a fine farm, for it is all splendid land and is well
and handsomely improved. Although not a large place, containing
only 131 acres, it is regarded as one of the best farms in the county.
He gives special attention to raising stock, paying closer regard, how-
ever, lo the quality than the quantity of the stock handled. Although
Mr. Rhea is an Ohioan, he comes of Kentucky and South Carolina
parentage, his father, James Rhea, having been a native of the
former state, and his mother, whose name was originally Miss Mary
Gray, having been born in South Carolina. However, in an early
day and when a young man, his father came from Kentucky to Preble
county, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Gray. Twelve child-
ren were the result of this marriage, among whom was G. W., the
subject of this sketch. G. W. Rhea was born in Preble county,
Ohio, September 17, 1834, and was reared and educated in his native
county., On reaching the age that it became necessary for him to
begin the active duties of life on his own account, he adopted farming
as his occupation, which he has since followed. He remained in
Preble county until 1863, and from that time until 1865, travelled
extensively in Canada and the United States, but during the last
named year settled in Butler county, Ohio, where he engaged in
farming and continued until 1870, when he came to Missouri and
made his home in Howard county. While residing in Butler county,
Ohio, he was married January 11, 1868, to Mrs. Mary Kimmage,
originally of Brooklyn, New York, and formerly a Miss Malona. By
her first marriage she has two children living — William J. and Mary
E. Mr. and Mrs. Rhea have by their union two children also —
Elizabeth A. and James G.
RICHARD M. ROBERTSON,
farmer. Mr. Robertson's father, James Robertson, was a native of
Ireland, but came to this country early in life, and for a time lived in
Kentucky. From there he came to Howard county, and here, in
March, 1828, married Miss Hannah Wilson, Richard M. being one of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 467
a family of seven children now living of this union, viz., William H.,
John F., Jasper, Richard M., Mary and Eobert. The father was a
farmer by occupation, which he followed from his first settlement in
this county until his death, in 1851. His wife still survives him, and
now makes her home with her son, Richard M., the subject of this
sketch. Richard M. was born in this county February 11, 1842, and
was reared here on his father's farm, which occupation he adopted
and has continued in thus far through life. He obtained a good or-
dinary education in the common schools, which has served him for all
practical purposes in farm life. When nineteen years of age, in
1861, he enlisted in the Missouri state guards, raised under Governor
Jackson's call for the defence of the state against threatened invasion,
in which he served six months, and then enlisted in the regular Con-
federate service and followed the ill-starred banner of the south
through four years of hardships and dangers until it was furled to be
unfurled no more. In, 1871, on the 13th of December, he was mar-
ried to Miss Georgia Gibbs, daughter of Stephen Gibbs, formerly of
Virginia, now deceased. They have two children, Bernice and Alice.
Both parents are members of the Christian church. Mrs. Robertson's
mother, formerly Miss Martha Milton, was originally from Kentucky,
but Mrs. R. herself was born in this county ; and Mrs. James Rob-
ertson, the mother of Richard M., was also a native of that state,
haviug been born in Bath county, Kentucky, October 28, 1811. She
came to Howard county with her parents when about nine years of
age. Mr. R. has a neat farm of 140 acres.
JOHN W. ROCK,
farmer. Mr. Rock, who is one of the substantial farmers of Howard
county, and who has served as justice of the peace of his township
for the past seven years, has been a resident of this county for over
twenty-five years. He was born in Barren county, Kentucky, Sep-
tember 5, 1829. His father, Joshua Rock, was a native of Virginia,
but came to Kentucky and was there married to Miss Mary Farhis,
and lived in Barren county until 1841, when they immigrated to Mis-
souri and settled in Linn county. Two years later they moved to
Macon county and lived there ten years; then » in 1853, moved to
Grundy county. John W. was twelve years old before his parents
left Barren county, namely, 1841, and consequently spent most of
his youth in this state, and particularly in Macon county, where he
attended the common schools, receiving a good ordinary education.
When a young man he worked for a time at the carpenter's trade,
but was reared on a farm and has followed that occupation thus far
through life. In 1857 he came to Howard county, where he has since
resided, and now owns a farm of 181£ acres in a good state of im-
provement. He served for a while in the enrolled militia, and after-
wards in the Missouri state militia. On the 15th of May, 1857, he
was married to Miss MaryM., daughter of Peter and Polly Page
468 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Ford, of this county, but originally of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs.
Rock have two children, Mary B. and Laura. Both parents are
members of the Baptist church.
JOHN A. J. ROOKER.
About 1750 William Rooker, then a mere boy, left his father's
hearthstone in England and took passage on a vessel for America.
Landed here, he first made his home in Alabama, where he afterwards
married and lived a number of years, but later on settled in Tennes-
see, and during his residence in the two states reared a large family.
His descendants settled in the various states and it is believed all of
that name in this country may trace their origin back to him as their
common ancestor. Three of his sons and one of their sisters settled
in the vicinity of Indianapolis, Indiana, and that city was originally
laid off on the land which then belonged to their sister's husband*
John Rooker, another son and the father of the subject of this sketch,
came to this county from Tennessee in 1816. He was born March 2,
1785, and married in Tennessee before leaving that state, his wife
having before her marriage been a Miss Mary A. Gillespie. On their
arrival here they spent their first winter in Fort Hempstead, but in the
following spring settled on the place near Glasgow, where he died forty-
four years afterwards, December 20, 1850* his wife having preceded him
to the grave about two months. They reared a family of eight chil-
dren. John Rooker was a man of the greatest enterprise, industry
and resolution, and withal he was possessed of unmistakable business
ability. As soon as he became settled in his new home he embarked
in trading by flat-boats, between Old Chariton and New Orleans. He
accompanied his own boats down the river on which he transported
tobacco, corn, hides, etc., and selling his stocks and also the boats
at New Orleans, he would then return by steamboat to St. Louis and
thence often walk up the Missouri to Old Franklin. This he continued
for over twenty years and succeeded in accumulating a comfortable
estate for old age. His son, John A. J., the subject of this sketch,
was born and reared in this county, his birthday having been the 5th
of November, in the year 1820. Farming became his regular occu-
pation, and he was "married on the 3d of December, 1842, to Miss Mary
A., daughter of Samuel and Jane Maddox. In 1843 he moved to Linn
county, Missouri, but his wife dying there about two years afterwards,
he returned to Howard county in 1845. Here, November 2, 1847, he
was married to Miss Nancy T., daughter of William and Margaret
Jackson, and then moved again to Linn county. He. remained in that
county for nearly twenty years and until after the late war, when he
emigrated to Iowa, but returned to Missouri one year later and settled
in Howard county, where he has since lived. He has an excellent
farm of 264 acres, and besides giving his attention to this, he was for
a number of years extensively engaged in buying and shipping
tobacco to distant markets, including Liverpool and London, to which
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 469
h« made direct shipments. By his first wife he has a daughter,
Clasinda ; and by his second, nine children are now living : Lizzie,
Alice, Erasmus, Thomas J., Octavia, James, Nannie, Willie and Lucy.
GRANVILLE C. SARTAIN,
farmer. For many years Mr. Sartain was engaged in handling and
training fast horses. In 184y he went to Texas, where he remained
three years. He was long accounted one of the best trainers and
judges of running stock in central Missouri. In this business he was
engaged in connection with farming, and the last mentioned occupation
he still follows. He has a farm of 282 acres improved. He was born
in Montgomery county, Tennessee, December 10, 1829, and was one
of a family of ten children, born to Wright and Nancy Duncan Sar-
tain, the father originally from Kentucky, but the mother a native of
Virginia. When Granville C. was about five years of age his parents
came to Missouri and settled in Howard county, where he was brought
up. When twenty-nine years of age he was married in July, 1856, to
Miss Mary B. Golden, of this county, but six years afterwards she
died leaving him four children : William, Matthew, Sarah and Mary B.
In 1864 he joined General Price's command in this state, and served
for a short time in the Confederate army. In October of the same
year, he married again, Miss Rebecca Peacher then becoming his
wife. They have six children, Joseph, James, Clarence, Harvey,
Addie D. and Maudie.
DR. F. M. SCROGIN,
physician and surgeon. In youth, the future for young Scrogin
seemed no brighter than for most of the other boys in his neighbor-
hood who had their way to make in the world. unaided by means of
influential friends. Yet, through a vista that many did not look, he
saw a brighter light than they — a future when he would be blessed
by an ample competence of this world's goods, would be a prominent
and useful citizen of his community, a physician respected and wel-
comed for his skill in his profession, and surrounded by a devoted and
worthy family ; but it was a vista that could be seen through only by
determined purpose, and it revealed a future that could be realized
only by constant effort, untiring, increasing industry. And thus he
has kept his eye steadily on the light, has struggled on bravely
through all difficulties and" overcoming all obstacles, until, at last, he
has reached the goal of his ambition, has become a physician esteemed
for his ability, a citizen comfortably situated and highly respect-
ed in his community. Dr. Scrogin was born in Woodford county,
Kentucky, August 8, 1819, and in youth had the advantages afforded
by the ordinary schools of his neighborhood, by which he received a
good, substantial education. Being brought up on a farm and under
the influence of life in the country, he acquired those habits of
industry and grew into that regularity and manner of life that are
470 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the secret of so many successful careers. At the age of eighteen he
commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Price and Perkins, of
Lexington, Kentucky, in which he continued several years, and in due
time entered the medical department of the Transylvania university,
of that city, and afterwards graduated at the close of the session for
1843-44. He then entered regularly upon the practice of his profes-
sion in Lexington, in which he continued until 1844, when he came to
Missouri, and located at Switzer's Mills, in Chariton county. There
he remained and prosecuted his practice with marked success for
seventeen years and until 1861, when he came to his present location
in this county, where for the last twenty-two years he has never
failed to answer the call of the suffering. Nor has his labor of life
gone unrewarded. He has an ample, comfortable estate of 700 acres
of fine land, and his homestead is one of the best improved farms in
Howard county. He was married on the 20th of July, 1854, to Miss
Martha Switzer, formerly of Virginia, daughter of Daniel Switzer,
founder of the Switzer mills. Dr. and Mrs. Scrogin have four chil-
dren — Ollie, Arthur, Dixie and Daisy. The doctor is also a member of
the I. O. O. F. His parents, Eobert C, and Sidnie Terrill Scrogin,
were both natives of Virginia, but came to Kentucky early in life.
HON. THOMAS SHACKELFORD.
To those who are to come after us, and who shall know anything
of the history of this section of the state, the name of the subject of
this sketch will not be unfamiliar. For many years he has been
prominent in public life, at the bar, in business affairs and as an agri-
culturist. His father was a Virginian by birth, and by occupation a
stone mason, but subsequently he became a large farmer in Saline
county, Missouri ; and he had those sterling qualities about him and
that broad-minded, plain, vigorous intelligence, which, even without
the advantages of a good education, bring success where industry,
enterprise and strong common sense can win it ; and which, when
combined with mental culture, place the individual in the front of the
thought and more advanced life of the community in which he lives.
The native force of the father was transmitted in a marked degree to
the son, and besides this, he has had the advantages of an excellent
education obtained by private instruction. He was born in
Saline county, Missouri, February 6th, 1822. His father,
Judge Shackelford, whose name also was Thomas, first settled
in Kentucky after leaving Virginia, where he followed his
trade, but afterwards, in 1821, came on to Missouri, and settled in
Saline county. In the meantime, however, he had married Miss Eliza
C. Pulliam, a young lady originally from North Carolina. Here they
>Creared their family which consisted of eight children. Transferred
from the rock quarries of his former home to the fertile prairies of
Saline county, Judge Shackelford's success was speedy and ample,
and he soon took rank as one of the leading citizens of a wealthy
county. He was appointed to the *>ench of the county court, and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 471
otherwise figured prominently in public and business affairs. The re-
mainder of his life, and that of his excellent wife, was spent in the
home of their adoption, and the remains of both now rest in the
neighborhood cemetery near where they lived and died. Thomas
Shackelford, the son, on reaching early manhood, or rather during
the later years of his youth, read law under Judge Leonard, of Fay-
ette, and made such progress in the study that he was admitted to the
bar with marked distinction before he was twenty-one years of age.
He soon went to the front in his profession and since then has been
connected with most of the leading cases of this county, having prac-
tised in Glasgow for the last forty years. In a property point of
view his success has been not less nattering. He has been a large
stockholder in the Glasgow Savings bank since its first establishment,
and has been the president of that institution during the whole time.
He also owns a magnificent farm of 685 acres, one of the handsomest
and best improved farms in the county, and does a large business in
blooded stock and high-graded cattle. He is a man of great enter-
prise in whatever he engages, and he is as public-spirited and solici-
tous for the general welfare as he is enterprising. He has been
among the foremost in building up Glasgow, and has contributed a
leading share toward the development and prosperity of the surround-
ing country. In 1861 he was chosen to represent the people of this
district in the constitutional convention which had to consider the
action Missouri should take in the pending crisis, and was a steadfast
friend to the. Union. In 1875 he was again chosen as a constitutional
delegate and sat in the convention that formed the present constitu-
tion. The facts that none but the ablest and best men are chosen to
form constitutions, and that he has been selected by this district as
their representative in the only two representative constitutional con-
ventions that have been held in his life-time, are eloquent testimonials
to his integrity, ability and popularity. He was married June 17th,
1851, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of John Harrison, one of the early
settlers and highly respected citizens of this county. They have a
family of three children. Ida E., wife of Kev. C. C. Hemenway, of
Auburn, New York, and Maud and George C. Mr. and Mrs. Shackel-
ford are both members of the M. E. church south, and he is a member
of the I, O. O. F. and of the I. O. G. T., and takes an active interest
in both orders.
SYDNEY SHACKELFORD,
farmer. Mr. Shackelford, one of the most successful and enterpris-
ing farmers and business men of Howard county, began his industrial
life in the mercantile business at the early age of seventeen, which he
pursued with success for over ten years, and then engaged in farming
and stock raising, which still occupies his attention, in connection,
however, with the tobacco business. He was born in Saline county,
Missouri, March 6, 1831, and was reared and educated in that county.
In 1847 he came to Glasgow and engaged in merchandising, being a
member of the firm of Baston, Hutchinson & Co., and in this he con-
472 HISTORY OF HOWAED AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tinned until 1856, when he went to St. Louis and began the wholesale
grocery business. In that city he was the leading member of the
firm of Shackelford, Finney & Co., in which he remained until 1858,
when he sold out and commenced farming in this county on a large scale,
and raising stock. His place embraces 700 acres of excellent land,
and is one of the best grain and stock farms in the county. The
improvements are of a very superior class, and he has some as fine
stock as there is in the county. As a farmer and stock raiser he is
progressive and full of enterprise, and believes that agricultural inter-
ests should be conducted on the same principles that govern other
business. On the 2d of March, 1858, he was married to Miss Lucy
Bouldin, daughter of I. E. Bouldin, of Austin, Texas, but in March,
1873, she was taken away by death. By this union he has one son
living, Everett. He was married again, June 2, 1877, to Miss Flora
Bouldin. By this marriage he has two children living, Sydney and
Mizell. Mrs. Shackleford was born in this county March 28, 1853,
and was a daughter of James L. Bouldin.
•■»"
WILLIAM H. SIGLER,
merchant, lumber manufacturer and dealer. That there are ample
and almost unsurpassed opportunities here for men to thrive by en-
terprise and good management is forcibly illustrated by the career of
Wm . H. Sigler. He came to Glasgow six years ago with barely enough
means to Jbegin business on a small scale, and now he is one of the
foremost business men in the county ; is, perhaps, the largest lumber
manufacturer in this whole region of country. He has two large
mills in Glasgow alone, besides important milling interests elsewhere,
and in west Glasgow, of which he is the postmaster, he also has a
general store and deals extensively in grain. In one of his mills in
Glasgow he has just added a complete plant of machinery for the
manufacture of laths and staves, which he has begun on a large scale.
He employs a large corps of hands in his various establishments.
Such a man is of value to any community in which he lives, and a
sketch of his career will well repay reading. He was born in Putnam
county, Indiana, June 11, 1850. His parents, James and Elizabeth
Sigler, were originally from Pennsylvania. When William H. was
about five years old they moved from Indiana to Wayne county,
Iowa, where the father carried on farming and the milling business,
and to the latter occupation William H. was brought up, which he
followed until the breaking out of the war. When hostilities began
he, of course, took the side of his own section, and being as courage-
ous as he was sincere in his attachment to the union, he enlisted in
company B, 6th Kansas infantry, which was afterwards changed to
cavalry. He served three years, and at the expiration of his term
returned home and resumed the milling business. In 1871 he went
to Omaha, Nebraska, where he remained most of the time until in
1877, when he came to Glasgow. In January, 1874, he was married
to Miss Emma J. Kingdon, a native of Illinois.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 473
WILLIAM H. AND KIRK P. SILVEY,
farmers. William H. Silvey, the father of Kirk P., is a life-long res-
ident of Howard 'county, and is one of the oldest, in point of contin-
uous residence, in the county, having been born here February 26,
1819. He was the youngest of a family of six children born to Alex-
ander and Sallie Silvey, only two of whom are now living. His
father was a native of Virginia, and his mother, whose family name
was originally Holmes, was from North Carolina, but they were mar-
ried in Kentucky, whence, in 1818, they came to this state and set-
tled in Howard county. His father died here in 1860, and his mother
in 1863. William H. obtained a good ordinary education in his
youth, and having been reared on a farm, he adopted that as his oc-
cupation. He has a farm of good land numbering 200 acres, com-
fortably improved. He is an intelligent, upright, well-to-do farmer,
and is respected by all who know him. January 11, 1843, he was mar-
ried to Miss Martha E. Yager, originally from Madison county, Vir-
ginia. Both are members of the Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs.
Silvey have two children living, Amanda, widow of the late Dr. Pile,
and Kirk P.
Kirk P. Silvey was also born in Howard county, his natal
day being the 6th of December, 1848. In youth he had the ad-
vantages afforded by the common schools, and in these received a
good practical education. His father brought him up to habits of in-
dustry and in the way to upright and honorable manhood, and his
early training has not been thrown away. Like his father, he is a
well-respected farmer and citizen. On the 16th of February, 1871,
he was married to Pauline Broaddus, of this county. They have four
children, Leroy F., William F., Bunyan and an infant. He has a
farm of 171 acres.
JOEL E. SILVEY,
farmer. Mr. Silvey's father, Joseph H., who died January 23, 1883,
was a son of Alexander and Sarah Silvey, and was brought with his
father's family to this county when a small boy. Here he grew up
and married and reared a large family, his wife having been formerly
Miss Eliza J. Witt, a native of this state, who died February 4, 1881.
Of their family of ten children, eight are now living, viz-' Sarah F.,
wife of J. N. Eobinson ; Ledru, grocer, in Salisbury, Missouri ; Alex.
F., farmer, of this county; Joel E., subject of this sketch; Belle,
wife of C. J. Simpson ; James S., student in the law depai-tment of
the state university ; Ernest B. and Strange S. A son (Lecroy) died
during the war in the military prison at Alton, Illinois, and Jennie
died unmarried. The father, at his death, left a neat farm of 176|
acres, on which Joel E. and his younger brothers now reside. Joel
E. was born October 12, 1855, where he now lives. He has followed
farming from boyhood, and is an intelligent and industrious and well-
respected farmer and citizen. In youth he received a good ordinary .
474 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
education, and after he grew up was married, July 11, 1878, to Miss
Ella Estill, daughter of one of the old settlers of the county. Mr.
and Mrs. S. are "both members of the Christian church.
DANIEL W. SKAGGS,
farmer. Mr. Skaggs came to Howard county from Johnson county,
in this state, in 1863, and now owns a good farm of 191 acres in a fair
condition of improvement. He was the seventh of a family of eleven
children born to Joseph and Effie Donham Skaggs, the father a native
of East Tennessee, and the mother of Pennsylvania. They were mar-
ried in Kentucky, however, where both had gone early in life, and in
Warren county of that state the subject of this sketch was born June
6, 1813. When Daniel was a boy seven years of age his parents
moved to Henry county, Tennessee, where they lived about ten years
and then immigrated to Missouri, settling first in Lafayette county,
and two years afterwards in Johnson county. He was educated iu
the common schools of Tennessee and of this state, and was brought
up to the occupation of a farmer, which he has since followed. In
May, 1839, he%was married to Miss Frances A. Wright, of Kentucky,
but she died in 1862, leaving him four children — Mary, William,
George and Laura A., of whom George is the only one living. He
was again married in March, 1864, Miss Elizabeth Thorp, of this
county, becoming his second wife. Of the last marriage four chil-
dren are living — Effie, Willie A., Joseph F. and James E. Both
are members of the Baptist church.
THOMAS BERRY SMITH,
professor of natural sciences in Pritchett School Institute, was born in
Pike county, Missouri, December 7, 1850. His father was a Virginian
and his mother a Missourian. His boyhood was spent on a farm, en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He attended school
a few months during the winter of each year. In his seventeenth
year he was sent from home to a high school in Clarksville, Missouri.
In 1869 he was allowed to begin a four years' course in Pritchett In-
stitute, Glasgow, Missouri, from which he graduated in February,
1873, receiving the degree of B. A. After teaching a few months in
the country he was elected to the chair of natural sciences in Pritchett
School Institute in September, 1873. In September, 1875, by direc-
tion of the institute, he went to Yale college and entered the Sheffield
scientific school to prepare himself for the department of chemistry,
physics and mineralogy in Pritchett School Institute. He remained
until June, 1876, and visited the Centennial exposition on his way
home. In September he entered again upon his school duties as pro-
fessor of chemistry and physics in Pritchett School Institute. He has
since that time been connected with the North Missouri Normal school
at Kirksville, Missouri, Carleton college at Northfield, Minnesota, and
McCune college at Louisiana, Missouri. He is now professor of nat-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 475
ural sciences in Pritchett Institute, having been elected to that chair
after the resignation of Professor S. H. Trowbridge in 1882. He
received the degree of master of arts trom his alma mater in 1879.
He is a member of the M. E. church — joined at Glasgow in January,
1870 — and is a Sunday-school worker. He has been an active worker
in the I. O. G. T., and is a member of the A. O. U. W. In 1881 he
joined the American association for the advancement of science. He
was married December 27, 1877, at Eichmond, Missouri, to Miss
Emma Marvin Newland, second daughter of the late Kev. W. M.
Newland. He has written a good deal ; has been a contributor in
prose and verse to the Kansas City Revieiv, St. Louis Christian Ad-
vocate, Ware's Valley Monthly, Visitor and Teacher (Kirksville) and
other periodicals. In 1880 he published a chart entitled "Circle of
the Material Sciences," which has been highly commended by educa-
tors. He has travelled considerably over the United States, including
three trips to Texas, three to Virginia, where he spent several weeks
in the mountains, two by ocean steamer from Norfolk to New York,
and two to St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. After ten years in
the school room as teacher and professor, working in his chosen
field — Nature — he is satisfied with his vocation, and expects to spend
his life in doing all he can to make better the human race, leading the
young amid the mysteries of nature, and among them searching for
the wondrous Designer of all.
A. W. STANLEY,
farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower. In farming it is the same as in
any other business ; some men lead in it, a great many move along in
a mechanical sort of way, like marking time, and still others unfortun-
ately fall victims to industrial asthenia and are counted out entirely.
Mr. Stanley is in everjr sense one of the first class. His place is a
revelation of neatness, taste and good management, and he is a pro-
gressive farmer. He is now going largely into apple culture, simply
because it is a plain matter of figures that it pays better than corn
and wheat growing. His place numbers 382 acres, and he has I8V2
acres in orchards, to which he is adding every year. In early man-
hood he was a schoolteacher, and this fact throws a deal of light on
his subsequent intelligent, successful career. He has been, and is
now, a leading man in his locality ; was a director in the Howard
county bank at Glasgow; has been a justice of the peace, and is now
a notary public. He was born in this county September 6, 1830, and
was here reared and educated. He commenced his career by teaching
school, and after awhile became so situated that he could go to farm-
ing, and has gone on persevering in industry and intelligent manage-
ment, until now he is one of the substantial men of Howard county.
He was married November 28, 1854, to Miss Cynthia A. Crawley of
this county, and they have eleven children : Newton, Laura, Mary A.,
Boyd, Cornelia, Ida, James, Wilmoth, William P., Emma, Leonard
E. Mrs. Stanley ,was born January 20, 1834. Mr. Stanley's father,
476 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Thomas Stanley, was a native of Virginia. From there he went to
Kentucky and thence to Tennessee, where he married Miss Alcie
Wells, and then came to Howard county in 1817, where they made
their permanent home. Here Aaron W.'s mother died when he was still
a child, but his father lived until 1855, — nearly forty years after his
arrival in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are consistent mem-
bers of the M. E. church south, and his father and mother were also
earnest Christian people, and both families have been and are highly
esteemed by all acquainted with them.
JOSEPH STETTMUND,
of Joseph Stettmund & Co., pork packers, butchers, etc. Mr. Stett-
mund is another of that large class of Germans who have come to this
country, and by intelligent industry and good management have ac-
cumulated handsome fortunes. He is now one of the solid business
men of Howard county, is a large stockholder and director of the
Howard county bank, and is respected by all as an enterprising public-
spirited citizen. He was born at Hohenzollern, Germany, April 6,
1826, and was married in his native country, where he learned the
butcher's trade and lived until 1848. He then came to America,
landing at New Orleans, whence he came to Cincinnati, where he re-
mained a year, and then located in St. Louis. In 1852 he came up
the river to Glasgow, and that year began his career in this place in
the butcher business. He went to work with the energy that never
fails to bring success when directed by good sound sense and accom-
panied by frugal habits, and the result has been as we have noted
above. While some were idling and taking their pleasure in early
manhood, he was at work and economizing. Now he is able to have
all the comforts he desires, while they in their old age are forced to
work, and are often without the necessaries of life. There is a lesson
in this well worth study. He was married February 26, 1855, to
Miss Wilhelmine Eushhause, of Germany. They have seven children ;
Julia A., Joseph R., Emma C, Edward H., Louis J., Ernest and
Varney.
JAMES O. SWEARINGEN,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Swearingen is another of the many
honest and worthy citizens of Howard county, who are the sons of the
early settlers, and were born and raised in the county, and, true to
the noblest instinct of man — love of country — have always made
this their home. Mr. S. was one of a family of seven children born
to Joseph and Nancy Short Swearingen, who came to this county
from Kentucky among the early pioneers. James O. was born in
this county on the 6th of September, 1840, and was reared on a farm,
which occupation he has followed from youth. He acquired a good
ordinary education in the common schools of the times, and on reach-
ing manhood engaged in farming on his own account. When General
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 477
Price, "full high advanced" the blood and tear-bathed standard of
the south upon the plains and heights of old Missouri in 1864, he be-
came a plighted soldier to the southern banner, and followed it to its
Calvary, and until the door of its sepulchre was sealed forever. On
the 14th of March, 1861, Mr. S. was' married to Miss Nancy E. Way-
land, of this county. They have a family of eight children: Elime-
lech, Obed C, Joseph W., Mary B., Mattie J., James K., Dollie A.
and Addie S. Mr. S. is a member of the A. O. U. W.
JOHN TATUM,
farmer. Mr. Tatum's grandfather, Isham Tatum, whose father was
from England, came from North Carolina to Virginia where he settled
and reared a family, Isham Jr., the father of the subject of this
sketch being one of his sons. Isham Jr., on reaching manhood was
married in his native state to Miss Mary Hume, and of this union
fourteen children were boru, John, our subject, being the eldest.
He was born in Madison county, Virginia, February 12, 1819. When
about seventeen years of age, he in company with four other }7oung
men — his father, A. C, David Garnett and Frederick and William
Kemper, the last two brothers of Governor Kemper, of Virginia, and
Frederick, afterwards of the well-known Kemper school, of Boon-
ville, came to Missouri in 1836, making the trip as far as Burl-
ington, Kentucky, in a wagon, thence coming by stage to the Ohio
river and thence by boat to St. Louis. At the last named point the
company separated, the Kempers and Garnett going to Marion college,
and John and A. C. Tatum coming to their uncle's, in St. Charles
county. John remained in St. Charles until 1838, when he came up
the river to Glasgow, but a year later returned to St. Charles county.
In 1841 he came again to Howard county and entered the Fayette
college, in which he continued as a student about a year. He then
began teaching, which he followed until 1846. On the 12th of Febru-
ary of that year he was married to Miss Nancy Wilhoit, of this county,
and then engaged in farming which he has since followed. He now
has a good farm of 278 acres in an excellent state of improvement.
Mr. Tatum has led an industrious and useful life, and he is respected
by all who know him as an intelligent, upright citizen. He has held
the office of justice of the peace for fourteen years. His first wife,
who was born in 1821, lived to bless his home twenty-two years after
their marriage, but in 1868 was taken from him by death. Three
children of this union are now living — William H., John R. and
Joseph. Mr. T. was again married, June 2, 1874, to Miss Helen A.
Hume, who was born in Madison county, Virginia, in 1841. By his
last marriage four children are now living — Edward T., Henry E.,
Mertis and Lee. On the mother's side Mr. Tatum is of Scotch de-
scent, Lloyd Hume, the great grandfather of his mother, having come
over to this country from Scotland in the pioneer days of the col-
onies. His grandmother was formerly a Miss Ann Clark, of Virginia.
32
4:78 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
HENRY TILLMAN,
a leading grocer and dealer in queenswarte, etc., in Glasgow, is a na-
tive of Germany, and was born in that country December 19, 1830.
He there learned the baker's trade, which he followed principally
until 1853, when he immigrated to America, landing in New Orleans,
but pushing on shortly to St. Louis. He remained in the last-named
city until 1856, when he came ou up the river to Glasgow and located
permanently in this place, where he has since lived. Here he was
employed in different kinds of labor until 1857, when he engaged in
the saloon business, in which he continued for sixteen years. In
1873 he began his present business, and now he has one of the largest
grocery houses in Howard county, and is doing an excellent and rap-
idly increasing business. In 1855 he was married in St. Louis to
Miss Anna M. Kneuven, a young lady of German birth. They have
six children — Lizzie, Mary, Ella and Nellia, twins, Litta and
Vincent.
JOHN H. TURNER, Jr.,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Turner, who is a life-long resident of
Howard county, and has a splendid grain and stock farm of 800
acres, besides giving his attention to the ordinary farm interests, is
now making a specialty of raising and handling short-horn, high-grade
cattle, of which he has some of the finest quality in the county. He
has been engaged in this line for the past five years, but is constantly
adding to his stock by purchase of the best breeds that can be had,
and the present year bought several, including both sexes, of the cel-
ebrated Pole-Angus breed, imported direct from Scotland. Besides
his large farm in this county, which is exceptionably well improved,
he owns real estate also in Chariton and Macon counties, and is in
every sense of the word a thorough-going, enterprising, educated
farmer and stockman. He was born in Howard county, Missouri,
June 9, 1837, and was reared in this county, where he has since lived.
In youth he attended the ordinary schools of the county, and after
his common school course had the benefit of two years' tuition in the
State university at Columbia. Returning home after his university
course, he engaged in farming, and his career as a farmer has been
marked by the most gratifying success. On the 11th of May, 1860,
he was married to Miss Bettie Jackson, a refined and accomplished
young lady of this county, daughter of Thomas Jackson and niece of
Governor Claiborne F. Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have an inter-
esting family of five children — Thomas J., Henry A., Lee, Lueile
and Richard E. Mr. T. is a brother to William Turner, another
leading farmer and stock raiser, and both are sons of Talton Turner,
one of the old and highly respected citizens of the county.
ISAAC P. VAUGHAN, M. D.
Dr. Vaughan was born in Goochland county, Virginia, thirty
miles above Richmond, on the James river, on the 27th day of Feb-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 479
ruary, 1816. His father was Dr. Nicholas Meriweather Vaughan, of
the same county, and was a first cousin to Captain Meriweather Lewis,
commander of the expedition of Lewis and Clark, sent by President
Jefferson, in 1804, to explore the territory newly acquired from France,
from the western boundary of Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia
river. Dr. I. P. Vaughan's mother was a daughter of Isaac Pleas-
ants, Esq., of the doctor's native county. Mr. Pleasants, although
belonging to the denomination of Quakers, became a gallant soldier of
the Continental army on the breaking out of the revolutionary war.
He was a man of strong character, great resolution and of undoubted
patriotism. When it became known that he had enlisted for the war,
he was cited before his church, the laws of which prohibit its mem-
bers from becoming soldiers on any account, for breach of its ordi-
nances ; but he sent his brethren word that they might go to — wher-
ever the spirit moved them — but for him, he would go to the front
and fight for his country. This message, of course, placed him out-
side of the Quaker denomination, but it was enthusiastically approved
by the public, and made him something of a hero among the Virginia
volunteers. He bravely followed the flag of the infant republic through
the entire war, and was with Washington at the siege of Boston and
at the battles of Camden and Princeton. He also crossed the Dela-
ware with his old commander on that eventful, stormy night ; partici-
pated in the campaign through the Jerseys ; was in the battles of
Germantown and Brandywine ; passed through the trials and hard-
ships of the winter at Valley Forge ; and wound up his career at the
glorious triumph of Yorktown. Dr. Isaac P. Vaughan graduated
in the medical , department of the University of Pennsylvania,
in Philadelphia, in March, 1837. In 1839 he located in Glasgow,
Missouri, where he remained engaged in the practice of his profession
until 1864, when he went to St. Louis. But in 1866, his health hav-
ing broken down, he went to Europe, and was absent from this coun-
try about six months. He returned to Glasgow in 1868, where he
has since lived and has practised continuously since in the various
branches of his profession. It is the least that the plain, modest
truth allows, to say that Dr. Vaughan is a scientific, successful
physician, a useful citizen and a good man. But this is said advisedly
and with a proper appreciation of the full significance of the words
used. Before the war he had accumulated a handsome compe-
tence, but the war swept most of it away. Since then he has ma-
terially mended his fortune.
JOHN WACHTEE,
gunsmith, and dealer in fire-arms, glassware, queensware, etc. Over
thirty-two years ago, Mr. Wachter came from Switzerland to Glas-
gow, and went to work at his trade, that of gunsmithing, which he
had learned in the old conntry, and which he has ever since followed.
For many years, however, he has had an establishment of his own,
and about three years ago he also engaged in the glassware and
480 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
queensware mercantile business. He was born in Switzerland, Janu-
ary 7, 1833. He had good school advantages in his youth, and ac-
quired more than an average common school education. As is wisely
the custom in that country, that every boy shall learn some occupa-
tion, either trade, profession, or other certain means of support, Mr.
W. was apprenticed to the gunsmith's trade, which he learned thor-
oughly, as is there required. His father, Justice, having come over
to this country and located in Glasgow, in 1849, two years later he
came over, since which he has lived almost continuously where he is
now engaged in business. On the 8th of January, 1854, he was
married to Miss Margaret Taylor, a native of Indiana, whose parents
were also of that state, but were of German descent. They have
four children — Martha, Alice, John and Fletcher. Mr. and Mrs.
Wachter are both members of the church, he of the Methodist de-
nomination, and she of the Presbyterian.
S. F. WALLACE.
Mr. Wallace was the youngest of a family of ten children — five
sons and five daughters — and was born in this county, August 15,
1822. His father, Samuel Wallace, immigrated to this county from
Kentucky, in 1819, and was then forty-eight years of age, having been
born in Virginia, January 29, 1771. When a young man, he immi-
grated from Virginia to Kentucky, and was there, afterwards, on
the 14th of June, 1798, married. to Miss Anna Snoddy, who was born
in North Carolina, October 19, 1778. Twenty-one years afterwards,
as stated above, they came to Howard county and here he died, in
1852, and Mrs. Wallace about ten years subsequent, March 4, 1862.
On coming to this county, Mr. W. improved the farm on which his
son, S. F., now lives and helped to improve. Mr. S. F. was married
December 18, 1845, to Miss Galey, daughter of Robert and Anna,
James, both of Kentucky, but early settlers in this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Wallace have three children — John C, Hickman J. and Lizzie,
(now Mrs. Tindall). Mrs. Wallace was born December 22, 1823, in
Howard county. Mr. Wallace has an excellent farm of 246 acres.
He has been, and is now one of the successful farmers of the county.
He is an intelligent, energetic farmer, and a highly respected citizen,
and he and wife are both members of the Baptist church.
DR. JAMES M. WALKER,
physician and farmer. Dr. Walker was principally reared in Ran-
dolph county, although a native of Kentucky, his father, who was
also a physician, having come from that state to Misssouri, when the
son was a small boy. Dr. W. W. Walker, the father, was of a South
Carolina family, but was himself born in Kentucky, his parents hav-
ing settled in that state in a comparatively early day. Mrs. Walker,
Dr. J. M.'s mother, was before her marriage a Miss Susan Anna
Schooling, and was born and reared in her husband's native state.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 481
On coming to this state, Dr. W. W. Walker first located in Boone
county, but remained there only about two years, and then located in
Randolph county, where he moved his family and practised his pro-
fession for many years. However, his health failing him, he was
compelled to retire from practice in 1854, and died subsequently at
his son's residence, at the age of sevent}7-five years. Dr. James M.
Walker was the eldest of a family of seven children (all sons), and
was born in Harrodsburg, Mercer county, Ky., August 25, 1824.
His parents having come to Randolph county, Mo., he there attended
the schools of the neighborhood, and, by close application to his books,
acquired a good ordinary English education early in youth. But when
in boyhood, he showed a decided preference for medical studies, and
commenced reading the works in his father's library at an early age,
which he kept up until he was old enough to attend medical school.
Thus, his reading having extended through a long series of years, and
with the advantage of constant instruction from his father, who took
a deep interest in his progress, and supplied him with all the best
medical works, when he entered the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Louisville, in 1848, he was unusually well qualified to be-
gin his medical course. After his medical course, he at once entered
actively into the practice of his profession with his father, in Ran-
dolph county, which he continued for some years ; but anxious to
keep up, not only in the latest knowledge to be found in books, but
also in that afforded by the schools, he took another regular course
in a medical college in St. Louis also, where he graduated with marked
distinction, in 1855. Then resuming his practice, he followed it with
great success, professionally and otherwise, until 1860, when, in order
to retire from practice, he settled in this county on a farm, in 1845,
which he had previously acquired. His farm contains 320 acres, and
is substantially improved, and well stocked. He was married on the
31st of March, 1850, to Miss Susan V., daughter of Robert James.
They have three children — Fannie P., William W. and Robert J.
The doctor and his wife are both members of the Christian church,
and he is a prominent member of the Masonic order.
CAPT. W. E. WARDEN.
When the magic words, " Gold discovered in California," passed
from lip to lip throughout the world, in 1850, and the following spring
and summer, the subject of this sketch was then a young man
twenty-five years of age, pursuing the even tenor of his way in Chari-
ton county, whence he had gone from this county, in 1845, where he
was born and reared. But coming of an ancestry of pioneers and
enterprising men, he could not remain quietly while the tread of
thousands to the promised land was constantly echoing in his ear.
Accordingly, like another soldier of the crusades, he joined the march-
ing column of the westward bound pioneers, and made the journey
across the plains to the golden coast of California. He remained in
the far off regions of the west, digging, patiently digging, for what the
482 HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
" Merchant ploughs the main
And the farmer plows the manor,"
until 1851, when he returned to his home in Chariton county. He
had then been married four years, having married April 16, 1846,
when Miss Martha S. Ballew became his wife. She was born in June,
1827, and he August 4, 1824, both natives of Howard county. Up
to that time he had followed the occupation of a farmer, which he has
since pursued, except for a term during the war, when he did service
in the Confederate army. He joined General Price's command during
the latter's raid in this state, and served as captain of company C,
2d Missouri battalion sharp shooters, until the general surrender, in
1865. After the conclusion of the war, he came from Chariton county
to this county with his family, where he has since lived. They have
four children — Vinnie F., wife of Thomas A. Cason, of this count}',
William D., Walter H. and Stonewall J. Mr. and Mrs. Warden are
both members of the Christian church. Mr. W.'s parents, Elijah and
Frances Jackson Warden, were natives of Kentucky — the former came
to Missouri to view the country in 1814 — but immigrated to the state
in 1818, settling in Howard county later, where the mother died in
1852, and the father in 1856. His wife's parents, Hiram and Dorcas
Ballew, came to Howard county in 1818. Mr. B. was a native of
North Carolina, and his wife was born in Kentucky.
E. N. WAUGH,
farmer. Mr. Waugh was a youth sixteen years of age when his parents
emigrated from Virginia and settled in Pike county, Missouri, in
1838, where they both subsequently lived until their death. His
father, Thomas Waugh, was of Scotch descent, and was born and
reared in the Old Dominion. His mother's maiden name was
Elizabeth Reynolds. E. N., the subject of this sketch, was born in
Bedford county, Virginia, January 22, 1822. He received the ele-
ments of an ordinary education in the neighborhood schools of his
early home. After reaching manhood he adopted farming as his oc-
cupation to which he had been brought up. He remained in Pike
county, Missouri, until 1855, when he moved to Lincoln county,
whence, two years afterwards, he came to this county, where he has
since lived. He has a good farm of 233 acres. On the 25th of De-
cember, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Graves, originally from
Nelson county, Virginia, where she was born, October 11, 1826.
They have two children, Minerva and Fame. Mr. and Mrs. W. are
both members of the Christian church.
JOHN H. WAYLAND,
of Lewis & Wayland, grain merchants. Among the prominent busi-
ness men of Glasgow, who were born and reared in Howard county,
may be mentioned John H. Wayland, now extensively engaged
with Mr. Lewis as his partner in the grain business. His father,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 483
William Wayland, was a native of Virginia, having been born in
Osage county, of that state, January 13, 1816 ; but when only about
ten years of age, he was brought by his parents to Missouri who immi-
grated to Howard county in 1826, where William was afterwards
brought up. During the last thirty years of his life he was engaged
in merchandising in Roanoke, where he died, August 2, 1879, leaving
his wife, who still survives him, and six children — Aria, John H.,
James, Cecil, Roland and Elizabeth. He was an upright business
man and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
For many years he was a leading and exemplary member of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church. John H. Wayland was born February
6, 1849, and was reared in Roanoke, where he attended the common
schools, but received more of a practical education in his father's
store, in which most of his youth and early manhood were spent. His
training was such as to make him a first-class business man, and the
result has shown that his opportunities were not thrown away. In
1872, he came to Glasgow and engaged in selling goods, which he
continued until 1876, when he formed his present partnership and
began the grain business. He was married March 31, 1875, to Miss
Virginia L.'Iglehart, of this county. They have three children —
Virlea, Elizabeth and William. Mr. W. is a member of Livingston
lodge No. 51, of the A. F. and A. M.
N. B. WEAVER,
engaged in the agricultural implement business and in the manufac-
ture of wagons in Glasgow, is of German parentage on his father's
side, but is himself a native of Ohio. His father, John Weaver, came
to America when a young man and married in Ohio a young lady
born and raised in that state. When the subject of this sketch was
six years old his father came with the family to Boonville, Mo., where
N. B. was reared and educated. He there learned the blacksmith's
trade, and in 1869, came to Glasgow, where he has since carried on
his present business. He has a large trade in agricultural imple-
ments and his wagons are extensively used throughout the surround-
ing country. He'was married February 26, 1872, to Miss Mary A.
Nivert, of Glasgow. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has
been a member of the town council for three years. He is an intelli-
gent, progressive business man, and as a citizen he is deservedly
popular.
WILLIAM WENGLER & SONS,
manufacturers of and dealers in furniture. These gentlemen have a
furniture establishment that is a credit to the place in which they do
business and speaks a great deal for their own enterprise and business
ability. Mr. William Wengler began business in Glasgow, in 1867,
on a small capital, and by industry and good management increased
his trade and enlarged his establishment until it became one of the
484 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
solid business institutions of the city. They have just put in a plant
of machinery for the manufacture of furniture on a more extensive
scale than ever, and they reasonably look forward for a moi'e rapid
growth of their business than they have heretofore experienced. Mr.
Wengler, the father, was born in Prussia, October 11, 1820. In
youth, he had the benefit of the excellent public school system in his
native country, and, as it is the rule in that country, for every boy to
learn some useful occupation, he learned the cabinet maker's trade, and
learned it thoroughly, which he has since followed. In 1851, he
came to America, landing in New York, where he remained for a
time, and afterwards settled in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He continued
working at his trade there until 1865, when he came to Hannibal, Mis-
souri, where he remained until the following year, locating then at
Glasgow. He married before leaving Prussia, February 15, 1850,
Miss Augusta Froelich then becoming his wife. She was born in that
country, November 25, 1832. They have four chilnren — Hermann
W., born in New York City, June 13, 1852, and a member of the
above firm; Edward A., also a member of the firm, born in Ft.
Wayne, Indiana, February 24, 1857, and married to Miss Rose Erdle,
of this county, December 21, 1879 ; Bertha, also born in Ft, Wayne,
January 9, 1859, and Adolph, born in Ft. Wayne, February 21, 1861.
Edward A. and wife have one child — Edgar.
D. V. WHITE,
farmer, and dealer in mules and blooded horses. Mr. White's an-
cestors, both paternal and maternal, came originally from Virgina.
His grandfather, G. White, was a soldier in the revolutionary war,
and subsequently became one of the first pioneers of Madison county,
Kentucky. His grandfather on his mother's side, James Moore, was
also a pioneer to Kentucky from Virginia, and was an intimate friend
of Daniel Boone. His father, Jerre White, was a native of Kentucky
and was there married to Miss Anna Moore, of the same state, and of
this union, eight children were born, D. V. being the youngest. D.
V. White grew up in his native county and followed farming and dealing
in stock there until October, 1881, when he came to this county and
settled on his present farm. He has a farm of 290 acres. Besides
giving his attention to the ordinary farm interests, he deals in horses
and mules and makes a specialty of handling blooded horses, in which
line he is a thorough master of his business. In the early part of
1862 he enlisted in Captain Douglass' company, raised in his native
county, and served until twenty-two months before the close of the
war, when he was taken prisoner and held until the restoration of
peace. He was married, May 5, 1865, to Miss Sallie Orvin, of Mad-
ison county, Kentucky, a daughter of Nathan and Melina Richardson
Orvin. Mr. and Mrs. White have seven children — Wm. S., Melina,
Allie, Jerre, Harry, Stephen and Martha. Both parents are members
of the Christian church.
HISTORY OF HOWAED AND COOPER COUNTIES. 485
JOSEPH WILHOIT,
farmer. Except about three years during the war, from 1862 to
1865, when Mr. Wilhoit was engaged in clerking in Glasgow, farming
has been his occupation through life, which he still follows. He now
has a place of 240 acres in a good state of cultivation. He was born
in this county September 21, 1837, and was reared on a farm. In
youth he attended the schools of the neighborhood, and by close appli-
cation acquired a good education for all the practical purposes of busi-
ness. During his experience as clerk in Glasgow he also obtained an
excellent knowledge of business transactions in the mercantile line,
and in all business affairs he is a man of more than ordinary informa-
tion. On the 1st of February, 1860, he was married to Miss Lucy
Crigler, of this county, but a native of Madison county, Kentucky.
They have two children, Mollie and Farris. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhoit
are both members of the Christian church.
WILLIAM WILHOIT,
farmer. Mr. Wilhoit was born in Howard county, Missouri, Sep-
tember 28, 1830, and was reared in this county, where he has fol-
lowed farming from youth, and now has a large farm of 535 acres,
well improved and well stocked. He was married September 27,
1863, to Miss Mary E., daughter of J. V. Bastin, of this county.
Mrs. Wilhoit was born July 2, 1840. They have three children,
John P., Alvin and Anna. Mr. Wilhoit's father, John Wilhoit, was
a native of Virginia, but went to Kentucky early in life, where he
married Miss Catherine Crigler. They reared a family of ten chil-
dren. In 1820 the family came to Howard county, where William
was born, and where the father died in 1855 and the mother in 1874.
Johu Wilhoit was an energetic and industrious man, and was an
intelligent, successful farmer. He was respected by all who knew
him as a worthy, upright citizen. His wife was a good and true and
noble-hearted woman, and both were exemplary members of the
church.
JUNE WILLIAMS,
who in youth attended Hon. James G. Blaine's school in Kentucky,
and was born and reared in that state, has been a citizen of Howard
county since 1853, and is one of the substantial and highly respected
farmers of the county. He was born December 3, 1830, and at the
age of nineteen, in 1849, bid good-bye to the dear ones of his native
home in Scott county, and started for the gold fields of California.
He remained in the Aladdin land of the Pacific until 1851, when he
returned to
" His old Kentucky home, far away."
But on his trip he had passed through Howard county, this state, and
had become impressed with the fertility of its soil and its other supe-
rior natural advantages, and accordingly, in 1853, he came to this
486 history or Howard and cooler counties.
county, where he settled and engaged permanently in farming. His
place is about four and a half miles from Glasgow, and contains 212
acres of the best quality of land. On the 18th of December, 1854,
Mr. Williams was married to Miss Martha Rucker, of Randolph
county, but formerly of Virginia, and they have nine children living —
Junie, Granville, Archie, Dabney, James, Mattie, Horace, Rena and
Carrie. One, besides, is dead — Sidney. Mr. Williams is a, member
of the Masonic order. His father, Merrett Williams, was a Virginian
by birth, but was reared in Kentucky. Mrs. Merrett Williams,
mother of June, whose maiden name was Eliza Smith, was of Fayette
county, Kentucky.
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
J. B. AINSWORTH.
William Ainsworth and family were among the earliest pioneers
of Howard county — in fact they lived in a fort in this county for a
time after their arrival. His wife, before her marriage, was a Miss
Lucretia Smith, and both were from Kentucky. J. B., the son, and
subject of this sketch, was born a number of years after their emigra-
tion, April 7th, 1834 ; and two years after his birth his father, with
the family, moved to Cedar county, Missouri. There young Ains-
worth spent his boyhood days on the farm and in school, and when a
youth sixteen years of age, returned to Howard county where he has
since lived. Here he has followed farming and now owns a good farm
of 190 acres with an excellent orchard and good substantial improve-
ments. In March, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary Smith, of this
county, and they now have one child, Alice.
THOMAS S. ALSOP.
If, as Macauley says, the biography of the people of a country
is the history of the country itself, then the history of Howard coun-
ty and particularly of Franklin township, in this county, can never be
written without giving the Alsop family a conspicuous place on its
pages. Thomas Alsop, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was a native of Spottsylvania county, Virginia, where he was reared
and there married Miss Judith Minor, after which, in 1804, they emi-
grated to Kentucky. Of this union, Elliott, the father of Thomas
S., was born. Subsequent to this they moved to Louisville, Ken-
tucky, where Mrs. Alsop died. There Mr. Alsop married again a
lady of his own name, but no issue came of his second marriage. In
1818, he came with his family to Old Franklin, in this county, mak-
ing the whole trip from Louisville in a keel boat, and here he lived
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 487
until his death. At this place he started the first hotel ever kept in
the county, and was the sheriff of the county, executing during his
term of office, William G. Short, the first victim of the gallows by
sentence of court after the admission of Missouri into the Union.
He died in 1828, the same year the site of the old town was washed
away by the river. Elliott, the father of Thomas S., was born in
Scott county, Kentucky, May 12th, 1804. He was brought up to the
plasterer's and bricklayer's trades and worked at these some time after
he reached manhood. By industry and economy he accumulated
enough to engage in the mercantile business, which he did in 1833 in
the town of New Franklin, and in this he continued until the day of
his death, January 12th, 1872, a period of over forty years, thus es-
tablishing and building up the large business, since so well and suc-
cessfully conducted by his sons. He took an active part in building
up the town of New Franklin, and in 1828 or 1829, erected one of the
first houses, if not the first, built in that place. He was widely
known as a man of unswerving integrity and public spirit, and not
only rose to wealth and social prominence himself, but contributed
materially to the prosperity of the place in which he lived and of the
surrounding country. On the 6th of December, 1838, he was united
in marriage to Miss Julia A., daughter of Shepherd Gum, an old set-
tler of the county, and seven children were born of this union, three
of whom are now living: Thomas S., John H. and Charles C.
Elliott, who was a leading farmer of the county, died some years sub-
sequent to his father's demise. He served for four years iu the Con-
federate army under Generals Pemberton and Jos. E. Johnson, and
was classed among the bravest of the brave. The other sons consti-
tute the firm of E. Alsop's Sons, in New Franklin. Thomas S., the
eldest, was in partnership with his father a number of years prior to
his death, and has been in business where he now lives for over thirty
years. Mrs. Alsop, the mother, is still living, one of the venerable
ladies of the community, known and esteemed for her many social
and motherly virtues. On the 4th of October, 1870, Thomas S.
Alsop was married to Miss Mary A. Herndon, of this couirty, who
died, however, February 9th, 1874. She left him two children, Luta
H. and Mary C, the latter now deceased. He was married the sec-
ond time, October 10th, 1877, Miss Mary L. Strainge, of Pike county,
becoming his wife. They have two children, J. Elliott and Anna B.
THOMAS C. BOGGS,
proprietor of the Fairview farm. In the biographical sketches of How-
ard county, Mr. Boggs is entitled to more than a passing notice. For
many years he has been one of the most successful and prominent
farmers of the county. He was born in Washington county, Missouri,
October 14th, 1822, and was a son of Joseph L. and Abigail (Carr)
Boggs, who were married in this state. His mother was originally
from North Carolina, but his father was a native of Virginia. His
father, however, was reared in Kentucky, and came from that state to
488 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Missouri when a young man. He was a man of great; industry, un-
tiring energy and more than ordinary intelligence, and although he
started out in life for himself practically without a dollar, it was not
long before he succeeded in acquiring a comfortable home, and subse-
quently placed himself in comparatively easy circumstances. On
coming to this state, no other employment more profitable offering, he
worked for some time in the lead mines, and from this time gave his at-
tention to farming, which he followed through the remainder of his life.
In about 1838 he moved to Howard county, where he lived until his
death. He is spoken of by all who knew him as an energetic, suc-
cessful farmer, a worthy, useful citizen, a kind neighbor and an up-
right man. Thomas C, now himself well advanced in years, was a
youth but sixteen years of age when his father settled in this county.
He was brought up to the strictest habits of industi'y and frugality and
taught the lesson in life which so many fail to learn that permanent,
substantial success is the reward only of personal worth. Nor was
his education neglected. His father had learned from personal ex-
perience that the advantages of a good education could not be too
highly estimated. And, although school facilities in that early day
were not of the best, the son had the full benefit of such schools as
were in reach, and by pursuing his studies with the same zeal and
energy that have characterized his subsequent life in everything he
has undertaken, he succeeded in acquiring a good practical education.
Reared to a farm life, to the free and independent manner of living
which only the farmer enjoys, on reaching the age that it became
proper to adopt some permanent calling and to provide for himself,
he not unnaturally concluded to follow that to which he had been
brought up and which, withal was most congenial to his tastes. Some
time after having engaged in farming for himself he was married to Miss
Levina Kingsbury, of Howard county, the date of his marriage being
September 15th, 1846. The following spring, in March, 1847, he
settled on what is a part of his present farm. Here he has lived for
over thirty-six years, and from a small beginning has come to be one
the first farmers of the county. Inheriting the strong qualities of his
father's character to a marked degree, qualities that would have made
him a successful man from almost any situation in life, it is perhaps
not surprising that his career as a farmer has been one of unbroken
success. He has steadily increased the acreage of his possessions
and year by year added to the value of his estate, until now he has
over 700 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, and one of the
best improved farms thoughout the surrounding country. As far
back as 1868 he erected a fine commodious dwelling on his place at a
cost of no less than $15,000. Thus a life of industry and good man-
agement has not been without its reward. But he has been more than
personally successful. Above and beyond that he has been a useful
citizen — one who has done a great deal for the advancement of the
agricultural interests of the county and for the promotion of its gen-
eral prosperity. Seeking no office, averse to every form of notori-
ety, working out quietly and modestly his own useful and honorable
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 489
mission in life, he has gone steadily forward in his career, and in
making himself one of the first farmers of the county, has contributed
more to its wealth and material interests than if he had held every
office in its gift from representative to constable, or had led its citi-
zens in a hundred useless battles. Such men are the pillars of society,
the real forces which impel civilization forward. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs
have a family of six children, Robert J., John M., Levina, now the
wife of H. W. Harris ; Nannie C, now the wife of Dr. V. Q. Bonham ;
Willie J. and Sallie M. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic frater-
nity.
J. M. BOGGS,
son of T. C. Boggs, whose sketch appears elsewhere, was born in
Howard county, Missouri, March 24, 1850. Mr. Boggs was reared
on his father's farm, and in youth was given excellent educational advan-
tages. Besides attending the ordinary common schools he took courses
in Kemper's well-known school at Boonville.andin Central college, at
Fayette. At the conclusion of his last course in college he returned
to the farm and has since followed that occupation . He was married
on the 3d of September, 1881, to Miss Anna M. Hunter, of this state.
Mr. B. is a member of the A. O. U. W. He is a young man of ex-
cellent qualities and of good business qualifications, and with the en-
ergy and resolution he possesses his future is a most promising one.
R. J. BOGGS,
an elder brother of J. M., is now thirty-six years of age, and has
therefore had a somewhat more extended experience in the world.
Like his brother, he was brought up on the farm and received a good
education, attending both the common schools and Kemper's college.
He has devoted his time to farming and stock raising, in both of
which he has met with excellent success. In 1876 he went to the re-
public of Mexico, where he dealt in stock between that country and
Texas, also having important stock interests in the Lone Star state.
He remained on the Rio Grande — first on one side, and then the
other — until 1881, a period of five years, and then returned to How-
ard county, where he has since lived. For about a year after his re-
turn he was engaged in clerking in a business house, but in 1882
resumed farming, which he has since followed. He and his brother
own a farm of 209 acres. R. J. was born in this county October 26,
1847. He is a member of the Masonic order.
DR. N. M. BONHAM.
In scanning the lives of the more useful class of men, one meets
with much to incline him, if not to the views of the optimist — that
everything is for the best, at least to the conviction that there is far
more of good in the world than of evil. We are drawn to this reflec-
tion particularly by tracing the life of Dr. Bonham, extending through
490 HISTORY OF HOWAKD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a long series of years, from early struggles to comparative ease, in
which is visible throughout an earnest purpose to do good in the
world, with constant efforts for the amelioration of the condition of
the unfortuuate in spirit as well as in body. Passing the opportuni-
ties he has had to accumulate wealth, if he had availed himself of
them at the sacrifice of the higher purpose which controlled him, he
might have become, more than ordinarily) a wealthy man. But pe-
cuniary means was to him not the great object of life, and if a com-
fortable property has come to him, it has come only as an incident to
a successful and useful life. Of a refined and sympathetic nature,
sensitive to the misfortunes of others, and suffering by them almost as
much as if they were his own, the medical profession offered to him a
field of labor which he felt it was his duty to enter. Accordingly, he
devoted all his euergies to the acquisition of a thorough knowledge
of medicine, which he continued until he obtained. And having
placed himself in a position to alleviate the physical suffering of men,
a higher, grander field of effort opened up before him. Called fre-
quently too late to the bedside of the suffering, when the time for
the human physician had passed, he there saw the transcendent im-
portance of teaching the hygiene of the soul above and before that of
the body. Hence, with a disinterestedness and regard for the wel-
fare of others, characteristic of his whole life, he also devoted himself
to the ministry, in which he has done a noble service without reward,
save the imperishable reward that awaits him when all earthly rewards
shall have crumbled into dust. Thus, as we have said, his life has
been given to good works — a life studded and jewelled with noble
deeds, and such a one as teaches the heart to feel that
" Man is not all inhumanity to man."
Dr. N. M. Bonham was born in Blount county, Tennessee, December
4, 1820. He was a son of Martin L. Bonham, of Tennessee, and a
grandson of Benjamin Bonham, of Virginia. The father of Benjamin
Bonham was a native of England, and came over to Virginia many
years before the revolution. Benjamin himself was r.n officer in the
revolutionary army, and served under Washington until the close of
the seven years' struggle. Dr. Bonham's mother was a native of
Virginia, and before her marriage was a Miss Orphia McDaniels.
His parents reared ten children, of whom the doctor was the seveuth.
He was reared on his father's farm in Tennessee, and was educated in
the neighborhood schools and by hard study at home. As he ap-
proached manhood he gave himself to the study of medicine, for to
that profession nature seems to have devoted him, and by the time he
was twenty-two years of age he found himself prepared to enter the
lecture- room of a medical college as a student, though to the young men
of to-day this may not appear to be of special credit to his energy and
perseverance. He entered the Missouri medical college, of St. Louis,
in 1844, from which he was afterwards duly graduated. In 1848 he
came to Pike county, Missouri, and formed a partnership with Dr.
W. W. Freeman in the practice of medicine, in which he continued
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 491
until he came to Howard county. He came to this county in 1850
and located in Boonsboro, where he continued to labor through sum-
mer's heat and winter's cold, in sunshine and in darkness, for fifteen
long years, and until he moved to Franklin, where he now lives and
still ministers to the sick and suffering. Dr. Bonham has been an
almost life-long member of the church, and for over thirty-five years
he has been ordained and has officiated as a member of the gospel in
the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. He was ordained by
the Salt River Presbytery in 1848. Death, the grim messenger, has
not passed by his»door without a call. His first wife, Margaret A.,
to whom he was married April 1, 1849, was taken from him 'May 27,
1868. She left four children— V. Q., R. V., N. Worth and Maggie,
now deceased. Dr. Bonham was again married, April 13, 1870, to
Sallie Stewart, but she lived to comfort her husband only a few *
months, passing away November 20, 1870. Six years afterwards,
November 9, 1876, he was the third time married to a most excellent
lady, Sue E. Burckhartt, of Randolph county.
DR. V. Q. BONHAM
was born in Howard county, Missouri, October 18, 1856, and barring
the time he was absent attending the Rush medical college, of Chi-
cago— the fourth college in which he has been a student — he has
practised in this county since his graduation from Vanderbilt univer-
sity, of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1877. He is a son of Dr. N. M.
Bonham, of Franklin, a self-made man and self-educated physician,
who has gone to the front in the medical profession regardless of all
difficulties, because he was determined to take that position, and
with whom Dr. V. Q. is now associated as a partner in the practice.
Dr. V. Q. Bonham was reared in this county, and in early youth took
the usual course in the common schools. Subsequently he entered
the State university in Columbia and studied the higher branches,
after which he centred his whole mind, and time on the study of
medicine. He took a long and severe course of preliminary reading
and instruction under his father, and in 1875 entered the Missouri'
medical college, which he also attended in 1876. He then entered
Vanderbilt university, of Nashville, Tennessee, from which he was
afterwards duly graduated. Returning home after his graduation, he
at once entered actively into the practice and continued in this until
the spring of 1883, when he went to Chicago and took a course in
the Rush medical college of that city, returning afterwards and re-
suming his practice in Howard county. On the 29th of August,
1880, Dr. Bonham was married to Miss Na»mie C. Boggs, a highly
accomplished and most excellent young lady, and their union has
been blessed with a bright and interesting little daughter — Maggie L.
WILLIAM H. BOWMAN, deceased.
On the ninth day of June, 1879, Howard county lost one of her
best citizens, in the death of William H. Bowman. He was a man
1 I
492 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
whose life had been useful and just. As a citizen, he was public-
spirited, aud a steadfast friend to law and order. As a neighbor, he
was hospitable and kind to all around him. And as a man, he com-
bined, to more than an ordinary degree, the qualities of mind and
health that make one respected and esteemed by all with whom he is
associated. William H. Bowman was born in Mercer county, Ken-
tucky, February 17, 1813. He was a son of John Bowman and
Fannie O, formerly a Miss Perkins, who were married December 7,
180t>. His parents were natives of Virginia, but emigrated to Ken-
tucky early in life, and settled in Mercer county, where they lived
until their death. William H. was reared in his native county. His
father having been a farmer, and he, himself, having been brought up
to farm life, he naturally adopted that as his permanent occupation.
He continued to live in Mercer county, and follow his chosen calling
until 1853, when he came to Howard county, and made this his home
until his death. However, before leaving Kentucky, he was married
on the 27th day of October, 1840, to Miss Hannah F. Read, of that
state, born November 17, 1821, a noble and devoted woman who died
one year after reaching this state, July 18, 1854. She left him four
children — Anna, Fannie C, Nicholas and Ella. On reaching this
county, Mr. Bowman at once engaged in farming and stock raising,
and soon took rank with the leading farmers and stockmen of the
county. He acquired a splendid farm of 320 acres, and had it im-
proved in a thorough and complete manner. In the stock business
he showed broad-minded enterprise in securing the best class of stock
from which to breed. As both farmer and stock raiser he was re-
garded as one of the leading men of the county. By the death of
his wife, he was left, as has been observed, with four motherless
children, and at that time among comparative staingers. Mr. Bow-
man was too sensible a man, as well as too warm hearted, and domes-
tic in his nature to think of rearing his children without the care of
one who could take the place of mother, or to go through the long
journey of life without the tenderness and affection of wife. Accord-
ingly, on the 30th day of October, 1855, he was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Keill, a worthy and excellent lady, born in this state
August 4, 1835. By this union five children were born, and are now
living — George A., William Taylor, Edwin P., Laura M., and Mary.
On the 9th day of June, 1879, as noted above, Mr. Bowman fell to
sleep in death —
God's finger touched him, and he slept.
Something over a year afterwards his second wife, she who had reared
his children, and loved and comforted him through the circling
seasons of near twenty-five years, followed him in death. Her spirit
passed from earth September 24, 1880.
He first deceased ; she for a little tried
To live without him, liked it not, and died.
Both were members of the Christian church, and their lives and death
exemplified the beauties and power of the Christian's faith. Mr.
Bowman was also a member of the Masonic order.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 493
JAMES W. BOWMEK.
Mr. Bowmer' s father, Peter, came from Fauquier county, Virginia,
to Howard county, away back in 1816, when forts and Indian camps
stood where towns and cities have since been built. Here Peter Bow-
mer married Miss Catherine Mahan, of Cooper county, and of this
union James W. was born and reared. His mother was a native of
Kentucky, but came to this state with her parents in an early day.
James W. was brought up in his native county, and was educated in
the common schools of the period. He lived in this county until
1869, then thirty-seven years of age, having been born on the 29th
of February, 1832, when he went to California, where he remained
nine years employed in store and warehouse establishments. In
1877, he returned to old Howard, where he has since lived. How-
ever, in 1855, he was married to Miss L. Wilcox, a true and noble
woman, who died June 17, 1871. Mr. Bowmer has two children
living — Susan and George. Mr. Bowmer is a member of the
Masonic order, and is well respected by his fellow-members and
acquaintances.
L. S. BEASHEAE.
Mr. Brashear's parents came originally from Maryland, settling
first in Scott county, Kentucky, where he was born, and afterwards
emigrating to this county. They were among the first settlers, how-
ever, of Howard county, having come here as early as 1816. Judge
Brashear, his father, was for many years one of the most prominent
citizens of the county, and Mrs. Brashear, who before her marriage
was a Miss Elizabeth Leach, was a lady respected and esteemed by all
who knew her. Mr. L. S. Brashear was born January 31, 1808, and
was reared on his father's farm in this county. His farm bringing
up created for him the partiality for farm life, which controlled his
decision in choosing an occupation, and hence he has always lived on the
farm and followed that calling. However, it should be stated that,
like many others during the gold excitement in California, he went to
the Pacific and spent two years in the mines, but returned more
wedded to an agricultural life than ever. He now has a fine body of
land, embracing 360 acres. His farm has a spring of salt water, highly
recommended for its sanitary qualities. His nephew, L. B. Bras-
hear, lives on the farm with him. Mr. Brashear is the only surviving
member of a family of twelve children. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, and is regarded by all who know him as a conscientious
and upright man.
HENDEESON BEOWN
was the fourth of a family of seven children born to L. Brown and
his wife, Mary M., whose maiden name was Kidd. Mr. Brown, the
father, was a native of Kentucky, and in Frankfort, of that state,
Henderson was born December 17, 1823 ; but Mrs. Brown was a Vir-
33
494 HISTORT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES-
ginian by birth. In 1829 the family came to Palmyra, Missouri, and
there the son, the subject of this sketch, was brought up, receiving a
substantial education from the common schools of the place. After
reaching manhood he learned the cooper's trade, which, when he had
acquired it, he followed, first at La Grange, and then at Canton, Mis-
souri, together, until 1851. He then went to St. Louis county, where
he was engaged as superintendent of a large farm not far from the
city, and in that capacity he was employed four years. In 1855 he
began farming on his own account, and followed it in St. Louis county
until 1864, when he moved into the city and resided there one year.
From St. Louis he came to Audrain county and farmed near Mexico
a year, and then came to Howard county, where he has since lived
and followed the occupation of a farmer. In the meantime, in 1848,
he married Miss Dorcas Todd, a young lady of Maryland birth, but
she died in 1851, and four years afterwards he was again married,
Miss May Long, of St. Louis, becoming his wife. Their family con-
sists of four children: William H., Thomas L., Nellie (wife of John
S. Sebree), and Harry L. Mr. B. is a member of the Christian
church and of the. I. O. O. F.
C. E. BURCKHAETT.
Mr. Burckhartt, as his name indicates, is of German descent.
His grandfather, Christopher, was brought to this country by his
parents when an infant, the family settling in Maryland. He enlist-
ed in the Continental army during the revolutionary war, and served
his country until the establishment of peace. He afterwards returned
to Maryland where he married Miss Elizabeth Hobbs. From there
he went to Kentucky. On the first settling of the Boone's Lick
country he was attracted to these new and inviting fields, and accord-
ingly his name is found among those who arrived in this section in
1811. By this time his family had all grown up and married, with the
exception of James and Nicholas S., Mr. B.'s father. His father
died in this county about 1831, and his mother some fifteen years
later, at the residence of her son-in-law, Judge Drake, of Henry
county. They were both members of the church and strict worthy
and pious people. Nicholas S., once a prominent citizen of this sec-
tion of the state, was born in Maryland, June 16th, 1792, and was,
therefore, about grown when he landed in Howard county. From
his first connection with the county he proved an active, public-
spirited and energetic citizen, and was afterwards very successful as a
business man. Immediately after coming out from the fort he secured
a comfortable home for his parents, which he deeded to them during
their lives. In connection with his father he early commenced the
manufacture of salt at what has since been known as the " Burckhartt
Lick," in Franklin township. This business proved remunerative, as
salt at that time brought as high as one dollar per bushel at the place
of manufacture. He afterwards bought the sixteenth or school sec-
tion of township 45, range 16, most of which he improved. On the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 495
organization of the county, he was appointed sheriff by Governor
Clark, the territorial governor, and performed the duties of this
office for Howard county, when it embraced what is now thirty-one
counties and fractions of nine others. On the admission of Missouri
into the Union in 1821, he was elected to the same office. He was
one of the delegates in the convention that framed the constitution of
the state in 1820. After the expiration of his second term as sheriff
he was elected to the state legislature, where he served several terms.
He was afterwards elected to the state senate and was a candidate for
re-election when death put an end to his earthly labors, June 14th,
1834. He was taken from this life in the prime of manhood, in the
very meridian of his usefulness and popularity. He was widely
known as an honest, public-spirited and highly gifted man, who, had
he lived, would no doubt have been called to still higher positions in
the state and nation. February 22d, 1818, he was united in marriage
to Miss Sallie Rose, daughter of Mathias Rose, of St. Louis county.
From this union there were eight children reared, of whom the sub-
ject of this sketch was one. Christopher Burckhartt, our subject,
was born in Franklin township, July 15th, 1829. He followed farm-
ing in that township a number of years where he still owns a fine
tract of land as a homestead. In 1867, he was appointed deputy
sheriff. He was elected collector in the fall of 1872, and re-elected
in the fall of 1874. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the
I. 0. O. F., and of the A. O. U. W. On the 17th of August, 1852,
he was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth
Newkirk Stewart. They have four children living. Bettie S., Hugh,
Chris. E. and James M. One infant son and two daughters aged re-
spectively, 17 and 19, are dead ; Ada and Mattie R. Mrs. Burck-
hartt was born in Bullitt county, Kentucky, June 29th, 1829. Her
father, Mr. Stewart, was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of
Kentucky, but in 1831 her parents came from the latter state and
settled in Howard county.
JAMES M. BURRUS.
Among the many good citizens of Howard county who claim the
Old Dominion as the cradle of their famihes in thts country is Mr
James M Burrus, the subject of this sketch. His grandfather,
Sael Burrus, was a native of Virginia and a soldier from that state
nttLtvolutionary war. His father (J. M.'s), Thomas, was also a
Virginian, but emigrated to Kentucky in an early day, and I there, in
Madison county, James M. was_ born, February 5^ 1809. Mr .
Thomas Burrus, before her marriage, was a Mist, Mary A. Mills.
SS Burrus family came to Missouri from Kentucky an I settled in
Howard countv in 1816, and here the son, James M., grew to man-
hood He had the advantage of the ordinary country schools, and
when' he attained to early nfanhood, engaged n clerking in a store m
Old Franklin. This he followed two years alter which he gave his
attention to farming, and in that he has since continued. He has a
496 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
farm of 220 acres well improved. On the 21st of October, 1834, Mr.
Burrus was married to Miss Sarah Hughes, of this county, and
twenty-eight years of a noble, good life were devoted to his happiness
and that of her children. But on the 8th of February, 1862, the an-
gel of death entered his home, and wife and mother were no more.
She left him five children — James C, William H., Nancy J., Mary
A. and George N.
" 'Tis a precious thing when wives are dead,
To find such members who will serve instead,
And in whatever state a man be thrown,
'Tis that precisely they would wish their own."
Mr. B. was again married on the 26th of May, 1864, to Miss
Sallie Wilkerson, an excellent and worthy lady, born and reared in
this county, and they have three children — Madison C, Frances J.
and Mary. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist church.
JOHN Q. CALLAWAY,
one of the oldest residents as well as one of the leading farmers and
stock raisers of Howard county, was born in this county, October 18,
1819. He was a son of Charles Callaway and wife, Elizabeth, both
of Kentucky. His mother's family name was Eubanks, and his par-
ents came to this county in about 1812. Mr. C. was reared on the
farm in this county and adopted farming as his occupation, which he
has since followed in connection with stock raising. However, in
1861, he enlisted in Captain Cooper's company, recruited in this
county, and did service until the battle of Pea Ridge, where he was
severely wounded, on account of which he was honorably discharged.
Returning home, he resumed farming after his recovery, and has met
with marked success. Miss Lucinda Svvemgener became his wife on
the 25th of September, 1852, and seven children have blessed their
union — Gus, Willmoth, Charles, Bettie, Clabe, John and Bell. Mr.
C. has a large farm containing 840 acres, most of it improved and in a
good state of cultivation. He has a splendid herd of short-horn, thor-
ough-bred cattle, numbering eighty head. He is an enterprising,
intelligent farmer, and one of the solid, substantial citizens of this
county.
STEPHEN CALLAWAY,
farmer. Mr. Callaway has led a somewhat stirring and active, life,
but now as old age begins to approach, he is settled down in a com-
fortable home to enjoy the comparative ease his industry has brought
him. He has a farm of 275 acres in a good state of improvement
and cultivation. He was born and reared in this county, but has
been a soldier in two wars and has been twice on the plains. His
father, Charles Callaway, was a native of Virginia, but was brought
up in Kentucky, where he married Miss Elizabeth Eubanks and after-
wards, in 1816, came with his family to Howard county. Here
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 497
Stephen was born, June 13, 1824. In 1846, he enlisted under Col-
onel Doniphan and followed the flag of stripes and stars to Mexico.
He was afterwards honorably discharged in New Orleans under the
pine and orange, and returned to his home in Howard county. In
1850, he went to California, but after an experience of about two
years on the Pacific coast, he returned to this county and engaged
again in farming, and in that, continued until the civil war, in which
he served a short time, and afterwards, in 1865, hauled freight for the
government on the plains for a year. Since then he has given his
whole attention to farming on his present place. In March, 1849, he
was married to Miss Ann Edwards, who died here on the 16th of
April, 1861, leaving him six children — Elizabeth, California, Anna,
William E., James C. and Charles C. He was again married in
October, 1868, to Miss Ann Lawtham, of this state.
CHAELES B. CANOLE.
William Canole, the father of Charles B., was a native of Vir-
ginia, and his mother (C. B.'s), whose maiden name was Elizabeth
Barb, was born in Maryland, but they went to Tennessee in early life
and settled in Sullivan county, where Charles B. was born September
15, 1822. He was brought up in that county and educated in the
common schools, and lived there until twenty-two years of age, when
he came to Howard county, Missouri, and engaged in farming in
Franklin township. He followed farming until the gold excitement
in California broke out, and in fact for two years afterwards, and in
1852 started for the gold fields on the far-off Pacifio coast. He re-
mained in California four years, engaged in mining, etc., and in 1856
returned to his adopted home in Howard. Here he resumed farming,
believing that the majority of those who succeed in life by honest toil
owe more to the soil and to the sky than to the hidden treasures of
the earth, and, so far as his own experience is concerned, his faith has
not misled him, for he is now comfortably fixed in life. He has about
200 acres of good land. In 1880 he was married to Miss Sarah Mul-
lins, a lady of Johnson county, Missouri, a daughter of Moses Mul-
lins of that county. Mr. Canole's father died in 1863 ; his mother in
1843.
F. G. CANOLE,
a younger brother of Charles B. , whose sketch appears elsewhere, like
his brother, is a farmer by occupation, and has a neat farm of 116
acres, containing an excellent orchard and otherwise well improved.
He was born in Sullivan county, Tennessee, August 10, 1840, and
was, therefore, but four years of age when his father, as noticed in
Charles B. Canole's sketch, came to Howard county in 1844, the
mother having died in Tennessee the year previous. F. G. grew up
on his father's farm in this county, and received a good practical edu-
cation in the neighborhood schools. In 1862, then twenty-two years
of age, he enlisted in the Confederate army as drummer in the 9th
498 HISTORT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Missouri infantry, and followed the three-barred flag of the south
until it was furled to float no more at the final surrender in 1865.
Then returning home he resumed farming in this county, and two
years afterwards, December 4, 1867, was united in marriage to Miss
Nannie G. Smith, a beautiful and accomplished lady of Howard coun-
ty, and they now have two children, Ada B. and William A. Mr. C.
is an enterprising farmer and ranks among the best citizens of the
comity. He is a member of the M. E. church south, of the I. O. 0.
F., and of the A. O. U. W-
BROWN M. CHANCELLOR.
Like so many others of the best class of citizens of Howard coun-
ty, Mr. Chancellor is a Virginian by birth. He was born in Fauquier
county, of the Old Dominion, December 24, 1832, and there he lived
until he had grown to early manhood. But in 1852 he came to How-
ard county to cast his fortunes with the newer and more fertile country
on this side of the Mississippi. He now owns a fine farm of over 500
acres of better land than he could have ever had in his native county,"
all in a good state of cultivation and improvement, besides large stock
and personal property interests. He is one of the substantial and
well-to-do farmers of Howard county, and as a neighbor and citizen
he is respected and esteemed. On the 9th of February, 1866, he was
married to Miss Hannah E. Gearhart of this state. They have five
children : Ella, John G., Sallie, Ernest and Horace W. Mr. C. is a
member of the A. O. U. W. His father, John Chancellor, and
mother, whose name before her marriage was Elizabeth Rogers, were
both natives of Virginia.
DR. GEORGE E. CHINN
is what may be fairly called a self-made man, and withal, he is one of
the leading physicians and prominent farmers of Howard county.
He was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, June 16, 1834, but was
mainly reared in Scott county, that state, where he also acquired a
good practical education. When a young man he was not situated so
that he could attend medical college (for he felt that his mission in
life was to be a physician) ; but he procured books and read medicine
under the direction of local physicians, and in a few years became
thorough, so far as private study could make him, in that science.
With his books and his duties on the farm, his time was closely em-
ployed, but his early years, so well improved, could not fail to pro-
duce gratifying results ; so, that in 1855, when he came to Johnson
county, Missouri, he found himself not only in a position to follow
farming successfully, but also well qualified to enter upon the prac-
tice of medicine. His life was a busy and energetic one in his new
home, and in a few years he had so shaped his affairs that he could
leave home and attend medical college, which he did in 1861. Ac-
cordingly, he entered the St. Louis medical college that year, from
c
HISTORY "OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 499
which afterwards he was duly graduated. He continued practicing in
Johnson county, and farming there, until 1863, when he came to
Howard county and settled. Here he has since been engaged in the
practice and in farming. Determined to stand second to none in his
professon, in name as well as in fact, in 1867, he attended the Mis-
souri Medical college, from which he was also afterwards graduated.
Though well advanced in life at this time, he is still a student in his
chosen profession — to him the science of medicine is a constant
source of pleasure as well as interest, and he pursues its study with
unabated zeal. In 1852, he was married to Miss Polly Glinn, from
Kentucky, but in 1865, she died, leaving him three children — Wm.
E., E. H. (now Dr.), and Emmett. He was again married in 1868,
Miss A. L. Settles, of Cooper county, Missouri, becoming his wife,
and they have two children — Elmina and George. Dr. Chinn is a
member of the Masonic order and of the Chapter of that order ; also
of the Christian church.
BENJAMIN H. COX,
blacksmith, and manufacturer of wagons, plows, etc., Franklin, Mis-
souri. One of the respectable and well-to-do citizens of Franklin,
is Mr. Cox, the subject of this sketch. By industry and perseverance
he has worked his way up in the world, always regulating his life by
honest and honorable principles, until now he is regarded as one of
the most substantial citizens in the community in which he lives,, and
is as much respected as any man in it. Besides attending to the
duties devolving upon him in connection with his wagon and plow-
making and blacksmithing establishment, he was called to the respon-
sible office of justice of the peace, of this township, the duties of
which he discharged for four years with intelligence and uprightness,
and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is a worthy member
of the Baptist church and is also a member of the I. O. 0. F. He
commenced the active duties of life as an apprentice to the black-
smith's trade when but fifteen years of age, in 1849, with Wm. R.
Dickerson, of Fayette, this county. After working there five or six years
he came to Franklin, where he has since lived and followed his trade,
in connection with wagon and plow making, etc., and with gratifying
success. Mr. C. has been three times married. On the 10th of Sep-
tember, 1856, he was married to Miss Lucy J. Spencer, a native of
Buckingham county, Virginia. She was taken from him by death,
July 11, 1857. He was again married, June 4, 1859, Miss Martha
Bradshaw becoming his second wife. She died June 10, 1867, leav-
ing him three children — William O., Effie G. and Ethel A. On the
4th of February, 1869, he married Mary A. Kirkpatrick. They have
one child living — Maggie B. Mr. Cox is a native of Buckingham
county, Virginia, and was born, November 22, 1834. He was a son
of Francis Cox and wife, Hester A., whose family name had been
Seary, both natives of Virginia. When Benjamin H. was but a year
old his parents came to Boone county, Missouri, where he grew up
and was educated in the common schools.
500 • HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ISHAM F. CEEWS.
Mr. Crews' father came to Howard county from Kentucky with
his family when Isham was but eight years old, but here the father
shortly afterwards died and Mrs. Crews, with her children, thereupon
returned to Kentucky, and settled down in the county of their old
home — Madison. But young Crews had seen the country which his
father had brought him to and had thought was so desirable to live
in, and, although young as he was, he had the intelligence and judg-
ment to appreciate its advantages over that of his native county. Ac-
cordingly, in 1855, he returned to Howard county and cast the die of
his destiny with the new country. He now has a farm of 187 acres of
rich land in a good state of improvement and cultivation. He also
has an abundance of stock around him and other personal property,
and withal, is comfortably situated for a substantial competence in
life. He was married, October 9, 1860, to Miss Mary Turner, of this
county, who was born July 17, 1842. Her father was Edward Tur-
ner, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Howard county.
Mr. C. and wife have eight children living — Edward T., Sallie M.,
Minnie E., Milton, Mattie R., Evalina, Oscar W. and Maggie F.
Mr. Crews is a native of Madison county, Kentucky, having been born
there in August, 1844, and was the son of Milton and wife, Rhoda P.
Crews, formerly Miss Fox ; both were also natives of Kentucky.
Mr. C. is a member of the A. O. U. W.
IRA C. DARBY.
A four hundred and ninety acre farm, well improved and well
stocked, an honorable name, and an intelligent and respectable family,
are the results of nearly fifty well-spent years of the life of Ira C. Darby.
He was sixteen years old in, 1834, when he went from his birthplace,
in Montgomery county, Maryland, to Virginia, and began work at
the blacksmith's trade. For seven long years he toiled over the
anvil in the Old Dominion, until in 1841, when by frugal management
he found himself in a situation to cast his fortunes with the new
empire, then rapidly springing up along the shores of the Missouri.
Accordingly , he came to Howard county and worked at Glasgowfor some
time, and then, in 1843, settled on his present place, where he has since
followed farming and blacksmithing. On the 5th of October, 1843,
he was married to Miss Catherine Long, of Howard county, a
daughter of Reuben and wife, Nancy Hocker Long, of this county,
both now deceased. Mr. Long was born April 14, 1797, and was
one of the first settlers in Howard county. He died here November
26, 1842. His wife, born in this county February 21, 1827, fol-
lowed him in death September 22, 1845. Mr. Darby's father,
Thomas, and mother, Rebecca, whose family name before her mar-
riage was Allnutt, were both natives of Maryland. Mr. Darby, the
subject of this sketch, and his wife now have seven children living —
Thomas L., Anna E., Mary J., Ira C, Jr., Gabriella, James N. and
Pensa.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 501
IEA C. DARBY, Jr.
Mr. Darby's father, for whom the son was named, was a native
of Maryland, but came to this county early in life, and afterwards
married Miss Catherine Long, and of this union Ira C, Jr., was born
June 16, 1853. Young Darby was reared on his father's farm, and
as common schools had been established, he enjoyed excellent advan-
tages to obtain a practical education, which he did not fail to improve.
Having been reared on a farm, he has adopted that occupation as
his permanent calling. He and Mr. Gabriel Long own jointly an
excellent farm of 314 acres. Mr. Darby was united in marriage
February 15, 1883, to Miss Anna M. Long, of this county, and
daughter of Mr. William Long, one of the many good citizens of
Howard county. She was born November 6, 1857. Mr. Darby is a
member of the Masonic order.
GEORGE C. EDWARDS.
Mr. Edwards is one of the prominent and enterprising young
farmers and stock raisers of Howard county. He was born in this
county December 1, 1852, and was reared on his father's farm. His
father, Captain Wm. G. Edwards, was one of the remarkably suc-
cessful men of central Missouri. When he married, in 1851, then a
young man twenty-one years of age, he was practically without a
dollar, and he began his career at farming and followed it until his
death. When he died, in 1875, he owned over 500 acres of fine land.
Mrs. Edwards, the mother of George C, before her marriage was a
Miss Amelia Monroe, daughter of William Monroe, one of the first
pioneers in Howard county. The Monroe family figure prominently
in the early history of the county, for they had much to do with
opening it up to immigration and with its improvement and develop-
ment. Both of Mr. Edward's (George C.'s) parents were from Ken-
tucky, and their parents, in turn, were among the early settlers of
that state. George C, in early youth, had the advantage of the
common schools of the neighborhood where his father lived, and
afterwards he was sent to Kemper's college, at Boonville, and an in-
stitute at Glasgow, thus securing more than an ordinarily good edu-
cation. After his college course he gave his attention to farming and
stock raising, which he has since followed. The farm now contains
600 acres ofland, well improved. He has a large amount of stock,
and gives this branch of his interests special attention. He was mar-
ried in the spring of 1878 to Miss Sallie Wirtheimer, of Boonville,
and they have one child, Morris W. Mr. Edwards is a member of
the Masonic order and a Knight Templar ; also a member of the I. O.
0. F. and A. O. U. W.
COLONEL NEWTON G. ELLIOTT, deceased.
Colonel Elliott was born in Howard county, Missouri, March 3,
1812, and died in his native county, where his whole life had been
502 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
spent, January 3, 1877. Between these dates was lived a life, if not as
conspicuous as some, by no means obscure, and as useful to those
around him and as honorable as any whose name deserves a place in
the history of Howard county. He was a man possessed to a marked
degree of the stronger and better qualities of mind and heart. Beared
at a time when school advantages in this section of the state were
very indifferent, and so situated that it was impracticable to attend
distant schools, such was his thirst for knowledge and his force of
character even in early youth that, mainly by study at home and
while not employed in farm duties, he succeeded in acquiring a good,
practical education. Nor did this taste for the refining and elevating
influence of learning desert him in later years. Through his whole
life he was a devoted lover of literature and an unfaltering and ardent
friend to general education. He supplied himself with an excellent
library, in which many of his happiest hours were spent, and when he
became surrounded by a family of children he was careful that they
should not suffer for the want of opportunities, as far as his means
would justify, to qualify themselves for the active duties of life;
But while he was more than ordinarily attached to letters, he was
also a man of the world — industrious and restlessly enterprising, and
above all, just and generous in his dealings with men. Having been
brought up on a farm, not unnaturally much of his after life was de-
voted to agricultural pursuits, although trading and public affairs
claimed a large share of his attention, and later he became exten-
sively interested in railroad matters. In a business point of view his
life was a marked success, and as a man and neighbor, as a citizen
and public officer, none around him stood higher than he. Having
lived a life of nearly three score and ten years in one community — a
life of unusual activity — he died without a known enemy, sadly re-
gretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and deeply
mourned by family and relatives. His unyielding honesty, his gen-
erosity and hospitality, his open, frank and candid bearing, his kind-
ness for all, both in word and deed, shone forth with undiminished
brightness from the morning until the closing hour of his life. That
such a man was popular with those around him, it is needless to
say. And possessed of unusual ability, and industrious and enter-
prising almost to a fault, his success in life followed as a matter of
course. His public spirit and earnest interest in all matters relating
to the general welfare made him always a leader in movements de-
signed for the public good, and thus, when the railroad interests be-
came matters of importance to the people, he was naturally called
upon to take a prominent and responsible position in the management
of the road then projected, now the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, for
the final success of which the public is largely indebted to his fore-
sight and resolution. Colonel Elliott's father, John Elliott, was born
and reared in Virginia, and when quite young came to Kentucky with
his father's family and settled in Madison county. There he after-
wards married Miss Polly Glasgow, and in 1811 they removed to
Howard county, making the entire journey on horseback, bringing
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 503
their bedding, cookingutensils, etc., with them. This fact illustrates
one of the strong points in his character — unfaltering resolution —
so conspicuously shown in the life of his son. Coming here at so
early a day, John Elliott bore a leading and brave part in the Indian
wars that followed. As a man and as a citizen he was exceptionally
popular, but had no taste for public life and steadily refused the many
solicitations of his friends to enter the sphere of politics. Colonel
Elliott's first diversion from farm duties was when quite a young man.
Full of enterprise, he was naturally attracted to the business of stock
driving to the south, and made as many as thirteen trips to that sec-
tion with mules and horses for the southern markets. His wide pop-
ularity advanced him to many leading positions in local and public
affairs. Politically he rose from the position of a justice of the peace
in 1837, when quite a young man, to that of representative of his
county in the legislature in 1852, holding, in the meantime, other re-
sponsible offices, among which was that of sheriff for two terms, from
1848 to 1852. In 1838 he was elected captain of a company enlisted
against the Mormons, and subsequently became commander of the
expedition that expelled them from the state. In October, 1839, he
was elected major of the 14th regiment, 1st brigade, Missouri state
militia, and in the fall of 1840 was made lieutenant-colonel of that
regiment, which was then of the 1st division, Missouri state militia.
His prominence in public enterprises was well recognized, and in 1869
he was made a director of the Tebo and Neosho railroad, now the Mis-
souri, Kansas and Texas, in which he served with great ability for five
years, and in 1872 he was made a director of the Boonville bridge
company, the position he held at the time of his death. Colonel El-
liott was twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth
Wilkerson, was taken from him by death, and six accomplished and
beautiful daughters, the children of that union, all of whom grew
to womanhood, also passed away. Miss Martha W. Stewart, daughter
of Hugh and Elizabeth Stewart, became his second wife. She still
survives her lamented husbaud, and six sons and two daughters of
this marriage are living.
JAMES R. ESTILL.
Mr. Estill, on the father's side, is of Scottish origin, the founder
of the family in this country, having come over from Scotland prior to
the revolution.* His grandfather, Captain James Estill, was one of
the early settlers of Kentucky, to which he emigrated as early as
1780. The following extract concerning his life in that state is taken
from Collin's Kentucky: " Captain James Estill, in honor of whom
Estill county was named, was a native of Augusta county, Virginia.
He came to Kentucky at an early period and settled on Muddy creek,
in the present county of Madison, where he built a station which re-
ceived the name of Estill's station. In 1781, in a skirmish with the
Indians, he received a rifle shot in one of his arms by which it was
broken. In March, 1782, with a small body of men, about twenty-
504 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
five, it is believed, he pursued a similar number of Wyandotts across
the Kentucky river and into Montgomery county ; there he fought
one of the severest and most bloody battles on record when the num-
ber of men on both sides are taken into account. Captain Estill and
his brave Lieutenant South, were both killed in the retreat which
succeeded. ' Thus fell,' says Captain Morehead in his Boonsboro
address, ' Captain James Estill, one of Kentucky's bravest and most
beloved defenders.' " He was only thirty-two years of age when he
fell in defence of the state by the bullet of the savage. He was mar-
ried in Virginia, to a Miss Campbell, by whom he had five children.
Wallace Estill, James E.'s father, was in his infancy at the time of his
father's jdeath. He was reared to habits of industry by his mother,
and when he reached manhood had acquired a good education and
was a practical surveyor. He was twice married. His first wife,
Miss Mary Hardin, daughter of Colonel Hardin, survived their mar-
riage only about three months. About five years afterwards he was
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Kodes, a
prominent business man and a large farmer of Madison county. From
this union five sons and a daughter were reared. Between 1815 and
1819, he visited Missouri several times, buying lands in Howard and
Boone counties. On one of these visits he, with some others, laid off
the town of Columbia, the present county seat of Boone county.
Though he often expressed a purpose so to do, he never settled in
Missouri, but continued to reside in his native state until his death,
which occurred in Madison county. His wife preceded him to the
grave about five years. Early in life they both connected themselves
with the Baptist church, but after the Christian denomination was
established they united with that church, with which they ever after-
wards held the closest and most exemplary relationship. James R.
Estill, the subject of this memoir, was born in Madison county, Ken-
tucky, January 30th, 1819. He was reared to manhood in his native
county and there afterwards served as sheriff two years. In 1843, he
came to Howard county, and here, two years subsequently, purchased
460 acres of land on which he still resides. This purchase embraced
the farms improved by Drake, Brown and Cooley. Some of it has
been in cultivation since 1816, sixty-seven years, and is said to be as
productive now as when first broken. His farm, however, at this
time, contains 1,450 acres, all finely improved and in excellent condi-
tion. What is not in cultivation is in grass, either blue grass, clover
or timothy. He has several large orchards — one Of fifteen acres,
devoted to a single variety of fruit exclusively, the "Ben Davis"
apple. He also feeds for the markets several hundred head of cattle
every season. Mr. Estill now owns in this county about 2,800 acres
of land. He also owns large amounts of real estate in Chariton and
Saline counties, and valuable property in the city of St. Louis, besides
his landed interests in Kentucky. As a citizen he is as useful to the
county and as public-spirited as he has been successful in his private
affairs. But he has never sought office nor aspired to any position of
prominence except as a leader in the development of the resources of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 505
the county, and in this he has taken conspicuous and active parts.
He was prominently identified with the movement that resulted in the
construction of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway through this
county, and contributed as much and perhaps more than any other
citizen of the county to that result. In recognition of zeal for this
enterprise and of his special fitness for the position, he was appointed
agent for the county by the county court, to manage its stock sub-
scribed to the road. And in further recognition of his services in
this enterprise, Estill station, on the road in this county, was estab-
lished and named in his honor. His chief ambition has been to make
himself a useful citizen, and to contribute his share toward the material
development and social elevation of the community in which his life
and fortune have been cast. He is a steadfast friend of education and
of every movement that tends to enlighten or ameliorate the condition
of the people. As a farmer and stock raiser he belongs to the ad-
vanced progressive school that believes in farming on intelligent princi-
ples and raising none but the best class of stock. Such has been his
business and social life — his life as a citizen. Mr. Estill was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Turner, daughter of Talton and Sallie
Turner, March 20th, 1845. Eight children were born as the fruit of
this union, four of whom are still living: Wallace, married and set-
tled in Franklin township ; Ellen, William E. and Mary C. Alice
died about six months after her marriage to Mr. Lewis C. Nelson, son
of James Nelson, of Boonville, and at the time a banker in Fort
Scott, Kansas. The others died in infancy. Talton Turner, the
. father of Mrs. Estill, was a native of Kentucky, but came to Missouri
in an early day, and for many years was one of the leading citizens
and traders' of central Missouri. He was a practical surveyor also,
and surveyed several counties of this part of the state for the govern-
ment. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, enterprising and
energetic, and was a leader among the men of his time.
WALLACE ESTILL,
of Estill & Elliott, breeders of thoroughbred and high grade Aberdeen-
Angus and high grade Hereford and Shorthorn cattle, Estill. One of
the enterprising citizens and business men of Howard county is Wal-
lace Estill of the above firm. He is a son of James E. Estill, of
whom mention is made elsewhere, and was born and reared in this
county. Being the son of such a father, it goes without saying that
he had the best advantages in youth, educational and otherwise, ample
means and good judgment could afford. In boyhood he always occu-
pied a seat in the neighborhood schools, and later on he entered the
higher institutions of learning. He first attended Kemper's well
known school, and subsequently enjoyed the advantages afforded by
the schools of Lexington, Kentucky. After his school days were
over he returned home and engaged in farming and raising and deal-
ing in blooded stock, which he has since followed. However, he be-
gan his present business, breeding and dealing in Aberdeen-Angus
506 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
cattle, ill 1878. As an intelligent, broad-minded stockman he has been
studying the adaptability of the different breeds of cattle to our climate,
grasses, etc., for a number of years, and as the result of careful investi-
gation and a thorough knowledge of all the conditions entering into
the consideration of the matter, has become convinced that the Angus
breed is incomparably preferable to all others. This conviction was
strongly fortified by the fact that a representative of this breed was
awarded the premium at the world's exposition in Paris, France, in
1878, as the best beef producing stock of cattle in the whole cata-
logue of thoroughbred and high grade animals. Since then they have
grown in popularity everywhere with wonderful rapidity, and nowhere
so fast as in the west, from the fact that our climate and feed seems
to be better adapted to them than the climate or feed of any other
country ; and hence Mr. Estill and his partner have begun their busi-
ness with great energy and on a large scale. Believing, as he says,
that " the best is always the cheapest," he has spared no time,
pains or money to get the very finest quality of Aberdeen-Angus stock
that can be had in Europe. The nature of this work forbids us from
entering into the details of his herds, but suffice it to say that he
has one of the, finest selections of stock, if not the very finest, in
Missouri. Mr. Estill also owns 590 acres in a high state of cultiva-
tion. He was born in this county April 6, 1849, and on the 16th of
May, 1871, was married to Miss Ettie Forbis, a most excellent and
accomplished lady, also of this county. She is a daughter of James
B. Forbis and wife, Mary, whose family name prior to her marriage
was Hurt. Mr. and Mrs. Estill have a family of four bright
children : Alice, Florence, Wallace and Clifton R. He and his,
wife are both members of the Christian church.
WILLIAM E. ESTILL.
One of the most progressive, enterprising and intelligent young
farmers and stock raisers in Howard county, is Mr. Estill, the sub-,
jectof this sketch. He is a son of James R. Estill, of this county,,
who has been as prominently identified with its development and!
prosperity as any man in it. James R. was born in Howard county*
Missouri, March 20, I860. He had a thorough preparatory course,
in the elementary schools, after which he entered Kemper's well
known school in Boonville, where he applied himself with great res-
olution and energy. Subsequently he entered Central college in
Fayette, and there took a useful and profitable course in the more,
advanced studies, thus rounding up a substantial and practical educa-^
tion. Having been reared on the farm, to the farm his tastes uatur-'
ally inclined him, and accordingly, after his college course, he directed)
his whole attention to agricultural interests. He has a splendid farm,
of 720 acres. He makes a specialty of blooded stock of all kinds, and
there are few farms in central Missouri that can present a finer array of
the best class of stock than may be seen on his place. Mr. E. is quite,
yet and, with the enterprise and public spirit he has
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 507
evinced, he will doubtless prove a valuable citizen to Howard county —
worthy to bear the name he inherits from one of the most useful
citizens the county has ever had. He is a member of the Masonic
order.
W. W. GKAY.
The Gray family, to which the subject of this sketch belongs, has
been represented in each of the three principal wars of this country —
the revolution, the war of 1812, and the civil war. Eichard Gray,
the grandfather of W. W., was a soldier under General Washington
in the struggle for independence, and crossed the Delaware with him
on that memorable Christmas night, 1776, which resulted in the
triumph at Trenton the following day. William, the father of W.
W., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and W. W. himself, followed
the intrepid Morgan, of Kentucky, in his perilous career through the
late unhappy strife. Eobert Gray was a native of Virginia, but after
the close of the revolutionary war emigrated to Kentucky, and was
one of the first settlers of Fayette county in that state. His house
occupied the site where the court house in Lexington now stands, and
there William Gray, the father of W. W., was born — the first child
born in the capital of Kentucky. The mother of W. W., before her
marriage to William Gray, was a Miss Maria Lamme, a lady of
French extraction, her father having come over as a volunteer with
Lafayette, and remained here after the close of the war, where he
married and reared a family. W. W. Gray was born in Fayette
county, Kentucky, February 10, 1837. He was reared in his native
county, and after a thorough course in the primary and intermediate
schools, entered the State university, from which he was duly grad-
uated in 1854. He followed farming in Kentucky until 1867, when
he removed to Howard county, where he has since lived and continued
to follow his chosen occupation — farming. He has an excellent
farm in a good state of improvement and cultivation. In 1857 —
July 14 — he was married to Miss Harriet Redd, of Fayette county,
Kentucky, and they now have four children living — Ida, Archie,
Marv and Birdie. Mr. G. is a member of the Christian church and
of the A. O. U. W.
H. C. HAWKINS
was born and reared in Howard county, and has followed farming all
his life. His father came to this county in an early clay and settled
in Franklin township, where he made his permanent home. H. C,
the subject of this sketch, was born in that township, September 10,
1825, and in youth received a good common school education. He
was married March 4, 1855, to Miss Lavinia Alexander, and they
have five children living — Mary, William B., Sarah C, Judith F.
and John F. He owns an excellent farm of 230 acres. His orchard
is one of the best in the township and contains a large variety of ex-
508 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
cellent fruit trees. His parents were both natives of Kentucky, but
spent most of their lives in the state of their adoption — Missouri.
His father, William Hawkins, died July 8, 1845, and his mother,
whose name before her marriage, was Lydia T. Francis, died in 1860.
John L. Hawkins, brother of H. C, served through the Florida war.
o
THOMAS J. HEATH,
son of Judge W. R. Heath and wife, Mary P., whose maiden name
was Turpin, was born in Howard county, Missouri, July 29, 1851.
Mr. H. was reared on his father's farm, in this county, and was edu-
cated in the common schools of the towii of New Franklin. He be-
gan active life Avhen a young man by engaging in merchandising,
which he followed one year. Afterwards, in 1872, he went to Cali-
fornia and farmed there a season, and then returned to Howard
county, and here he has since given his attention exclusively to farm-
ing and stock trading. He is a capable, enterprising business man,
and thus far his career has been a successful one. He is a member
of the I. O. O. F.
JOHN G. HERNDON.
Mr. Herndon was twenty-three years of age when he bid good-
bye to his 6ld home and the friends and acquaintances of his boyhood
in the Old Dominion, in 1838, and started for the more inviting fields
of labor on the Missouri river. On reaching this section, he first set-
tled a short distance northwest of Glasgow, in this county, where he
engaged in farming, but eight years afterwards he moved to this place,
where he now lives. He has a large farm of 400 acres, well stocked
and well improved. His place is an excellent stock farm on account
of its adaptation to grass of all kinds and its water facilities. Mr.
Herndon was born in Goochland county, Virginia, July 8, 1815. His
father, James, was also a native of Virginia, as was his grandfather,
John Herndon. His mother's name before her marriage was Nancy
Perkins, and she was of the same state. John G. received a good
practical education in his native county before coming to Missouri.
On the 6th of November, 1837, he was married to Miss Lucy Strange,
of Sullivan county, Virginia, where she was born November 23, 1819.
Thev have five children — Gideon S., William J., John H., Birdie
and Maggie C.
Do
G. S. HERNDON.
Mr. Herndon was reared in this county, his parents having im-
migrated here when he was an infant, and having been brought up on
the farm, he adopted that as his permanent occupation, which he has
since followed except about three years, between 1863 and 1865, that
he spent in the mines of California. He owns an excellent farm of
100 acres, well improved, and is regarded as a successful, enterpris-
ing and energetic farmer. On the 21st of November, 1868, he was mar-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 509
ried to Miss Mary E. Stewart, an excellent and worthy lady, and- they
now have five children — Bettie L., Emma, Carrie, Susan and Gabe.
Mr. H. is a member of the A. O. U. W His post-office is Franklin,
Howard county, Missouri.
WILLIAM HOCKEK.
For nearly thirty years, from 1832 to 1860, William Hocker fol-
lowed school teaching in Howard county. His parents came to this
state in an early day, in 1824, when William was but ten years old,
and he was reared on his father's farm. In those days not all the
young men enjoyed good school advantages in their youth, and the
subject of this sketch was one of them that did not. He only at-
tended school a few months, but by study at home he acquired a
better education than most of the others did who had good school
advantages, so that at the age of eighteen years he was well qualified
to commence teaching. He made teaching his regular occupation,
and followed it until he was able to fix himself on a farm comfortably
for life. He has followed farming since 1860, and has a splendid
place of 600 acres in an excellent state of cultivation and improve-
ment. He was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, September 8,
1814. His father, William Hocker, and his mother, whose maiden
name was Sarah Allnutt, were both natives of Maryland. They emi-
grated to Lincoln county, Kentucky, in 1790, and there reared a
family of nine children, of whom William, Jr., was the eighth. They
came to Howard county in 1824, and here the father died July 12,
1849, and the mother November 19, 1852. When the war broke out
iu 1861, Mr. H. identified himself with the south, and was taken pris-
oner subsequently and sentenced to be shot, but made his escape from
the detail of soldiers ordered to shoot him — under the fire, however,
of the whole posse. On the 7th of April, 1836, he was married to
Miss Margaret, daughter of Philip Turner, of Howard county. She
was born in this county November 24, 1819. They have six children
living — William R., Gerard C, Juliet B. (now Mrs. Wm. Moons),
Hattie H. (now Mrs. Jack White), Emma G. (now Mrs. S. L. Hig-
gins), and Ina. Philip Turner, the father of Mrs. Hocker, died
April 22, 1827, and her mother January 28, 1856. Her mother's
maiden name was Miss Brezell Hyatt, and both her parents were na-
tives of Kentucky and came to Missouri in 1815. Mr. Hocker is a
member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Christian church.
MAJ. H. H. HUGHES,
a soldier of three wars, and one of the most successful farmers of
Howard county, now passed the allotted age of three score and ten
years, is living in the slippered ease of retirement from all the active
labors of life, blessed with a well preserved mind and body, and
respected by all who know him. He is a native of Kentucky, but his
home has been in Missouri for more than sixty years. His father,
Samuel Hughes, and family, settled in this state from Kentucky, in
34
510 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1820. They first open what is now known as the home farm of Col-,
onel J. K. Estill, and there the son was principally reared. At the
age of twenty-two, in 1834, he enlisted in the 1st Missouri regiment
and was made major of the regiment. Afterwards the regiment went
into quarters ha Jefferson barracks, and thence it was sent to Jackson
barracks, New Orleans. From there ikentered into active service in
the Florida war, in which it continued until the authority of the gov-
ernment had been established in that peninsula. Subsequently it did
service against the Seminoles in the Carolina and Georgia war, after
which it was mustered out. In 1837, having been absent three years,
Major Hughes returned home to Howard county, where he followed
the peaceful and quiet life of a farmer until 1846. Then the hostile
camp of the Mexicans was pitched under the shadow of the national
ensign, and the brave sons of Missouri sprang to arms to make them
honor its authority. Major Hughes was among the first to take up
the march for the halls of the Montezumas. He was made captain of
company G, under Colonel Doniphan, and followed the starry flag to
the City of Mexico. At the conclusion of this war, he agaiu returned
home and gave his attention to farming until 1861. Then he enlisted
in the Confederate service and was made major of the 9th Missouri
infantry, serving through the entire war, and finally stacking arms
with the last to leave the field at Shreveport, Louisiana. In the
three principal wars in which he did service (for he was in several
Indian wars), viz. : the Florida, the Mexican and the civil, he was
in many of the hardest fought battles, and received wounds in both the
Florida and the civil wars. Notwithstanding he has been a soldier
among the soldiers of this country, he has found time and proved the
business ability to lead a successful career as a private citizen, and
having by industry and intelligent management, accumulated an am-
ple competence for old age, in order that the evening of his life might
be passed in the most serene tranquility, he withdrew some years ago
from all business cares, disposing of his farm, so that now he enjoys
"An old age serene and bright
And lovely as a Lapland night."
Major Hughes was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, October 11,
1812. His father was also a native of Kentucky, but his grand-
father, Joseph, came from Virginia and settled, where Daniel, the
father of H. H., was born and reared. Major Hughes' mother, before
her marriage, was a Miss Nancy Price, of Kentucky, and to his father
she bore ten children, of whom Major H. H. was the second. Both
parents died in this state. In 1823 Major Hughes was married to Mrs.
Sarah Davis, a widow lady, of Virginia. Mrs. Hughes, who
before her first marriage, was a Miss Cobb, daughter of James Cobb,
of Virginia, by her first husband had two children — Alice W., after-
wards Mrs. Edwards, and Lena, afterwards Mrs. Crews. Mrs. C.
died in 1880, leaving one child — Enoch Crews — now being reared
by his grandparents. Major Hughes is now past seventy-one years
old, but
" Age sets gently on his brow."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 511
DR. W. D. JACKSON.
Dr. Jackson is a Virginian by birth and in that state he was
reared and educated, receiving his medical education hi the Richmond
Eclectic Medical college. He began the practice of his profession in
1836, in Louisa county of his native state, where he was born July
18, 1812. His literary education was obtained in the ordinary schools
of the time and by private study at home. By close application to
his books he became qualified, in the later years of his youth, to
teach school, which he began and followed a number of years, thus
obtaining the means upon which to prosecute his medical studies. His
medical tutor was Dr. William Meredith, an able physician of Vir-
ginia, under whom he studied several years. Dr. Jackson continued
the practice of medicine in Louisa county from 1836 to 1845, when
he came to West Virginia, where he located and practised about thir-
teen years. From there, in 1858, he came to Missouri, settling in
Franklin, of this county, and here he has since continued the practice
of his profession. In 1832 he was married to Miss Eleanor Thompson,
of Virginia, but she was taken from him by death in 1837, leaving
him two children — Eobert and Mary. He was again married Decem-
ber 10, 1838, Miss Mary E. Chewmug, originally of the same state,
becoming his wife. She lived to gladden his home for nearly forty
years, but on the 12th of November, 1877, fell to sleep in death.
She left one child — Anna V. Dr. Jackson was the third time mar-
ried in 1878 ; Mrs. Felicia Agnew, widow of John Agnew, became
Ms third wife. She was the daughter of Hawkins and Sallie Slaughter
Brown, of this county, and was born in West Virginia, March 15,
1828.
LILBURN S. KINGSBURY, deceased.
"Death comes to all. His cold and sapless hand
Waves o'er the world, and beckons us away."
In the meridian of life and the vigor of manhood Lilburn S.
Kingsbury was suddenly cut off. He was born in this county Decem-
ber 13, 1838, and here yielded up his spirit to the Giver, May II,
1877. Though his life was a short one, it was an unusually active
one, and, what is better than all else, it was such that when his sum-
mons came he was not unprepared to receive it. He was reared on
his father's farm, in this county, and under that good man, Dr.
Kingsbury, no less respected and esteemed as a neighbor than loved
and venerated as a father, he was brought up to habits of industry,
frugality and Christian morality. Hence the life he led was without
a stain, and the name he left his children they may very gladly bear.
Lilburn S. had good school and college advantages, and when he left
the college walls he was well prepared to enter upon the active duties
.of life. °He firsf, engaged in farming in this county, which he fol-,
lowed until 1864, when he went to Montana. There he gave his
attention to the stock business, and continued in that for two years.
512 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
In 1866 he returned to his old home in Howard county, but only to
remain a couple of years, for, in 1868, he was attracted to Texas by
the opportunities there offered for the profitable exercise of enter-
prise and ability in almost every line of business. He engaged in
beef packing, and also in the manufacture of ice in Victory, of that
state, and was rewarded with satisfactory success in both enterprises.
In 1871 he again returned to this county, this time to remain until
the sands of his life ran out ; for
" There is a strange something planted in man
To bind him to that earth in dearest ties
From whence he drew his birth."
Here he was occupied with farming and stock raising, and was in the
very noontide of success when his summons came, and he entered
upon that rest, that —
" Sinless, stirless rest, that never changes."
Mr. Kingsbury left a wife and five children to mourn his loss. On
the 20th of February, 1861, he was married to Miss Minnie E.,
daughter of W. J. and Elizabeth Gerhardt Smith of this county.
She was born February 23, 1842. Their children are Ferdinand D.,
Lillian A., Bessie, William W. and Ophelia M. He was a member
of the Masonic order and of the I. O. G. T. He was also an exem-
plary member of the M. E. church south.
DK. HORACE KINGSBURY, deceased.
Dr. Kingsbury lived a useful and honorable life and died a Chris-
tian death. No nobler epitaph can be written for the dead. Yet
this his memory deserves, and it but tells in modest phrase the real
worth of the man. He was born in Randolph county, North Caro-
lina, April 7, 1813. When four years of age he was brought by his
parents to Howard county, who immigrated here in 1817. Here he
was reared and educated, and after reaching manhood studied medi-
cine. In 1846 and 1847 he attended medical college in Cincinnati,
and was graduated with distinction from the Eclectic medical insti-
tution, of that city. Besides being a physician he was a farmer, and
soon took rank with the foremost farmers of the county. With his
farm and stock interests, and his large practice in the surrounding
country, his life- was an unusually active and busy one. But he was
also a man of great enterprise and more than ordinary sagacity. He
began farming in the Missouri river bottom a short distance above
Old Franklin. In that district were situated some of the finest lands
in Missouri, but at that time much of them was overflowed, but he
conceived the idea of drainins; them on a large scale. The means of
no one man was adequate to the enterprise, so he obtained an act of
incorporation from the legislature authorizing him and others, whom
he had induced to join him, to undertake the work. He was made
the president of the company, and the scheme proved an eminently,
successful one. Thousands of acres of the finest class of lands were
reclaimed, which have since yielded up their annual harvests of grain
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 513
to their possessors — tributes to his sagacity and enterprise. He be-
gan farming with 160 acres of overflowed land ; for many years before
his death he had over 2,000 acres of the rich alluvial soil of the Mis-
souri, in cultivation — two as handsome farms as ample means and
good taste could make — and this notwithstanding he lost heavily by
the war ; more, in fact, than an ordinary fortune. Though blessed
with a competence of this world's goods, sorrow was not a stranger
in his heart and home, for —
There is a Reaper whose name Is Death,
And with his sickle keen
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath
And the flowers that grow between.
In 1832 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Brashear, a noble
and true woman, daughter of Judson Brashear, an old settler of the
county, but in 1857 she fell to sleep to wake no more in this life.
He married again some years afterwards, Mrs. Isabina, widow of
David Allen, deceased, becoming his second wife ; but she, too, was
taken from him and laid to rest in 1864. On the 3d day of June,
1880, Dr. Kingsbury himself passed away, surrounded by friends and
loved ones and mourned by all who knew him. His third wife, for-
merly Miss Mary A. Chandler, a most excellent and worthy lady,
still survives him, and now resides on the farm where her husband
lived and died. For forty years of his life Dr. Kingsbury was a pro-
fessor of religion and an active, earnest worker in the church. In
1840 he joined the Methodist church south at Clark's chapel, in this
countv, and became a trustee in the congregation to which he be-
longed, and which then erected its first church building. In that
position he continued until his death. His church-life was faithful
and sincere, and his death was a noble testimony of the comforting
power of the Christian's faith. He was a member of the county
court when he died.
L. L. KINGSBUEY.
As were in Dr. Horace Kingsbury, the brother of L. L., so in
L. L. Kingsbury himself are combined the enterprising, progressive
and energetic qualities of the New Englander, and the generous, hospit-
able and liberal-minded ideas of the Southerner. And withal, the
Kingsbury's represent in an eminent degree the sturdy, frugal charac-
teristics of the Hollanders, for there is also a strong Hollander element
in their family. That such men would succeed in life, was, and is but
natural to be expected. Mr. Kingsbury owns 300 acres of splendid
land, and his farm is one of the best improved in the county. He is
a systematic, neat, business-like farmer. He has a flock of over
700 head of fine merino sheep, and of sheep raising he makes a
specialty. L. L. Kingsbury was born in Howard county, Missouri,
August 12th, 1824. "He is a son of Jerre Kingsbury, a native of
Massachusetts, and his wife Elizabeth, of Randolph county, North
Carolina, whose name before her marriage was Scotton, a lady of
Dutch extraction. A sketch of the parents will be found in the
514 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
memoir of Dr. Kingsbury, elsewhere in this volume. However, it is
worthy, in addition to what is there said, to mention that Joseph
Kingsbury, the grandfather of L. L., lived to the advanced age of
109 years. Jerre, the son of Joseph, and father of L. L., was born
in 1785, and died April 12th, 1863, aged seventy-eight years. His
wife, Elizabeth Scotton Kingsbury, was born in 1789, and died in
May, 1852, aged sixty-three years. Jerre Kingsbury came to this
county with his family in 1816, and remained in Fort Hempstead the
first winter, and in the spring of 1818, bought a claim in Franklin
township where he made his home. There L. L. was born August
12th, 1824, and grew to manhood on his father's farm, and received
a good, practical, elementary education. On reaching manhood, his
father then being far advanced in years, he took charge of the old
homestead and carried on the business of the farm with energy and
excellent success. On the 16th of January, 1849, he was married to
Miss Catherine Boggs, a native of Washington county, this state,
she having been born there February 28th, 1829. They have four chil-
dren living: John A., Edwin F., married Miss Lou Wilhite ; Katie
L. and Noah. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury are both members of the
Baptist church.
R. T. KINGSBURY.
The fact that Mr. Kingsburv was a son of Dr. Horace Kings-
bury, is some assurance, at least, that he is a good citizen, honorable,
intelligent and enterprising. And so he is. He is a man on whose
name no reproach has fallen. Besides, he is one of the progressive,
business-like farmers of the county. He was born in Howard county,
Missouri, July 25th, 1848, and was reared on his father's farm. He
had good advantages to acquire a practical education in his youth
which he did not fail to improve. He attended the common schools,
and also took a course in Kemper's well-known and excellent school in
Boonville. He has a neat farm of 156 acres of good land, and be-
sides giving his attention to general farming makes a specialty of
growing fruit for the markets. He has an orchard of fifty acres of
choice fruit, and he is still increasing his fruit industry. Mr. Kings-
bury has been twice married'. First, to Miss Sallie D. Smith, March
2d, 1870, but she survived their marriage only a year, passing away
March 17th, 1871. He was again married April 21st, 1872, Miss
Alice V. Smith, becoming his second wife. They have five children:
Horace, William, Ernest, Robert and Sallie. Mr. Kingsbury is a
school director of his district, and is a consistent member of the M.
E. church south. He is also a member of Howard Lodge, No. 4, A.
F. and A. M., and a Knight Templar.
JOHN LEE.
That the subject of this sketch is a Lee, and a native of Virginia,
is a suflicient assurance that he is one of the best men in the county.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 515
The purity of character and modest worth of the Lee family, is re-
cognized wherever American history is read. And whether in public
or in private life, point to a Virginia Lee, and you will point to a man
whose name is as unsullied as polished steel. John Lee was born
near Eichmond, Virginia, March 5, 1816. He was a son of John Lee,
the elder, and the grandson of Joel Lee, both also natives of Virginia.
His father was a soldier under Washington. His mother's maiden
name was Susan Owens. In 1819, the family — the elder John Lee,
his wife, Susan, and three children — came to Missouri, and settled
in Old Franklin, this county, where John, Jr., was reared and educated.
Early in youth, he evinced a preference for life on a farm. Accord-
ingly, he has followed farming, and stock, raising and dealing, ever
since he attained to manhood. He has gone steadily forward in his
modest. way, adding to his possessions, year by year, until now he
is one of the wealthy men of the county. Besides large stock inter-
ests, and other property, he has 1,000 acres of as fine land as there
is on the Missouri river, and his farm of 500 acres is one of the best
improved places in Howard county. Mr. Lee has been married three
times. He was first married to Miss Matilda Graham, April 12, 1842 ;
she died in March, 1843. He was again married, in August, 1847,
to Miss Mary Bailey, who lived twenty-nine years to cheer and com-
fort his life, but finally passed away, leaving three children — Samuel
C, Ida V. (Mrs. Ed. Swinney, of Rich Hill), and Sallie (Mrs. C.
Thompson). Mr. L. was the third time married, October 7, 1877,
to Miss Susan Talbot. They have three children — John, Holman
and Martha. Mr. Lee is a member of the Christian church, also of
the Masonic order, and of the I. O. O. F. In every relation in life,
he is an upright and honorable man.
JOHN W. LEE.
Mr. Lee's parents were among the earliest settlers of Howard
county. His father, A. H., and mother, whose name before her mar-
riage was Susan H. Wilcoxson, were both natives of Kentucky, ' but
came to this county in early life, and here reared their family. John
W. was born July 6, 1832, and was brought up to the occupation of
a farmer, which he has since followed. In the common schools he
received a good substantial education, and since he has been engaged
in the active business affairs of life, he has been called to serve the
people in the responsible office of justice of the peace. He has a neat
farm of ninety acres, all in cultivation, and well improved. Novem-
ber 24, 1851, he was married to Miss Alice P. Blankenbaker, an ex-
cellent lady, a native of the Old Dominion. They have six children —
James A., M. M., L. L., Samuel C, Emma A., and Charles F. Mr.
L. is a member of the A. O. U. W., I. O. 0. F., and of the M. E.
church squth.
R. A. LLOYD,
painter, was born in New Franklin, Howard county, Missouri, Jan-
uary 24th, 1851. He is a son of Pleasant H., born in North Carolina,
516 , HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
August 21st, 1823. The father came to Howard count}' in 1835, and
worked at the wagon-maker's business until his death, which occurred
November 3d, 1875. He was married September 6th, 1848, to Miss
A. Battou, who was born in Orange county, Virginia, February
10th, 1833. Six children were reared of this marriage: Thomas B.,
Eobert A., Sarah A., Mary R., John and William E. J. The father
was a consistent member of the Christian church for many of the
later years of his life and died in that communion. Mrs. Lloyd is also
a member of the same denomination. R. A., the subject of this
sketch, was reared and educated in this county, and early learned the
painter's trade which he has since followed.
WILLIAM H. LONG.
Except two years spent in California, during the gold excitement
in that state, Mr. Long has followed farming all his life, and his career
as a farmer has been a decidedly successful one. His farm contains
320 acres and the improvements are of a very superior class, the
residence alone — a brick house — costing over $6,000. Mr. Long is
a native of this county, having been born here November 24th, 1828.
His parents were both from Kentucky, but came to this county
among the first settlers. Reuben Long, his father, was an energetic,
successful farmer, and his wife, the mother of Wm. H., was Mary
Hocker. Wm. H., the second of a family of seven children,
was given a good practical education in the common schools of the
neighborhood. In 1858 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Brashear,
and six years afterwards she was taken from him by the grim de-
stroyer, Death, leaving him four children, Annie M., EfEe, Delia and
Willie. Five years more dragged their slow length through his lonely
home, and then it was again brightened by the tender love of woman —
wife. In December, 1869, Miss L. A. McCauley, became his wife, and
to them three children have been born : Luella, Ida and Emmett. Mr.
Long is a member of the Christian church and of the Masonic order.
REUBEN LONG.
Mr. Long, besides being a leading farmer of the county, for his
farm ranks among the best and most important, gives special atten-
tion to breeding and raising fine cattle. His herd includes some as
fine stock as there is in central Missouri, for he makes it a point to
spare no time or expense in securing1 the finest blood that can be had.
He is a progressive, enterprising stock man and as such, well deserves
mention in this volume. He was the sixth of a family of seven
children reared by Reuben Long, the elder, and wife Nancy A. , a native
of Kentucky. Reuben, Jr., was born in Howard county, Missouri,
July 27th, 1838. His father was a well-to-do farmer and a man of
intelligence, who gave his children good opportunities to qualify
theihselves for the business duties of life. Young Reuben had the
benefit not only of the common schools in his neighborhood, but he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 517
also took a course in the State university, thus acquiring an excellent
education. After returning from the university, he taught school
awhile, but soon gave his attention to farming, which he has since fol-
lowed. His farm contains 325 acres, and is a model stock farm. He
was married June 18th, 1863, to Miss Nannie, daughter of John
Knaus, of this county, and now has a family of six children: Wm.
E., Birdie B., John, James N., Dora D. and Walter T. In 1846,
Mr. Long enlisted in the Mexican war in Captain Singleton's company,
raised in this county, but did service only a short time. He is a
member of the A. O. U. W.
THOMAS P. LONG,
another son of Eeuben Long, Sr., and wife, Nancy Hocker Long, is
also a farmer by occupation, and was born in Howard county, Mis-
souri, April 10, 1836. He was reared on his father's farm, in this
county, and was educated in the common schools* of the neighbor-
hood. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming or-
derly sergeant in Captain Major's company, and served until 1863,
when he was honorably discharged. He was in a number of hard-
fought battles, among the rest those of Boonville, Lexington, Carthage
and Pea Ridge. On the 10th of September, 1870, he was married
to Miss J. Turner, of Howard county. They have six children —
Turner, Reuben, Arthur, Clara, Hattie and Buford. Mr. L. owns a
farm of 150 acres.
GABRIEL LONG,
five years deputy sheriff and three years deputy assessor of Howard
county, is one of the substantial farmers and highly respected citizens
of the county. He was born in this county April 21, 1834. His
'parents were both natives of Kentucky, but came to this county in
early life, where they afterwards lived and reared their family.
Gabriel was brought up on the farm and received a good educa-
tion from the common schools, but after reaching manhood learned
the carpenter's trade, which he followed some time. However, he
made farming his permanent occupation, and this he has followed
with excellent success. In connection with Mr. Ira C. Darby, the
partnership of Long & Darby own a fine farm of 314 acres of well
improved land. As has been suggested, Mr. L. was appointed dep-
uty sheriff, and held that position five years, and at a different time
was appointed to and held the office of deputy assessor three years.
He is a member of the Christian church, and besides being an exem-
plary church member and a popular citizen, is a good man.
A. L. McCOLLOUGH,
a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Howard county, is of Irish
descent, his father, John McCollough, having come over to this coun-
try from the Emerald Isle of the sea early in life and settled in Ohio.
518
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
There the sou, A. L., was reared and received an excellent education
from the unsurpassed public schools of the Buckeye state. And,
what is of hardly less importance, he learned the thorough system of
farming, which has made Ohio one of the first states of the union,
and which distinguishes an Ohio farmer wherever he is found. With
these advantages, and placed on rich Howard county land — better
even than that which he was used to in his native state — Mr. McCol-
lough was not long in going to the front among the leading farmers of
this county. He has 600 acres of land of a quality that produces
from fifty to seventy-five bushels of corn, or from twenty to thirty-
five bushels of wheat per acre. His home place contains 380 acres, -
and has a splendid class of improvements on it, including a brick res-
idence and other buildings in accordance. Much of his land is set
in blue grass, and he also grows clover, timothy, etc. His farm is
well stocked, and some of his stock is of the best quality. Especially
is this true of his. merino sheep, which are of an extra breed. Mr.
McC. was born in' Jefferson county, Ohio, June 27, 1822, and lived
in that state until 1872, when he came to Howard county. His
mother, whose maiden name was Jane Kichey, like her husband, is a
native of Ireland, but came to America when quite young, about
1804. On the 27th of March, 1843, Mr. McCollough was married to
Miss B. Hammond, of Ohio, a good and true woman and wife, but
two years ago, January 11, 1881, she was taken from him by death,
leaving him seven children living — David, Mary J., Harry, Belle,
George, Charles and Margaret. Mr. McCollough is a consistent,
exemplary member of the Episcopal church.
EOBERT E. McGAVOCK, deceased.
At his residence, in Franklin township, on the 11th day of May,
1875, died Eobert E. McGavock, a leading farmer and highly re-
spected citizen, of Howard county. Mr. McGavock came to this
county thirty-six years ago, when a young man twenty-one years of
age, since which he continued to reside here until the day of his
death. He was born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, July 7,
1826, and was there reared and educated. Robert E. was a son of
Robert McGavock, a native of West Virginia, and wife, Ann, daugh-
ter of Colonel Thomas Hickman, but their married life was spent in
Kentucky. Young McGavock was reared on his father's farm, but
in youth enjoyed the advantages afforded by the country schopls, and
in these received a good, practical education. Having been brought
up to the occupation of a farmer, he naturally adopted that as his
permanent calling and followed it without intermission through life.
In 1847 he came to Missouri and settled in Howard county. On the
21st day of March, 1855, Mr. McGavock was married to Miss Matilda
Bondurant, a most amiable and excellent young lady. But, alas !
" Death rides on every passing breeze
And lurks in every flower."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 519
In less than a year from the day she was made a bride, she was cold
and still in death. She passed away the 4th of January, 1856. But
a warm and tender nature cannot live without one to love, cannot
live without being loved, and while the memory of the departed may
be cherished as a sweet dream, too fair to last, yet there is that in
us all that leads us to love again, as naturally as the flowers brighten
in the morning sun after the chill of night is passed. On the 14th
of February, 1857, Mr. McGavock was married again, Miss Sallie
Crews, a daughter of Milton Crews, of this county, becoming his sec-
ond and worthy and devoted wife. She was born in Madison county,
Kentucky, August 8, 1839, but in company with her father's family
was brought by him to this county in 1844. Their union was blessfed
with seven children, five of whom remain to comfort their mother's
widowhood — William C, James E, Eosa, Anna and Eobert L. Mr.
McGavock served for a time as justice of the peace of his township,
and at the time of his death was, as he had been for a number of
years before, a consistent, exemplary member of the Christian church.
In all the relations of life he was an upright, conscientious and God-
fearing man.
Wm. C. McGavock, son of the above, is largely interested in the
raising of blooded stock, and his herd of Herefords is among the best
in the county, embracing strains of the best families.
GORDON C. McGAVOCK.
Hugh McGavock was a native of Virginia, and when the revolu-
tionary war broke out, he was one of the first to shoulder his gun in
defence of his country. He followed the flag of the gallant young
republic for seven long years, through dangers and hardships of un-
told severity, until finally the shout of triumph went up from three
millions of people, and was joyfully echoed around the world. Re-
turning at the restoration of peace, he settled down in his native
state, to the quiet but honorable and independent life of a farmer,
and there reared a family. Among his other sons was Robert, the
father of the subject of this sketch, who went to Kentucky in an
early day. He settled in Breckenridge county of that state, and
there lived until his death, rearing a family, of which Gordon C. was
a member. Gordon's mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Ann
Hickman, a Kentuckian by birth; she also died in Breckenridge
county. Gordon was brought up on his father's farm in his native
county, and in his youth acquired more than an average education
among the young men of that day, both by close application to his
books in school, and by study at home. Later on he studied civil
engineering, and became proficient in that science, and subsequently
followed the profession as a business until he came to Missouri in
1857. Arriving in this state, he settled in Howard county, and here
he has since given his whole attention to farming, in which he has
been successful. He has agood good place of 283 acres of land, and
has it well improved. His orchard is an unusally good one, contain-
520 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ing many varieties of the rarest and best qualities of fruit, etc. Mr.
McGavock was married to Miss Lucy Lewis, a young lady of Ken-
tucky birth, December 14, 1859, and they have six children — John,
Sallie, Mary, Louisa, Hugh and Eobert. He is a member of the
Christian church.
J. A. MAXWELL.
Thomas Maxwell and his wife Elsie, a lady of Irish descent,
whose maiden name was Jarvis, the grandparents of J. A. Maxwell
were both natives of Virginia, but emigrated to Madison county,
Kentucky, in an early day, where the first station in the county was
named for Mr. Maxwell — "Maxwell's station." They lived in their
adopted county, where they reared their family, until 1825, when
they immigrated to Missouri, and settled in Howard county. The
grandfather died the following year, but his wife survived him over
thirty years, passing away at the residence of her son Robert, of
Johnson county, Missouri, in 1858. Bozewell, another son of theirs,
and father of J. A., was a youth about twelve years of age when
they came to this county, and here, on reaching manhood, he married
Miss Martha J. Dinwiddie, who died a number of years afterwards,
leaving him three children. In 1852, he was again married, Miss
Mary Gay becoming his wife, and of this union two children were
reared, of whoin J. A., the subject of this sketch, was the younger.
Mrs. Mary Maxwell died in this county June 1, 1882, and her hus-
band followed her in death seven months afterwards, January 22,
1883. Both were for many years members of the Christian church.
Mr. Maxwell was a strictly temperate man in all his habits, not using
tobacco in any form, and he brought up his sons to the same manner
of life. In the active duties of life, h« was industrious, energetic
and a good manager, and many years before his death he had suc-
ceeded in accummulating a comfortable estate. Besides an excellent
farm, well improved and well stocked, he built, and was the owner
of Maxwell mills, that do the grinding and sawing for a large district
of country. J. A. Maxwell was born in Howard county, Missouri,
November 25, 1854. He was reared on his father's farm in this
county, and received-his education from the neighborhood schools of
the time. He followed farming until 1880, when he engaged in mill-
ing, in which he has met with excellent success. He owns a good
farm of 213 acres comfortably and substantially improved. He is a
member of the A- O. U. W.
F. W. MICHELS,
general merchant. Mr. Michels commenced in life without means or
other help, and by industry, intelligent management, and persever-
ance, has succeeded in accumulating an ample competence. He was
born in Germany, September 9th, 1844. His father and mother were
also both natives of that country. He was but nine years old when
he landed in America, and from boyhood he grew up in Glasgow, in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 521
this county. When still a youth ho commenced work at the tobacco
trade, manufacturing cigars and plug tobacco, and this he followed in
Glasgow until 1866. In 1866 he began business ou his own account
in Glasgow, in which he continued until 1868, when he removed to
Old Franklin, where he has since followed merchandising. From 1871
to 1873, however, he was in St. Louis. Excepting the time he was
absent in St. Louis, no man has given closer attention to his store
than has Mr. M. for the last seventeen years in Old Franklin ; nor has
the reward of his merit been denied him. He is now one of the
substantial business men of the county. In October (the 27th), 1877,
he was married to Miss Anna Glazier, of Boonville, and they have
one child living, Henry W.
WILLIAM MILLER, deceased.
The subject of this memoir was a native of Alabama, and was
born June 5, 1836. Almost in the very dawn of life he was left an
orphan by the death of his father, Samuel L. Miller, of that state,
and he was brought with his mother and family to Madison county,
Kentucky, when only two years old, where he was reared and after-
Vards lived until he came to this state. He was eiven a thorough
education, taking, besides courses in the common schools and the
schools of New Castle, Kentucky, a course in Berthany college
of Virginia. After his college course he engaged in farming. On the
27th of February, 1861, he was married to Miss Susan A. Chenault,
a most estimable lady of Madison county, Kentucky, born March 1,
1842. Of this union nine children were born, eight now living:
Samuel L., Tellitha C, Mary, Joe, Edwin, Laura, William, Waller.
In 1877, Mr. Miller, with his family, immigrated to Missouri, and
settled on a farm in Howard county, where he .subsequently died,
September 10, 1880. Mrs. Miller still survives her late husband, and
now makes her home with her son, Samuel L. Samuel L. was born
in Madison county, Kentucky, December 24, 1861. The home farm
ou which they reside consists of 320 acres of excellent land, well im-
proved and' well kept and cultivated.. Mr. M. was a man whose life
was just, from the beginning to the end. Although cut off in the very
meridian of manhood, by industry and intelligent management he had
succeeded in accumulating enough to place him beyond the reach of
want in old age, if he had lived to enjoy it. This has been left to his
family.
" Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath,
And stars to set; but all —
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, 0, Death!"
MATHEW MULLINS.
Mr. Mullins was reared in Howard county, in the pioneer days
of the country, and he is now among the earliest and oldest inhabitants
of the county. His parents came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1813,
and stopping in St. Charles for a time, there his father died, leav-
522 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ing his mother a widow in a new country and among strangers. But
having acquaintances in Howard county, she came to this county,
where- her son was reared and where she afterwards lived and died.
Brought up in those early days, when the monotony of the forests
was broken only now and then by a " clearing " and a home, young
Mullins naturally shared inmany adventures and not a few hardships
incident to pioneer life. But suffice it to say that the influences by
which his youth was surrounded went far to develop in him that
strong character and spirit of enterprise which has since marked his
career. Having been reared on a farm, he thus naturally acquired
that taste for farm life, which controlled his choice of an occupa-
tion for after years. But, although he became a farmer, he did not
and could not confine his free spirit to following the plow alone,
but he also entered upon the more animating and adventurous life
of a stock dealer, and in this occupation has travelled through many
southern states, supplying the markets of the land of cane and cotton
with mules and horses^lbought up in the great corn regions of the
west He has also visited the southern republic of Mexico. But
whether as a farmer or stock dealer, in either occupation, his indus-
try and enterprise have been rewarded with substantial success. He
owns a farm of 160 acres of the best quality of land, and improved in'
a substantial, thorough manner. Mr. Mullins was born in Madison
county, Kentucky, April 28, 1813. His father, Bichard Mullins, was
also a native of Kentucky, and his mother, before her marriage, was
a Miss Susanna Woods, of that state. Mr. Mullins, the subject of
this sketch, received an ordinary practical education in the schools of
the neighborhood where he was reared, and he is a man of varied in- >
formation and superior natural intelligence. He was married August
29, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Jackman of this county. Matthew Mul-
lins is a good man, whose life has been useful and just. He is a mem-
ber of the Christian church.
BENJAMIN E. NANCE,
a large land holder and leading farmer and stock dealer .of Howard
county, was born and l-eared in Bedford county, Virginia, where he
lived and followed farming until he came to this county in 1855. His
grandfather, Kichard Nance, and his father, John, were both natives
of the Old Dominion. The former was a soldier in the revo-
lutionary war, and the latter was in the war of 1812. Mr. Nance's
(B. E.'s) mother before her marriage was a Miss Martha Estiss,
also of the same state. Mr. N. was born February 17, 1830, and
was therefore twenty-five years of age when he came to Mis-
souri. He now owns 1,427 acres of splendid land, well improved
and well kept and cultivated in every way. He is a thoroughly
live, enterprising and go-ahead business man, and ranks among
the foremost citizens of the county. On the 24th of December,
1847, he was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Tinsley, a young lady of
Virginia, and they now have two children living, Laura (Mrs. P.
H. Burden), and Martha E. (Mrs. Thomas Jordan).
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 523
CHAELESF. OVERSTREET.
Farmer, soldiering and merchandising have each claimed a share of
Mr. Overstreet's time and energy since his youth. He is now engaged
in farming, to which most of his life has been devoted, and has1 a farm
of 200 acres. He was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, February
28,1832. His father, William B., was a native of Virginia, as was
also his grandfather, Charles Overstreet. Charles, his grandfather,
was a soldier in the war for independence, and served in the revolu-
tionary army until the close of that struggle. Mr. Overstreet's
mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Sophia Harris, also of Vir-
ginia, and his parents were married in that state. When the son,
the subject of this sketch, was but four years old the family came to
Missouri and settled in St. Charles county, where they remained until
1845. They then came on to Howard county and here young Overstreet
was reared and educated in the common schools of the neighborhood.
In 1854 Mr. Overstreet, the son, then being a young man twenty-two
years of age, went to the town of New Franklin and engaged in the
boot and shoe business, in which he continued until 1858. During
the last named year he resumed farming, and this business he has
since followed except the time he spent in the army. In 1861 he en-
listed in the Missouri state guards under the call of Governor Jack-
son, and served about three months. Again, in 1864, he enlisted
under General Jo Shelby, and served under him until the surrender
in 1865. Mr. Overstreet was married on the 14th of February, 1860,
to Miss Rachel Swope, a Missouri lady by birth, and they have seven
children, John H., Sophia E., Josephine, Charles F., Lou Ellen,
Stonewall Jackson, Hugh Doniphan.
DANIEL C. RAY.
It is said that the three most important events in a man's life are
his birth, marriage and death, -and that the most important of the
three is the second. We shall not stop to philosophize on this, but
shall state at once that Mr. Ray, the subject of this sketch, and one
of the many good farmers and* citizens of Howard county, was mar-
ried on the 14th of October, 1869, to Miss Hattie Ainsworth, a most
excellent and worthy lady, who, so far as the happiness of her hus-
band is concerned, has fully vindicated the truth of the proposition
stated above. Mr. Ray is a farmer by occupation, and owns a neat,
well-improved and well-kept place of eighty acres in. Franklin town-
ship. He was born in this county April 5, 1848, and is now, there-
fore, thirty-five years of age. His father, James Ray, was a native
of Kentucky, but came to this county in an early day — in fact, was
one of the pioneers in the county. Here he married Miss DociaCanole,
a native of Tennessee. Daniel C. was brought up on his father's
farm and received a good practical education in the neighborhood
schools of the time. He is a member of the M. E. church south, and
is now school director in his district.
524 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WILLIAM J. SMITH, deceased.
The subject of this memoir was born in Madison county, Virginia,
August 22, 1808. He was a sou of "William Smith and wife, whose
maiden name was Diana Yeager, both also natives of Virginia. Wil-
liam J. grew up on his father's farm in Virginia. When eighteen
years of age he went to Kentucky, where he continued until 1830,
when he came to Missouri and settled on the farm where he subse-
quently lived and died. On the 25th of March, 1841, he was married
to Miss Elizabeth Gearhart, of this county. Seven children are now
living of this union — Minerva E., William W., Alice B., E. T., Bet-
tie, Charles I. and Eose. Mr. Smith died October 5, 1882, having
reached four years more than the allotted three-score and ten. Mrs.
Smith, his wife, born March 27, 1823, still survives her husband, and
now resides on the farm where he lived so many years and finally
died. His life was an active and energetic one, and what is better
than all else, it was a useful and good one. Farming was his occu-
pation, but he was also for some years interested in milling; but to
whatever he directed his energies he succeeded, and succeeded hon-
estly, without doing any man wrong. When he died he left a large
estate, for he was one of the wealthy men of Howard county.
Through the morning and the noon of life, and to the last, when the
evening shadows shut out the light, he was an humble, faithful fol-
lower of the Cross, iij the communion of the M. E. church south.
WILLIAM W. SMITH,
son of William J. (deceased), was born in Howard county, Missouri,
February 29, 1844. His father was a man who appreciated the im-
portance of an education, and determined that, so far as his own ex-
ertions were concerned, his children should avail themselves of the
best school advantages then offered. William W. had the usual course
of the common schools, and, besides that, courses in Central college,
in Fayette, and Kemper's college, in Boonville. And he did not fail
to improve his advantages, for he is one of the best educated farmers
in the county — a county, by the way, of educated farmers. In 1862,
then eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the Confederate army, in
company F, from this part of the county, and served until the final
surrender. Eeturning after the war, he resumed farming, and also
engaged in dealing in stock, in both of which he has since continued.
On the 12th of January, 1871, he was married to Miss Fannie Agnew,
a native of Virginia, and they have two children — Nadine and Flor-
ence. Mr. S. is a member of the A. 0. U. W., of the Masonic order,
and of the M. E. church south. He has a farm of 200 acres in
good condition with respect both to improvements and cultivation, and
is a successful farmer and stockman.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 525
CAPT. J. H. STURDIVANT,
of Sturdivant & Maxwell, millers, Franklin. Mr. SturdiVant is a
thorough, practical miller, having followed that occupation from early
manhood, with but little interruption, nearly twenty years. He was
born in Edmonson county, Kentucky, October 2, 1841, and was a
son of J. A. Sturdivant, and wife, Adaline, whose name prior to her
marriage was Shackelford. J. H., the sou, was reared in his native
county, and received an ordinary practical education in the local
schools. In 1860, he went to Warren county, and there commenced
his career as a miller. But the war breaking out in 1861, he enlisted,
in 1862, in company G, 8th Kentucky cavalry, and that term expir-
ing, he re-enlisted, this time in company G, of the 17th Kentucky
cavalry, of which company he was made captain, and with, which he
served until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Stone
river, and other important and hard-fought engagements. In 1865,
he went to Lewistown, Illinois, and there followed milling two years.
He then came to Benton county, Missouri, where he farmed for two
years, and milled one year. From Benton county he went to Wind-
sor, Missouri, and remained until 1876, engaged in milling, coming
that year to Boonville. In Boonville, he followed milling until
1878, when he came over to Franklin, and here he has since lived and
pursued his regular occupation — milling. The firm of which he i s a
member, have a splendid mill, including building, machinery, e c,
and as manufacturers of breadstuffs, they are deservedly popular.
Miss Olive H. McGee, of Kentucky, became the wife of Mr. S., on
the 1st of March, 1866. and they now have a family of three children —
James H., Charles H. and Mary E.
SAMUEL B. TINSLEY,
deceased. A useful and successful life, regulated by Christian prin-
ciples, expresses in a line the earthly career of Samuel B. Tinsley.
By industry and intelligent management he succeeded here, as the
world measures success, but without • imperilling the real success of
the hereafter. For, while he strove to gather around him a compe-
tence for old age, and that those he should leave behind might not be
destitute, yet he kept a steady eye on the future — the star of eter-
nity— and so lived, that when his mortal light should fadeaway, that
star would guide him to immortality. His life was such that the
world was made better by his having lived in it, and, although it was
an humble one, it was none the less true and noble and worthy, for
the best good men do is that which is not made known. He was born
in Bedford county, Virginia, August 9, 1834. He was a son of Samuel
G. and wife, Mary, whose family name before her marriage was
Rosser, both also natives of Virginia, and was reared and educated
in Bedford county. In 1854, when a young man twenty years of age,
he came to Howard county, Missouri, and settled on the farm where
he afterwards lived, and finally died. Six years after coming to this
35
526 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
state, December 19, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary Langley, of
Callaway county, Missouri, an accomplished and gentle-hearted woman.
She was born in Mississippi, April 1, 1834, but was brought with her
parents to Callaway county, Missouri, in 1838, when but four years
old, and was educated in the Baptist college of that county. She has
two children living — Thomas L., born January 1, 1862, aud John
W., born April 11, 1866. Mr. Tinsley came to this county a young
man without means, other than his own ability to work and manage,
and the manhood to do both. When he died he was one of the wealthy
farmers and stock dealers of the county. Besides a large stock, and
personal property interest, he left a splendid farm of 700 acres. On
the 3d day of June, 1880, there fell upon the loved ones around him
a sudden gloom, and the spirit of Samuel B. Tinsley passed away
forever. His wife still survives him. He was a member of the Ma7
sonic order, and of the A. O. U. W.,
T. H. TODD.
Mr. Todd is a leading farmer and stock dealer of Franklin town-
ship, Howard county, and owns a farm of 565 acres. He was boru
in the township where he still lives, July 15, 1842, and since he was
twenty years of age, has been engaged in farming and dealing in
stock, on his own account. From the importance of his farm, and
the large amount of stock he handles, it is evident that his career has
been an exceedingly successful one. His parents were both natives
of Maryland, but came out to Missouri, and settled in Howard county
in 1841, one j^ear before T. H. was born. His father's christian '
name was Joshua, and his mother before her marriage was a Miss
Margaret Jeffrey. They had six children, of whom T. H. was the
eldest. The father died in 1854, but the mother still survives. In
1871 he was married, February 9, to Miss Dillie Summers, an Ohioan
by birth, and of this union three children are now living — Luther,
Sallie and Maggie. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the
I. O. O. F., and of the A. O. U. W.
G. S. TUTT,
general merchant, Estill, Missouri. Mr. Tutt has been engaged in
the mercantile business, either as clerk or merchant, since he was fif-
teen years old — nearly twenty years. He is, therefore, thorough in
his business, and he now has a large stock of almost every variety dT
goods, and has an extensive and profitable trade. He was born in
this county, February 5, 1849, and is a son of Philip Tutt and wife,
Emaline, previously a Miss Stewart, both formerly of Howard county.
Philip, however, was a native of Virginia, and his wife was from Ken-
tucky, but both came here in an early day, where they reared their
family. They now live in Idaho, where Mr. Tutt (the father) is pro-
bate judge, and has been for several years. Prior to that he had been
HISTORY 'OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 527
a representative in the territorial legislature. Before commencing his
mercantile career, young G. S. had acquired the elements of a good
practical education, so that when he engaged in business with^Mr.
John S. Elliott, in a country store, about 1864, he was well qualified
for the position he assumed, so far as the knowledge was concerned
that could be derived from school books. One year subsequent they
moved their store to Higby, or rather they built the first -house in
Higby, and moved their stock into it. Mr. T. remained in Higby
about one year and then returned to the farm. But nature had made
him more of a merchant than a farmer, so that he could not remain
long content on the farm. Accordingly, after eight months, we find
him again on his way to eugage in mercantile pursuits. He followed
merchandising and clerking — part of the time as merchant and part
as clerk — until 1879, when he came to Estill and engaged in his
present business, and has met with the most gratifying success. Mr.
T. also owns a farm of 100 acres. He is a member of Howard lodge,
No. 4, A. F. and A. M.
W. B. WEBB.
Mr. Webb was a youth thirteen years old when his parents came
from Tennessee and settled in Cass county, Missouri. His father,
Marshall Webb, was a native of Virginia, but went to Tennessee early
in life, where he subsequently married Miss Mary Mills, of that state,
and continued to live there (in Hawkins county) until 1849, when he
came, with his family, to Missouri. Young Webb had attended the
local schools of his neighborhood in Tennessee for several years before
coming to Missouri, and afterwards his father gave him the best ad-
vantages his new home afforded — the common schools. On reaching
manhood he began farming on his own account, which he continued
until the outbreak of hostilities in 1861. Then, like most other young
men in Missouri of southern antecedents, he felt that his duty called
him to the defence of the section where Washington lived and died,
and where his kinsmen and antecedents were rallying to arms in a
common cause. He enlisted in company E, of the Cass county volun-
teers, and for four years followed the three-barred flag of the south,
until it was furled to float no more as the emblem of the hope of ten
millions of brave people. He was in the battles of Wilson's Creek,
Prairie Grove, Lone Jack, and numerous other hotly contested con-
flicts. Returning home after the close of the war, he came to Howard
county and followed farming for one year. Then he went to Vernon
county, where he lived until 1875, when he returned to Howard county
and improved the farm on which he now lives. He has 190 acres of
land. In the meantime, prior to^the war, he had married Miss Melissa
Jones, in the year 1857, but in 1861 she died and left two moth-
erless children, Johnnie and Jimmie. In March, 1867, he married
Miss Laura Pearson, an excellent lady, and she has borne him four
children, Samuel, Celia, Mattie and William.
528 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
OSCAR R. WHITE
was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 31, 1823. His father,
John R., was a native of Kentucky, but came to this county in 1819
and settled in Old Franklin, where he followed the saddler's trade,
which he had learned. Having married after his immigration to this
state, he subsequently settled in Fayette, and, after a well-spent life
of fiftv-four years in Howard county, died here November 23, 1873.
His wife died six years afterwards, July 6, 1879. He, the father, was
„a soldier in the Black Hawk war, and greatly distinguished himself by
his gallantry in that struggle with the Indians. Oscar R., the subject
of this sketch, remained with his parents in Fayette until 1846, when
he settled on the place where he now lives. He owns a fine tract of
land, embracing 650 acres, including a fine orchard. Of a family of
six brothers and sisters, of whom Oscar R. was the eldest, but two
now survive— his sister, now the wife of J. C. Moore, of St. Louis,
being the other. Mr. W. is a member of the Christian church, and
a man whose character is upright and whose life is in every way ex-
emplary.
F. WINN,
a prominent farmer of Howard county, was the sixth of a family of
twelve children born to James Winn, of South Carolina, and his wife,
Rebecca J., daughter of General James Parks, of North Carolina, a
distinguished officer in the war of 1812. Mr. Winn, the father, was
a cousin of General Wade Hampton, of Confederate fame, and was
born in Charleston, South Carolina, August 6, 1793. He also was a
soldier in the war of 1812, under the command of Dudley, and was
captured in what is known as "Dudley's defeat," and compelled
to run the " gauntlet," by the Indians. In 1818, having emigrated to
Kentucky in the meantime, he came from Madison county, of that
state, to Missouri, and subsequently became one of the leading citizens
and wealthy farmers of Chariton county. His wife was born August
12, 1805, and they were united in marriage April 30, 1823. Mr.
Winn died April 6, 1864, but his wife survived him nearly twenty
years, dying February 8, 1883. Mr. Winn, the subject of this
sketch, was born in Chariton county, Missouri, March 26, 1839, and
was reared on his father's farm in that county, receiving his education
in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1861 he enlisted in
the Missouri state guards, under the call of Governor Jackson, but
his health failing him, he shortly afterwards went to Lexington, where
he remained two years. He then went to St. Louis and stayed in that
city a short time, but in 1864 enlisted in the Confederate service
under Colonel Elliott, and continued in the southern army until the
general surrender in 1865. He then returned to the home farm in
Chariton county, where he remained for several years, his health
having been seriously impaired by the exposures he underwent during
the war. November 25, 1869, he was married to Miss Lizzie, daugh-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 529
ter of E. W. Boggs, of Howard county, and in 1870 he came to this
county and engaged in farming near Fayette. In 1881 he located on
the farm where he now resides, which includes 225 acres. He has an
adopted son, Joseph Carr Boggs.
BOONE'S LICK TOWNSHIP.
OTHO ASHCRAFT,
farmer. Among the intelligent and well-to-do farmers of Howard
county, who owe their success to their own industry and good manage-
ment almost alone, may be singled out for special mention the subject
of this sketch. He was a son of Amos and Nellie (Cole) Ashcraft,
both of whom were children of early settlers of Howard county. By
reference to B. F. Gibson's sketch in the Cooper county division of
this work, it will be seen that Mr. Cole, Mrs. Ashcraft' s father, was
the head of one of the first two families that settled in Howard county,
and Amos Ashcraft is believed to have been one of the first white
children born in the county. Otho Ashcraft was born in Boone's Lick
township August 9, 1836, and of the family of four children, of which
he was a member, there are now but two living — himself and a sister,
Mrs. Jesse Burk. His father was a farmer, and, being brought up to
that occupation, Otho, on reaching his majority, purchased a small
tract of land, the nucleus of his present place, and went to work with
an energy that could not fail of success. He now has a good farm of
nearly 250 acres, and has it substantially and comfortably improved.
On the 19th of November, 1857, he was married to Miss Lucy J.,
daughter of Wm. Grady, of this county, and of this union there were
two children born, of whom one is now living, Bettie F., the wife of
Andrew J. Furr, of Virginia. Mr. Ashcraft is a democrat, a member
of the A. F. and A. M., and a Knight Templar in the order. He
is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Christian church.
HAMILTON CARSON,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Carson was the second of a fan^ily of six
children reared by Lindsey Carson and wife, previously Miss Rebecca
Roberson, and was born in Madison county, Kentucky, January 18th,
1808. His mother was a native of the same state, but his father was
originally from South Carolina. The names of the children are as
follows : Robert, Hamilton, Christopher, Lindsey, Elizabeth, Matilda,
Nancy and Mary. The family was among the earliest settlers in
530 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Howard county, having come here as early as 1811 . They spent three
years in Fort Cooper, as most of the settlers of that early day had to
"fort" themselves, as it was then expressed, for protection and se-
curity from the possible outbreaks of Indians. Seven years after their
arrival in this county the father was killed by a falling limb from
a tree, and four years later the mother married again, Mr.
Joseph Martin becoming her second husband. One son, who lives in
California, is the only living representative of this marriage. Mr.
Carson, the subject of this sketch, was brought up in the pioneer days
of the country and is one of the oldest residents, if not the oldest, in
the county, having lived here continuously seventy-two years. In 1846
he was married to Miss Ann Smith, the date of their marriage being
the 23d of January, and three children followed: Stephen, Dudley
and Charles William, but one of whom, however, Dudley, is now
living, and is a resident of Howard county. The mother of these
died, February 17, 1856, and Mrs. Rachel Cook, a widow lady, be-
came Mr. Carson's second wife in 1859. By the last marriage four
children have been born, all of whom are now living: Joseph, bora
December 13, 1861 ; Evaline, born January 15, 1865 ; Fanny, born
May 5, 1866, and Hamilton, born December 6, 1867. Mr. C. is a
member of the Christian church and a well respected citizen.
STEPHEN COOPER
is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Missouri. His
father, Joseph Cooper, born in Madison county, Kentucky, October
30, 1796, came to this state as far back as 1808. In 1810 he settled
in Howard county where he lived until the day of his death, October
27, 1875. He was, therefore, one of the oldest, in point of continu-
uous residence, as well as earliest settlers of this county. After his
removal to this state he married Elizabeth Eustis, whose father, with
his family, emigrated from Virginia at an early day. Joseph Cooper
was a man of great force of character and of untiring industry, and
was one of the most successful farmers of Howard county. He be-
longed to that class of strong-willed, brave-hearted men who found this
country a wilderness and left it to their children and to their chil-
dren's children one of the fairest and most prosperous counties of
a great state. His wife, Elizabeth Eustis Cooper, was a woman de-
voted to her family, and at the same time possessed of great spirit
and fortitude, the typical wife of such a husband. She died in 1837.
Of this union there were born seven children, of whom Stephen
Cooper was the youngest. He was born in 1835, by coincidence on
the same day, of the same month of his father's birth, namely, Octo-
ber 30. He was reared on his father's farm, on which he still lives
and now owns, and in common with the youth of his own neighbor-
hood and age, he acquired at the local schools of that time the elements
of an ordinary, English education. The strong points of his father's
character, courage, industry and indomitable enterprise were trans-
mitted to the son. Possessed of these qualities it was but natural to
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 531
expect that he would become one of the early pioneers to California,
during the gold excitement of that far-off country, as it was then re-
garded. Accordingly, in 1852, when but seventeen years of age, he
made a trip across the plains and over the rocky ribs of the Cordil-
leras to the Pacific. In January, 1854, he returned to Missouri, but
only to remain until the spring of the same year, when he made his
second trip to California. In 1856 he returned again to Missouri
and remained here until 1857, making a trip that year to Pike's Peak,
Colorado, but came back to his native state one year afterwards, to
remain this time permanently, or at least until the tocsin of war
called him to the front in 1861, to do battle for a cause he believed to
be just. In April, of 1861, under the call of Governor Jackson for
six-months' volunteers, he enlisted in 'Captain Tucker's company of
General Clark's regiment. At the expiration of his term under Cap-
tain Tucker he organized company C, 6th Missouri regiment, and was
made captain of that company. In 1862 he was promoted to the
position of major, and after the battle of Vicksburg he had command
of the 6th regiment until the close of the war, when he surrendered
at Fort Blakely, Louisiana, in April, 1865. In July, following, he
returned to his home in Howard county where he still lives. In 1879
he was elected by the people of the county to the office of county
collector. As is seen from the above his life has been an energetic
and active one, and whether as pioneer treading his way across the
continent, or as soldier, citizen or civil officer, he has never failed to
stamp the impress of his character upon the work he had to do, or
win the approval his sterling worth deserves.
N. B. COOPEK,
collector and former sheriff of Howard county, is now forty-six
years of age, and in the very meridian of vigorous manhood. He
comes of Kentucky pioneer stock — of that stalwart race of men,
whose mission it seems to have been to blaze the way for civiliza-
tion through unknown wilds, and to lay deep and secure the foun-
dations of great and prosperous states. His grandfather was one
of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky, and in Madison county, of that
state, his father, Hendley Cooper, was born December 4, 1800. In
1808 the family removed to Missouri, and a short time afterwards
settled in Howard county, where the surviving members and their de-
scendants still live. Hendley Cooper was twice married — first to
Adeline Carson, whose father was also from Kentucky, and after her
death, which occurred April 14, 1854, to Nancy Hoy, November 4,
1855. He died December 19, 1873, having been a resident of this
county sixty-three years. Of his first marriage eleven children were
born, of whomNester B., the subject of this sketch, was the fourth.
He was born in Howard county December 18, 1837, and like his
father, who was a successful farmer, on arriving at the age when it
became necessary for him to devote himself to some calling, adopted
that of farming, which he has since continued to follow. In April, 1861,
532 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
however, he enlisted in Captain Turner's company, of General Clark's
regiment, serving until the disbandment of the state guards six months
afterwards. He then returned to his farm, six miles southwest of
Fayette, where he has a valuable and handsomely improved home-
stead of 110 acres. In March, 1863, he was married to Nannie Wil-
kerson, daughter of William Wilkerson, one of the pioneer settlers of
the county. Six children have been born to them and are now liv-
ing— Minnie G., Romeo V., Laura, John M., Fannie S. and Harry
L. He is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W., and a Knight
Templar in the Masonic order. In 1878 he was elected to the office
of sheriff, which he held until 1882, when he was elected county col-
lector, the position he now holds. To know the descent of Nester B.
Cooper is a sufficient assurance of the character of man he is. But
to know him personally — to know himin his family, as a citizen, and
as a public officer — is to know a man with as many virtues and as
few faults as is seldom found in public or private life.
ROBERT COOPER,
farmer and stock raiser. The biographic annals of Howard county,
and, indeed, of central Missouri, without' mention of the Cooper fam-
ily, would be like the play of " Hamlet " with Hamlet left out. With
the Boones, they were among the first to blaze the way for civilization '
into this part of the state, and it is more than questionable whether
any other family has contributed so much to the material development
and progress of this county as have they. In the annals of the past,
Fort Cooper bears witness to their enterprise, valor and pioneer
services, and Cooper county will hand down their name through the
ages — until
" The moon is old,
And the sun grows cold,
And the leaves of the judgment book unfold."
In every part of Howard county their great farms and spacious man-
sion houses testify to the hereditary worth and enterprise of the fam-
ily, and the roster of county officials would hardly seem complete
without their name. Robert Cooper, the subject of this sketch, main-
tains the traditional reputation of the family. His farm is one of the
best in the county, and his elegant brick residence, standing near the
site where his forefathers built the historic old fort that bore their
name, would make a striking and happy contrast, as a picture, set op-
posite that of the fort, illustrating the progress of civilization in the
west. He was born where he now lives, February 5, 1835, and was
a son of Colonel Benjamin Cooper, born March 1, 1790, who came to
this county with his father's family in 1808. They lived in the fort
until they brought the Indians to peaceable terms, after which they
subdued the forest and made themselves a home. Mr. Cooper's
mother, the wife of Colonel Cooper, was formerly a Miss Phele H.
Sloan, of the well-known Sloan family, of Kentucky, and lived to her
seventy-eighth year, and until 1880, surviving her husband nearly
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 533
forty years. During the later years of her widowhood she was the
recipient of a pension from the government, granted on account of
her husband's services in the war of 1812. Robert grew up to the
occupation of a farmer, which he has continued to follow, and with
great success. As a citizen and neighbor he has the respect and confi-
dence of the whole community, and of all who know him.
JOHN T. GARVIN,
farmer. Mr. Garvin was one of a family of thirteen children born to
James and Caroline (Thomas) Garvin, who emigrated from Lincoln
county, Kentucky, to Missouri, in 1836, and after living a short time
in Randolph county came to Howard county and settled in Boone's
Lick township with their family, where the parents lived to their
death. Of their family of children but five are now living, three
daughters and the subject of this sketch. John T. Garvin was born
in Lincoln county, Kentucky, October 29, 1829, and was reared in
Howard county, Missouri, being left an orphan bj' the death of both
parents when he was eight years old. Farming became his permanent
occupation, which he has followed thus far through life, or rather,
until his retirement from all active labors, a short time ago. When
he arrived at the age of majority, his eldest brother, George T.
Garvin, now deceased, who had been more than abundantly successful,
gave him a neat farm on which he lived some years, but desiring to
change his location he sold it and bought another place in the same
township (Boone's Lick) where he continued farming until his retire-
ment as stated above. On the 2d of September, 1851, he was mar-
ried to Miss Louisa M., daughter of Wm. Tippett, of this county,
but formerly of Virginia. She died June 26th, 1870, leaving three
children, now living, George T., of Barton county; John W. and
James W. Mr. Garvin was remarried March 27th, 1872, his second
wife, Rachel E., being a daughter of Wm. Bobbitt, of this county.
Three children of this union are living : Lou Emma, John T. and
"Walter K. Mr. Garvin is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the
P. of H. Politically he is a member of the greenback party.
THOMAS B. HARRIS,
merchant at Lisbon. Mr. Harris' parents were among the earliest
settlers of Jackson county, this state. His father, Reuben Harris,
was born in Patrick county, Virginia, in 1805, and his mother,
formerly Miss Laura M. Fistoe, in Tennessee, in 1811. They were
married in Jackson county, in 1832, and of the family of eight chil-
dren born to them six are still living. Both parents lived in Jackson
county until their death — the mother dying in 1876, and the father
in 1882. Thomas B. Harris was born October 12th, 1839, and was
reared on his father's farm in Jackson county. After attaining his
majority, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until
1880, when he engaged in merchandising. On the 6th of September,
534 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1866, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Grady, of Howard county, but
she died in February, 1870, leaving him two children, only one of
whom is now living, Mobrey L., bora August 16th, 1867. April 7th,
1872, Mr. Harris was again married, Miss Ellen Beverly, of this
county, becoming his second wife. They have three children living :
Ella, Bethsheba E. and Thomas W. In 1870, he bought property
in Lisbon, this county, and continued working at his trade there for
the succeeding ten years ; but in August, 1880, having shown himself
to be a man of good business qualification and of unquestioned integ-
rity, he was called upon to take charge of the co-operative store in
Lisbon, belonging to the Patrons of Husbandry, of Boone's Lick
township and the surrounding country, of which organization he is a
member, and since then he has been conducting this business in which
he has achieved marked success as a thoroughgoing, capable merchant.
Mr. Harris is amember of the I. O. O. F., and'he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Christian church.
DR. J. C. HEBERLING AND HIS MULE.
Dr. Heberling, for over thirty years a prominent and successful
physician of Howard county, and one of the most highly respected
citizens of the county, was born in Berkley county, Virginia, March
26th, 1816, and was one of a family of ten children, seven sons and
three daughters, all of whom are still living except a daughter, and
are residents of the western states. In 1836, Dr. Heberling, then a
young man twenty-one years of age, came to Howard county, this
state, and two years afterwards was united in marriage to Miss
Christine Amick, of this county. Before coming to this state, young
Heberling had devoted considerable study to medicine with a view of
preparing himself for the medical profession, and after his arrival
here that purpose was strengthened by the great need of physicians
in his new home, especially after the remarkable floods of 1844. Ac-
cordingly, he persevered in his studies, and subsequently attended the
medical institute, of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with
distinction in 1847. Returning then to Howard county, he has since
practised his profession here, with the exception of four years spent
in St. Louis and California, and a short absence during the late war.
While in California, he was a delegate to the first state nominating
convention that ever assembled on the Pacific coast, representing
Edwards county, entitled to twenty votes, in the convention. He was
also treasurer of his county, in 1851, and the following year was a
judge of the court of sessions. While there he was tendered a nomi-
nation for the office of representative in the state legislature which,
however, he declined. Returning then to Missouri, he resumed his
practice and continued it without interruption until 1862, when he,
with six other prominent citizens of the county, was banished to the
northeast for suspected sympathy with the seceding states. On his
return home after the war, he found that all his live stock had also
been " banished" during his absence, and he was therefore without a
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 535
saddle-animal on which to resume the practice of his profession. To
supply this indispensable desideratum, the only resort left him was a
drove of a hundred mules from which he selected, and purchased, a
trim-built, but unbridle-wise two-year-old, afterwards known in two
continents as the famous Light-foot. " This was on the 15th day of
September, 1865, and from that day until the 15th of September,
1877," to use the Doctor's own language, "the lives of the two
[himself and the mule] are so intimately interwoven with each other
that the biography of the one unavoidably includes that of the other."
Together, they travelled in the practice of medicine, the mule doing
the locomotion and the Doctor attending to the patients, 32,000 miles,
a matter so noteworthy, that it was generally published by the papers
throughout the state. But they continued in their mission of visiting
the sick and ministering to the suffering until they had scored 50,000
miles, when this result was also published, and was copied by the
London papers and other European journals. Still they kept on in
the even tenor of their way, the Doctor and his mule, indifferent to
their widening form, until September 15th, 1877, time was called on
faithful old Lightfoot, and he was found to have travelled 15,000 ad-
ditional miles or (55,000 miles from the beginning, twelve years be-
fore, a distance equal to more than two and a half circuits of the
earth. But exhausted nature demanded a rest for the honest old
pedestrian, and he was retired on full pay — corn and hay, with a
carte blanche to all the meadows and pastures. At the age of twenty,
Lightfoot, is still active and chirp, and occasionally puts a shoulder to
the wheel to help the world along. The facts for his biography have
been written for by a gentleman in Vermont, and a volume will
shortly appear in his honor. The Doctor himself, is still engaged in
the practice of his profession, and in his sixty-eighth year is hale and
hardy, and as he expresses it, comparatively happy. In 1880, he was
nominated for congress, in his district, on the Weaver ticket, and the
result of the election shows that while General Weaver received but
514 votes in Howard county, for President, Dr. Heberling received
1,432, or nearly three times as many as the head of his ticket re-
ceived. Over 7,000 votes were cast for him in the entire district.
More generous to others than just to himself, he has collected but a
mere pittance of what he has made, and is therefore not rich in this
world's goods, although he has a competence to keep the gaunt wolf
from his door. Never profane nor intemperate, of a literary turn of
mind and of a domestic disposition, he finds unalloyed pleasure in the
leisure of old age with his books and his grand-children, of whom he
has no less than twenty. In the language of Orlando, he can truth-
fully say : —
" Though I look old, yet I am strong and lusty;
For in my youth I never did apply
Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood ;
Nor did not with unbashful forehead woo
The means of weakness and debility;
Therefore my age is as a lusty winter,
Frosty but kindly."
536 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
THOMAS G. MILLER,
t
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Miller is now thirty years of age, and has
a good farm of 218 acres, well improved. He was born in the town-
ship where he now lives, on the 27th of September, 1853, and was
the first son but third child of Henry B. Miller and wife Permelia,
formerly a Miss Brown, who were married in December, 1846. His
father, Henry B., is a native of Rappahannock county, Virginia, and
came from there to Howard county, with his family in 1838, first set-
tling in Franklin township, but nine years afterwards settled in Boone's
Lick township, where he now lives. His family of children consists
of Fannie, Rosila, Thomas G., Henry B., Andrew N. McG., Lillie
and Effie G. Thomas G. was brought up on his father's farm, and in
youth received such an education as could be had in the ordinary
country schools — sufficient for all practical purposes. He has made
farming his life occupation and is meeting with satisfactory and sub-
stantial success. On the 18th of December, 1873, he was married to
Miss Elizabeth Peacher, of this county, daughter of Wm. J. Peacher,
and of this union three children have been born, two of whom are
now living: Claiborne, born August 1, 1876; Maud, born March
3, 1879, and Roma, born October 15, 1881, died January 4,
1882. Mr. Miller and his wife are both connected with the Mission-
ary Baptist church, of Mount Moriah, Richmond township, this
county.
WILLIAM G. MIRICK
was born July 11, 1826, in Petersburg, Boone county, Kentucky, and
was the son of John T. Mirick, born in Buffalo, New York, in 1800,
and Elizabeth (Youell) Mirick, a native of Boone county, Kentucky,
born in 1808. The latter was a daughter of James and Lucy Youell.
They were married August 10, 1825, and to them were born eleven
children, six now living — Lucinda (wife of Samuel Beall), Sophia F.
(widow of Volney Williams), John L. (who married Miss Mary W.
Campbell), Price, Isabella (wife of Thomas Callison), and William
G. John T. Mirick died in September, 1860, and his widow June
23, 1871. William G. Mirick was married May 1, 1850, to Miss
Mary E. Conner, daughter of Paschal and Nellie Conner, of Florence,
Boone county, Kentucky. By this union there were seven children —
Adelaide C, born February 1, 1851, married Emil Miller, of Boon-
ville, April 15, 1876; J. McConnell, born March 6, 1853, died Jan-
uary, 31, 1855; William G., born July 20, 1854; Joe Cooper, born
February 15, 1857 ; Charles W., born April 13, 1858, and now with
two brothers and his father, in the iron and steel works of Pueblo ;
Nellie, born June 17, 1861 ; and Frank G., born June 8, 1866. In
1849, Mr. Mirick removed to Alton, Illinois, but a year later returned
to Kentucky, then, after his marriage, going again to Alton. In
about a year and a half he came to Boone county, Missouri, and
shortly afterwards removed to this county and township, purchasing
eighty acres of land, on which he has since resided. He was a warm
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 537
friend of Colonel Joe Cooper, of Fort Cooper memory, and during
the time of that hero wrote an interesting sketch of his life, which
was published in the St. Louis Times, and copied by the Howard
county Advertiser of February 19, 1874.
LARKIN L. MUNDAY,
farmer. Mr. Munday comes of revolutionary stock, on both his
father's and mother's sides of the family. His paternal grandfather
came to this country from England before the outbreak of the war for
independence, and served through the entire struggle as.a soldier in
the Continental army. His maternal grandfather did like service for
the then infant republic. Eollin* and Matilda Munday, his parents,
were natives of Albemarle county, Virginia, where they married and
lived until their deaths. His father, however, was married twice.
His first wife having died in 1854, he was married some years after-
wards to Miss Melissa Hall, of that county. Of the first marriage
there are now living, three sons ; and of the second, three daughters
and two sons. Eollin Munday was a successful farmer of his native
county, and a large landed proprietor. He died April 20, 1879, at
the advanced age of eighty-one. Larkin L. Munday was born
December 13, 1830, and was reared in his native county (Albemarle
county, Virginia), where he lived until 1856, when he came to this
state and settled in Boone county. After he grew up he followed
overseeing in Virginia, but since he came to Missouri he has been
engaged in farming, except while doing service in the Confederate
army. In 1861, he cast his fortunes with the south, and followed the
ill-starred flag of bars and stars, through four long years of danger
and hardships, finally surrendering at Shreveport, Louisiana, at the
close of the war. Returning then, he stopped a few months in Saline
county, and then settled permanently in Howard, where he has since
lived. On the 14th of January, 1869, he was married to Miss La-
vinia Ainsw.orth, of this county. They have five children living —
Horace, born March 17, 1871; Walter K., born March '25, 1874;
Emma, born March 28, 1876; D. Pearl, born December 13, 1879 ;
and Hardv, born December 12, 1881. Mr. Munday is a member of
the I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM R. QUINLEY, deceased.
William R. Quinley, who for many years was a successful mer-
chant of Boonsboro, in which business he was engaged at the
time of his death April 10, 1883, was the second of a family of seven
children born to Richmond and Margaret J. (Jennings) Quinly, of
this county, but originally of Kentucky. Of these, four are now
living — Sarah E., wife of M. N. Amick ; Henry T., married Nannie
M. Carson, niece of Kit Carson; James A., married Mollie Wilker-
son; and John F., married Dora Carson. William R. Quinly, de-
* Evidently Darned for Rollin the historian.
538 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ceased, was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 16, 1840, and
was reared on his father's farm, receiving an ordinary education in
the common schools in youth. He followed farming after he grew
up and until 1870, when he sold his farm and engaged in merchan-
dising in Boonsboro, which he followed until the time of his
death. June 1, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary C, daughter of
Samuel and Hettie Pulliam, of this county. Nine children were born
to them, of whom eight are now living — Lillie B., born February
22, 1865 ; Samuel R., born June 7, 1866; Robert T., born January
26* 1868 ; James W., born March 19, 1870 ; Wayman F., born May
28, 1872, died March 27, 1873 ; Olena R. and Galena H., twins, born
July 2, 1875; Clasidie B., born May 31, 1877; and Elsie F., born
April 27, 1880. Mr. Quinley, the father, was for many years before
his death, an earnest and exemplary member of the Christian church,
and he died, as he had lived, true to the faith that teaches —
There is no Death! What seems so is transition;
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life elysian,
Whose portal we call Death.
REV. WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON.
Rev. Robertson was ordained a minister August 24, 1879, at
Rose Hill, in Howard county, since which he has led an active and
useful life in his sacred calling. Not only to the pulpit but to
Sabbath schools, to temperance work, and to every duty that an earn-
est and faithful minister should perform, he devotes himself with
great zeal and energy. He was one of a family of nine children,
seven of whom are still living, born to Solomon and Eliza (Nelson)
Robertson, the father a native of Indiana, and the mother of Ken-
tucky. Both parents reside in this county, with whom Rev. William
Robertson now lives. He was born in Paris, Kentucky, February 19,
1838, and there learned the blacksmith trade, which he made his
permanent occupation. But like Bunyan, feeling that he was called
upon to devote himself to the ministry, he studied the Scriptures with
great earnestness, and qualified himself for the work he had to do.
Besides his church work he also has a neat farm, substantially im-
proved, which he manages with success, and on which his parents now
live. He has been twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Nan-
nie E. Allen, of Clark county, Kentucky, died March 18, 1860.
August 27, 1863, he was married to Miss Sarah H., sister to his for-
mer wife. Of this union there are two children: Willie A. and
Charlie L. His last wife died February 26, 1874.
DAVID T. ROBERTSON,
farmer. Mr. Robertson is a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky,
born December 16, 1844, whence he removed to this state. He
started out in life without a dollar, and, by industry and economy,
HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 539
has saved up enough from his hard earnings, besides making a good,
comfortable living for himself and family, to buy an excellent tract of
land, whieh he is now improving in a substantial manner. He was
married to Miss Anna Quick, of Cooper county, Missouri, April 2,
1876, but she died October 13, 1879, leaving one child, Ula B.
About two years afterwards, August 25, 1881, he was married a sec-
ond time, Miss Rubanah Shipp, of this county, then becoming his
wife. They have one daughter, Iola. Mr. R. is a democrat, and his
wife is a member of the Christian church.
JAMES M. REYNOLDS,
farmer. Mr. Reynolds was one of a family of eighteen children, nine
sons and nine daughters, born to William and Nancy (Bennett) Rey-
nolds, originally of Patrick county, Virginia; but only seven chil-
dren now survive, three sons and four daughters. In 1816 the
parents (the same year they were married) came from Virginia and
settled in Chariton county, this state, remaining there a few years,
and then locating in Howard county. Stopping, however, in this
county only a short time, they went from here to Johnson county,
where they purchased 1,600 acres of land, and made that their per-
manent home, or at least until the death of the father, which occurred
in 1860. Mrs. Reynolds survived her husband twenty-three years,
dvingr in 1883, having remained a widow from 1860 until her death.
James Reynolds grew up on his father's farm, and has followed farm-
ing as his regular occupation. He now owns a good farm in Chariton
township, and has it substantially and comfortably improved. He re-
moved to this county from Johnson in 1849, and since that time has con-
tinued to reside here. He was married December 1, 1846, to Miss
Emeline Crowley, of this county. They have four children living :
William, born February 15, 1849 ; Daniel, born December 24, 1851 ;
Charles W., born December 18, 1857, and Green, born June 11,
1859. Mr. R. is a member of the P. of H., and a strong advocate of
the politico-economic philosophy of the greenback party.
EDWARD C. SHARP, M. D.
A physician of a high order of attainments, professional and other-
wise, who, although still a young man, has shown himself to be a
thoroughly skilful and successful practitioner by his experience in
this county and elsewhere, is Dr. Sharp, whose name heads this
sketch. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana, November 27, 1855,
and in early youth had the advantages offered by the excellent public
schools of that city. In 1872, having mastered the curriculum of
studies taught in the public schools, he entered the national normal
school of Lebanon, Ohio, in which he remained as a student for two
years. He then directed his attention to medicine, and studied that
science under the preceptorage of Dr. Washburn, an old and eminent
physician of Lafayette, several years, and in 1878 began a regular
540 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
course in the Medical College of Louisville, Kentucky, from which he
graduated two years afterwards. He then returned to Lafayette
and commenced the practice of his profession in association with his
old preceptor, and soon established himself among the people and in
the estimation of the profession as a physician of superior ability.
But, in obedience to the law that gave the new world to civilization,
and that is now peopling its vast domains in the west with the best
energy of the age — the law of enterprise, he came further west to
seek his fortune, after having practised in Lafayette two years, and
finally settled permanently in Lisbon, this county, where his merits as
a physician, and his worth as a citizen, are rapidly becoming known ;
and his life promises a future of great usefulness to those among
whom he lives. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, December 25, 1874,
to Miss Mary Burton, who was taken from him by death, February
13, 1878. After the lapse of about four years he was married May 18,
1882, to Miss Ada, daughter of James and Mattie Ware, of Pleasant
Green, Cooper county, this state. By his first marriage there are two
sons: Charles and Burton. Both the doctor and his wife are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church. His father, N. Sharp, and his
mother, who prior to her marriage was Miss Mary A. Perrin, were
both natives of Lynchburg, Va.
CALEB THOMAS,
farmer. When Caleb Thomas was nine years of age death deprived
him of his father, and two years afterwards his mother also died, thus
leaving him an orphan in the world, and practically without a penny.
But without the influence of tender parents to advise and encourage
him and to bring him up in the way of uprightness and industry, he
has manfully made his own way in the world, and is now one of the
successful farmers of Howard county and a citizen and neighbor re-
spected by all who know him. By his own honest toil, and by saving
what his labor made him, he first bought a tract of 120 acres of land,
and since then has kept adding to it, until now he has a fine farm of
354 acres, well improved, with good houses, barns, fences, pastures,
etc., and has his place well stocked. How few sons with wealthy
parents to help them along do as well as he has ! He was born in
Pulaski county, Kentucky, January 12, 1843, and his father, Lorenzo
D., was a native of the same state, and was a blacksmith and wagon-
maker by occupation. His mother, originally Miss Kebecca Bobbitt,
was born December 27, 1822, and was married to Lorenzo D. March
25, 1841. Three children are now living of this union — Caleb, born
as stated above ; Sarah, wife of Thos. J. Gallimore, residing in Ar-
kansas, and Griffith, married to Miss Sallie K. Tuggle, of this couuty.
The family first immigrated into Ohio, where the father died in 1852.
They then shortly came to Howard county, and here Mrs. Thomas
was married to Fielding Shipp, but she died in 1854. November 19,
1866, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Mary E. Yelton, of this
county. Of this union five children are now living — Mattie L., born
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 541
February 28, 1868 ; William M., born August 14, 1870 ; Eebecca M.,
born November 29, 1872; Alice H., born February 5, 1879, and
James W., born March 27, 1883. Both parents are members of the
Christian church.
HIE AM WILKERSON,
farmer, stock raiser and miller. If the men who are prominent in
the development of the material resources of a country ; who are
large producers of what others live on, from which all prosperity
springs ; if such men are entitled to be called the leading men of their
respective communities, then Hiram Wilkerson is one of the leading
men of Boone's Lick township and of Howard county, for he is a large
grain producer and stock raiser ; and besides, is a prominent miller of
the county. And these important interests are all his by the produc-
tion of his own exertions, by his own honest toil. Such men build
up a country, are of value to the community in which they live. He
is a native of the township where he now resides, and was born on the
15th of September, 1830. He was a son of William Wilkerson and
wife, originally Miss Polly Krutz, residents of this county. He was
reared on a farm, and followed that occupation on his own account to
some extent before reaching his majority, and at the age ol twenty-
(two was in a situation to purchase himself a tract of land. By indus-
try, economy and good management he has continued adding to his
possessions, until now he has nearly 600 acres of splendid land, and
his homestead, containing 399 acres, is one of the choice farms of the
county, and he is one of the business-like, prosperous, money-making
farmers of the county. He also has two saw mills, and his flouring
mill is said to be one of the best in the surrounding section of country.
On the 15th of September, 1852, he was married to Miss Millie Tug-
gle, of this county, and from this union there are eight children living,
as follows: Henry L., born March 30, 1854; Patrick H., born July
15, 1855 ; Robert T., born September 6, 1857, now a resident of the
state of Nevada, where he married Miss Lotta Beasley ; Lawrence,
born April 16, 1860; Mollie, born August 17, 1862 ; William C, born
January 23, 1864 ; Charles, born May 24, 1865, and Ledrew, born
September 20, 1869. Mrs. Wilkerson died January 3, 1875. About
three years afterwards Mr. Wilkerson was married again. His pres-
ent wife, befoce her marriage to Mr. W., was Mrs. Mary Evans, of
Cooper county, Missouri. Mr. Wilkerson and his present wife are
both members of the Christian church, and he is a member of the
I. 0. O. F.
LINSEY W. WILKERSON,
farmer and carpenter. Mr. Wilkerson emigrated from Albemarle coun-
ty, Virginia, and settled in this county, where he has since lived and
followed farming and carpentery. He was born September 22, 1825,
and was one of a family of nine children. His father, Wm. P. Wil-
kerson, and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Sandridge,
36
542 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were both natives of Albemarle county, and were there married in
1824. His first wife dying, "Wm. P. Wilkerson was married a second
time, but bis second wife lived only a short time. He was again
married in 1879, and they now live in their native county in Virginia.
Before coming to Missouri, Linsey W- was married December 24,
1846, to Miss Eliza Thomas, and eleven children have been born to
them, but six of whom, however, are now living — Nancy E., born
June 19, 1856, wife of Edward Jones ; Mary E., born March 21, 1858,
wife of Anderson Quinley ; James Everett, born July 31, 1864 ; Sallie
A., born May 25, 1867, and Linsey H., born October 26, 1870. Mr.
Wilkerson and wife are both members of the Christian church at
Boonsboro.
J. T. WOOD, M. D.
Dr. Wood, a thoroughly educated and successful physician of
Howard county, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, January 31,
1846. When a youth twelve years of age, the family having removed
to Boone county, Missouri, he entered Walnut grove academy, in that
county, in which he remained as a student for six years. He then
began the study of medicine under Dr. A. P. Spence, of Rocheport,
and in 1868 went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he became a student
in the medical college of that city. After the close of the college,
term in Louisville, he continued his studies under Dr. Taliaferro
Buckner, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1869 entered the college of
medicine and surgery of Cincinnati, from which he graduated with
honor with the class of 1870. Immediately after his graduation he
came to Lisbon, Howard county, and engaged actively in the practice
of his profession, where he remained six years and built up an exten-
sive and lucrative practice. He then changed his location to Boons-
boro, to which his reputation as an able and successful physician had
preceded him, and the result is that he occupies a front position in
his profession in this section of the county. In December, 1878, he
and Dr. Moore foriped a copartnership in the practice in Boonsboro,
and the firm commands a large practice. Dr. Wood was married to
Miss Ellen, daughter of D. P. Taylor, of this county, formerly of Vir-
ginia. Of this union there are three children living. The doctor is a
member of Arrow Rock Lodge, No. 55, A. F. and A. M., and also of
the A. O. U. W. at Boonsboro. Both he and his wife- are members
of the Christian church. His father, John T. Wood, was a native of
Ohio, but his mother, formerly Miss Rachel Webb, was originally of
Mason county, Kentucky, and the doctor is one of three children now
living reared by them — two sons and one daughter.
HISTORY OF HOWAKD AND, COOPER COUNTIES. 543
MONITEAU TOWNSHIP.
<- ^ U- t, c u o «-— X ~ ^ ^^tA,
COLEMAN BEOWN,
farmer, section 5. Coleman Brown was the second of a family of
eight children born to Jonathan and Sarah (Sutton) Brown, of Saline
(formerly Gallatin) county, Illinois. Both parents were originally of
Kentucky, but early in life settled in Illinois, where their family of
children were born and principally reared. The father died in 1858,
the mother in 1881. But four of their children are now living : Cole-
man, of this county ; two brothers, one in Ralls county and one in
California, and a sister in Moniteau county. Coleman Brown was
born in Saline county, Illinois, May 30, 1824, and came to Howard
county in 1847, where he has since lived. He was married February
18, 1856, to Miss Martha H. Cheshire, a native of this county, born
in 1834. Her parents, David and Catherine (Murphy) Cheshire, came
to this county from Kentucky in 1836, but two years afterwards went
to Morgan county, where they lived until 1880, when they returned
to Howard, since which they have made this their home. On attain-
ing manhood, Coleman Brown adopted farming — to which he had
been brought up — as his permanent occupation, and has since fol-
lowed it with satisfactory success. He has a good farm, substantially
and comfortably improved, and, besides growing considerable quanti-
ties of grain, raises some live stock for the markets. September 20,
1874, his wife died, having been the mother of nine children, eight of
whom are living, Jesse E., John C, George N., Orr S., Catherine,
Maudie, Livina and Elizabeth Pitcher, of Barton county. Mr. B. has
been a member of the Christian church for twenty-five years, and has
never had a law-suit in his life.
JOSEPH M. CORNELIUS, ^
farmer and plasterer, section 25. Jesse Cornelius, the grandfather of
Joseph, was one of the very first settlers of this county, and in the
pioneer days of the country opened a farm near where the subject of
this sketch now lives. Here John Cornelius, the father of Joseph,
grew up and was married to Miss Jane Means, formerly of Kentucky.
Of their family of children Joseph was born March 17, 1836. His
mother died in 1865 and his father some ten or twelve 'years before.
At the age of twenty-four Joseph was married May 10, 1860, to Miss
Amanda, daughter of George and Mary Adams, and of this union four
children have been born ; Effie, the eldest, died when five years old ;
Josephine and Ellie both at home, and the fourth child died in infancy.
Mr. Cornelius is a plasterer by trade, and has an excellent reputation
as an industrious, efficient artisan in that calling. He is a conscien-
tious, earnest member of the M. E. church south.
544 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ZACHAEIAH CREWS,
farmer, section 16. Mr. Crews, although reared on a farm, clerked
for some time, while a young man, in a store at Rocheport, Boone
county. But in 1864 he was married, and a short time afterwards re-
turned to farming, which he has since followed with excellent success.
His parents, Milton and Rhoda (Fox) Crews, were natives of Ken-
tucky, and in Madison county of that state Zachariah was born,
March 16, 1841. When he was a year old his parents removed to
Howard county, but three years afterwards went back to Kentucky,
where the son grew up to his fourteenth year. He then returned to
this vicinity, where he grew to manhood and received the principal
part of his education. Having followed mercantile clerking for some
time, February 4, 1864, he was married to Miss Matilda A., daughter
of James Means. After this he turned his attention to farming, and
now has a fine place of over 300 acres, well improved, and in excellent
condition. He is a prominent grain producer, particularly of wheat
and corn, the former of which he grows annually about 200 acres.
They have three children — Willie, Anna and Zach.
GEORGE W. DRAKE, Sr.,
farmer, section 19. When George W. was ten years of age, in 1833,
his parents came from Kentucky to Howard county, this state, and
1 settled in Moniteau township, on the uplands, but four years after-
wards they moved down on the river and followed farming in the more
fertile lands of the bottoms. There the son grew to manhood, and
when he was twenty-one years of age he was married, December 5,
1844, to Miss Nancy J., daughter of John F. Jordan. Ten years
afterwards, however, she died, aged thirty-one years to a day. She
left one child — Jesse H. — that died the following year. July 5,
1855, he was married a second time, Miss Susan S., daughter of Enoch
Crews, of this county, then becoming his wife. April 29, 1865, she
was also taken from him by death. Five children were born of this
union, four of whom are living — Charles E., born April 9, 1856 ;
Ebemelech S.,born March 4, 1858 ; Joseph T., born November 13,
1860 ; and Sarah E., born December 9, 1862. George W., Jr., died,
aged one year. February 5, 1867, Mr. Drake was married to Miss
Martha C, daughter of Samuel Pearson, of Moniteau township. She
was born February 14, 1836, and of their union three children are
now living — Louisiana, born March 9, 1872; Laura E., born May
10, 1874; and Edna P., born September 26, 1876. Mr. Drake has
made farming his occupation through life thus far, and now has 425
acres of fine land. His homestead includes over 200 acres, and is
comfortably and substantially improved. He and his wife are both
church members. He has been a member of the M. E. church south
for over forty years. His father, Charles Drake, was a native of
Virginia, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Swearingen,
was originally from Maryland. However, they .settled" in Kentucky
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. ' 545
early in life, where their family was partly reared, before they came to
Missouri. George W., our subject, was born in Bullitt county, of
that state, where they resided, October 8, 1823. .
GEORGE W. DRAKE, Jr.,
farmer, section 14. George W. Drake, Jr., commenced life for him-
self without a single advantage that nature did not give him ; brawn
and brain, vigor and honesty, were all he had. Education, except
very limited, such as he had been able to pick up in early youth,
means to begin with, nor the prestige of an influential family he did
not have. Starting out in the world alone, at the age of eighteen
(when he came to this county), he worked three years as a journey-
man at the blacksmith trade, and was then able to get a small tract
of land (a part of his present farm of 550 acres), on which he went
to work with an energy and intelligence that has brought him more
than an ordinary measure of success. He has long been comfortably
fixed in life, has reared a worthy family, and has maintained a name
above reproach. To such an ancestor, his descendants of the future
will well be proud to trace their origin. He was born in Marion
county, this state, March 14, 1836. Death robbed him of both
parents in 1852, one following the other across the silent river the
succeeding day.
" Death never takes one alone, but two !
Whenever he enters in at a door,
Under roof of gold or roof of thatch,
He always leaves it upon the latch ;
And comes again ere the year is o'er,
Never one of a household only."
Joseph Drake, his father, and his mother, whose maiden name was
Martha A. Chambers, were both originally of Jessamine county, Ken-
- tucky, but died in Lewis county, this state, to which they had removed. .
.They had a family of thirteen children, five of whom are still living —
Joseph C, and Kate (now Mrs. James Collison), both of Glasgow;
James M., of Louisiana, Missouri; Mary S. (widow of Columbus
Merritt, of St. Louis), and George W., the subject of this sketch.
George W. Drake, Jr., was married January 15, 1857, to Miss Julia
A., daughter of Judge David Pipes, of Boone county. She was born
August 3, 1838. Eleven children have been born to them, five of
whom are deceased — Mary Maud, David Piper, Joseph, Sallie, and
Stella. The family now consists of Mattie, a highly cultivated lady
of charming manners, Lou, Ernest, Charles D., Georgia, and Wade
Hampton.
JOHN G. EATON,
farmer, section 6. John G. Eaton/one of the successful and well
respected farmers of Howard county, was born in this county, one
and a half miles south of Fayette, April 7, 1823, and was the second
546 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of a family of four children of George and Jane (George) Eaton,
originally of Clark county, Kentucky, but who settled in this county,
near Fayette, in 1818, where the father died in 1835. The children
are George C, John G., Anna C. (widow of George Eaton), and
Lydia (wife of Benj. Patrick, of Fayette). Geo. Eaton, the father,
was a well-to-do farmer, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him for his many excellent qualities as a citizen and neighbor. His
widow was married some years after his death to Thomas Campbell.
She is also now deceased. John G. Eaton learned the carpenter's
trade in early life, which he followed until 1852. January 15, 1852,
he was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Joseph D. Hardin, an early
settler of the county. After his marriage, Mr. Eaton began the im-
provement of his present farm, which now contains 320 acres, 200
acres of which are in cultivation, and in which he grows wheat, corn,
grass, etc. He also raises considerable numbers of live stock for the
markets — cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, etc. In 1864, Mr. E.
enlisted in the Confederate army, and served in Perkin's brigade,
under General Price, until the close of the war. His married life has
proved a long and happy one, and has been blessed with twelve child-
ren, ten of whom are living — Claiborne died, aged seventeen years,
in 1872; Jennie, wife of Ben. Gilvan, of Chariton county; Joseph E.,
married Bettie Gilvan; Sarah B., wife of Miller George; George,
Jefferson, Johnnie, Effie, died aged five years, in 1871 ; Annie,
James, Mary E., and Charles. Mrs. Eaton is a member of the
Christian church.
CHARLES B. FISHER,
farmer, a son of Rev. David Fisher, now deceased, and wife, Eliza,
daughter of Daniel Brown, of Essex county, Virginia, was born in
Howard county, Missouri, January 17, 1838, and was the second of a
family of seven children, now living; — Mary E., widow of George W.
Walker; Charles B., Susan M., wife of Rev. R. W. Blakey ; Sallie
C, James O., married to Miss Kate Patterson ; Laura O., and Lou
P. [A sketch of the parents is given elsewhere in this volume].
Rev. David Fisher being a man of ample means, and of superior cul-
ture himself, he was careful to give his children good educational ad-
vantages, and, accordingly, all had the benefit of a college course,
either at Fayette or Columbia, and one of his daughters, Miss Laura,
attended the widely known Loquet institute, of New Orleans, Louisi-
ana. Charles B., the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's
farm, and in youth was given an excellent education. He also
was in Louisiana sometime — about five years — but when the war
broke out, in 1861, was in Texas, and in July of that year, at Sher-
man, enlisted in the Confederate service, under General Ross, ;ind
served in Generals Van Dorn's and Joe Johnson's commands succes-
sively, until the close of the war, surrendering at Canton, Mississippi,
in 1865. He was in numerous Bard-fought battles in both depart-
ments of the southeastern, or south Atlantic, and the trans-Missis-
sippi departments, including the battle of Pea Ridge, in Arkansas.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 547
Returning, home after the war, he engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing, etc., which he has since followed. Some years after his return, he
was married to Miss Lizzie A. Harvey, an accomplished young lady of
this county, daughter of John and Eliza (Markland) Harvey, old and
highly respected residents of the county. Mr. F. is an enterprising
and successful farmer, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.
His farm contains nearly 500 acres, most of which is improved.
B. E. GIVENS,
farmer, section 16. B. E. Givens was the fifth of a family of seven
children of Samuel and Sarah Givens, of St. Charles county, Missouri,
and was born in that county February 29, 1844. One brother and
two sisters are still living, Robert A., of Linn county, and Fannie S.,
wife of C. T. Richards, and Martha J., on the old homestead in their
native county. The father, Samuel Givens, came to Howard county
from Kentucky in 1820, and remained here about four years, working
for his uncle, Benjamin Givens, at the blacksmith trade, but at the
expiration of that time returned to Kentucky. Subsequently he went
to Indiana, and in 1835 was married to Miss Sarah Angern, im-
mediately after which he immigrated to this state and settled in St.
Charles county, near Flint Hill, where he reared his family. He
died September 8, 1878. B. E. Givens, the subject of this sketch,
entered the Confederate service at the age of nineteen, enlisting at Dan-
ville, Mo., in January, 1863, in Dorsey's command, but was captured a
short time afterwards and confined, first at St. Charles, and then at
St. Louis seven months. He escaped from the prison of St. Louis by
running from the guard, and joined General Price at Fayetteville,
Arkansas. He served in Colonel Slayback's regiment, under Gen-
eral Joe Shelby, until the close of the war. After the restoration of
peace he went to Indianapolis and then to Litchfield, Illinois, and in
September,. 1865, came to Howard county and worked with C. E.
Givens until 1870, when he settled on his present farm, where he has
since lived, except during 1881-82 he was in Fremont county, Iowa.
His farm contains about 200 acres of good land. February 24, 1870,
he was married to Miss Charity R., daughter of Thomas W. and
Sarah S. (Riggs) Patton. They have three children, Samuel S.,
aged eleven years ; Benjamin P., aged nine years, and Moses P.,
aged seven years. Mr. Givens is a member of the M. E. church
south and of the Masonic fraternity.
BENJAMIN F. GIVENS,
farmer. One of the youngest but, at the same time, most prominent
and progressive farmers of Howard county is the gentleman whose
name heads this sketch. His farm contains 1,100 acres, and is devoted
to both grain growing and stock raising. He has 200 acres of wheat,
140 of meadow, and other products in proportion ; and his stock of
cattle numbers about 200 head, his sheep flock 150, besides large
548 HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
numbers of horses, mules, hogs, etc. He was born near where he
now lives January 30th, 1859, and was educated at Central college.
He Was the second of a family of seven children of E. C. Givens and
Mary A. (Kring) Givens. October 4, 1882, he was married to Miss
India K. Swinney, daughter of Mrs. Salvia Swinney, of Fayette, and
came to his farm the same month, where he has since lived. He and
his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Fay-
ette.
L. E. HALL,
farmer, section 3. Among the old and eminently respected citizens
of Howard county, none are more highly esteemed for their excellence
of character and superior intelligence than the subject of this sketch.
From one of the best families of the Old Dominion, and thoroughly
educated in youth preparatory to entering the legal profession, after
having studied for the bar and been admitted to the practice in which
he spent a year of unusually successful and promising labor, he was
compelled by ill-health to retire from the profession and to devote
himself to the pursuits of country life, where
"Not rural sights alone, but rural sounds,
Exhilarate the spirit, and restore
The tone of languid nature."
He was born in Lewis county, Virginia, October 8, 1819, and was a
son of William and Mary A. Hall, both natives of that state. His
mother, whose maiden name was Lowther, was a grand-daughter of
Colonel Lowther, of revolutionary fame. After retiring from the
practice of law in Virginia, Mr. Hall engaged in farming in that state,
and, having married in 1850, five years afterwards brought his family
to this state and settled in Jackson county. There he became a prom-
inent farmer, but in 1863 was compelled to leave the county under
General Ewing's military order depopulating parts of that and other
counties. He then came to Howard county and bought his present
farm of over 200 acres, where he has since lived. He was married in
Virginia February 6, 1850, to Miss Mary E. Thompson. Their union
has been blessed with eleven children, eight of whom are living;
Charles B., Benjamin F., May E., Richard B. (in Texas), Lemuel
E., Robert L., William D. and Thomas J. Ella J., wife of James
Ennis, died in 1882, William G. died in boyhood, and Ida died in in-
fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are both members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church south. Although disappointed in his early professional
ambition, he has so lived that, now his race of life being nearly run,
he can look back over the past and forward into the future, seeing in
the one nothing to regret, in the other nothing to fear. Even old age
is brighter with hope to him than was youth itself,
"For, as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day."
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 549
OVERTON C. HERN,
farmer and school teacher, residence, section 11. The parents of Mr.
Hern, Overton and Roxana B. (Crews) Hern, were both natives of
Madison county, Kentucky, where they were reared, and were there
married July 6, 1825. In 1830 they removed to this state, and, after
stopping three years in Pike county, came on to Howard and settled
on the place where he lived until his death, September 4, 1839, and
where his widow still lives at the advanced age of seventy-seven, hav-
ing been born October 31, 1806. Overton Hern, the father, was a
carpenter by trade, and worked in that occupation when a young man,
but a short time after his marriage turned his attention exclusively to
farming. His place in this county contains 780 acres, and on this he
opened his farm, improving it himself. He is buried on his home-
stead. Five children were made fatherless by his death : (1) Mary,
married John Patton and died April 20, 1854, leaving three children,
Overton, Annie and Oscar, the two first of whom are now deceased ;
(2) Sally A., wife of James Harvey; (3) Patsey, married T. H.
Starns, and died November 21, 1853, at Parkville, Missouri ; (4) Isa
E., widow of Dr. Henry De Messing, a noted dentist, and (5) Over-
ton O, the subject of this sketch. Overton C. Hern was born Octo-
ber 4, 1835, and was educated in the Howard high school of Fayette.
He then clerked in a drug store about eighteen months, and after that
began teaching school in the county, which he continued until 1855,
when he went to Texas. He taught school in Hays and Travis coun-
ties of that state about two years, after which he returned to Howard
county, and has since followed school teaching and farming — teach-
ing in the different districts in the vicinity of his farm. October 2,
1862, he was married to Miss Bettie R., daughter of Colonel Tom
Patton, of this county. She was born May 14, 1841. A short time
after this he settled on his present farm, which contains 240 acres of
good land. Mr. and Mrs. Hern have eight children ; Thomas O., Paul
C, Sallie M., Frank C, Ernest E., Roxana E., Mary D. and Harry.
Both are members of the Christian church, and Mr. H. has been a
fellow Mason for nearly twenty-five years.
JOHN INNES
was born in the Highlands of Scotland in 1843. His father, also John
Innes, was born in 1807, and was married in 1840, in Elginshire, to
Miss Jane Taylor, of Bauffshire, Scotland, who was born in 1819.
They had fourteen children. The subject of this sketch, the second
in number, lived with his father until 1867, when he emigrated to the
United States, landing at New York and coming direct to Howard
county, Missouri. Tin 1866 he was married to Miss Grace Grant, in
Scotland. , She was the daughter of John Grant, of Nairnshire. They
have six children living : John, James McDonald, Margaret J., Alex-
ander T., Charles P. and William W. Two are deceased.
550 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
GENERAL BENJAMIN F. JACKSON,
farmer, section 25. General B. F. Jackson, comes of one of the best
families of this section of the state, a family that has won honorable
distinction in peace and war, and is descended from a gallant soldier
of the revolution. It is no disparagement toothers to say that his
father, Judge Wade M. Jackson, was one of the purest and best men,
and withal one of the most useful citizens that ever honored'Howard
county by their citizenship. As a farmer he was more than ordina-
rily industrious and successful, having improved several farms
amounting in the aggregate to over 1,200. As a citizen he was ac-
tively and liberally public-spirited, and took a deep interest in public
affairs, having held many offices of trust and honor, among which were
magistrate, county judge, and representative in the state legislature,
each a number of terms. In church affairs he was one of the most
zealous and exemplary laymen in his denomination — the Baptist.
To his exertions and liberality, as much as to almost any others, Wil-
liam Jewel college, at Liberty, owes its existence. For years he
served as a trustee for Mount Pleasant Baptist college, another insti-
tution he was largely instrumental in building up. A man of supe-
rior intelligence and education, he wrote the " History of the General
Baptist Association of Missouri " at the request of his denomination.
He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, December 3, 1797, and
came to Boone county this state prior to 1823. The following year,
1824, he came to Howard county, and for six years superintended
the salt works of Bass & Shackelford. After this, in 1831, he settled
on the place where he died, March 22, 1879. He was twice married :
first to Miss Sarah M., daughter of Judge Lawrence Bass, of Boone
county, in 1823 ; eleven children resulted from this union, ten of whom
are still living, and all have worthy families. His first wife died iu
1854, and in 1856 he was married to Miss Green Connor, a widow
lady of Cooper county, daughter of John Spillman. One son, Wade
M., now twenty-one years old, was reared of his second marriage.
Judge Jackson's brother, Governor Claiborne F. Jackson, is so well
known as to require only mention here. His grandfather, Joseph
Jackson, was a native of Ireland, and his father, Dempsey, was a
soldier in the revolutionary war. Four of the Judge's sons were
gallant soldiers in the Confederate army, including Benjamin F., the
subject of this sketch. Benjamin F. Jackson was born at the family
homestead in this county, September 4, 1836, and was the fifth of
six brothers by his father's first marriage. He was educated at Cen-
tral college, and at fifteen years of age took charge of the local school
of the neighborhood where he was reared. After teaching eight
months he returned to college there taking a more advanced course
of studies. In 1856 he engaged as book-keeper in ^i mercantile house
in Centralia, Illinois, were he continued about three years, and in
1860 went to Texas. He was in that state when the war broke out
in 1861, and enlisted in the Confederate service in Carter's cavalry
regiment at Galveston, in answer to the first call for volunteers. He
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 551
commenced as a private, and by successive promotions rose to the
rank of inspector general, which office he filled in General Steele's
command. A short time after the general surrender in 1865, he
surrendered at Columbus, Texas, and for two years following taught
school in Grayson and Denton counties of that state. September
15th, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary E. Jennings, of Grayson
county, Texas, and then engaged as book-keeper for the government
at Fort Richardson. This position he held about twelve months, and
in 1869 returned to his old home in Howard county, and settled on a
part of the homestead farm. He now has a farm of 360 acres and
has it well improved and well stocked. During the last three years
of his father's life he had full charge of the former's business, and
on Judge Jackson's death became executor of the estate, making
final settlement in 1882. General and Mrs. Jackson have an inter-
esting family of four children : Kate A., Stella M., Franklin D. and
Eugeue. During the years 1877 and 1878, General Jackson had
charge of the Howard county co-operative store and conducted it
with superior business ability and success. He has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity for twenty years.
MARK JACKMAN,
farmer, miller and distiller, Price Arnold, the father of Mr. Jack-
man's mother, was one of the first settlers of Howard county. As
far as known he brought the first wagon into the county that ever
entered it. He also took a leading part in building Fort Head, in
which he and his family, in common with the other pioneer settlers
of the vicinity, lived for some time as a refuge from Indian out-
breaks. In 1810 he built the first mill, according to the best informa-
tion obtainable, ever constructed in the county — a horse-mill, built
near the present residence of George W. Drake, in Moniteau town-
ship. He died in this county in about 1832, his wife having preceded
him to the grave, leaving two children, John and Polly. John married
Miss Kate Head in Fort Hempstead, and this was one of the first
marriages solemnized in this county. Polly married Porter Jackman
in 1817, and of this union eight children, including Mark, the subject
of this sketch, were born : Mark, the eldest ; Elizabeth, widow of
John C. McKinney, of Boone county ; Nancy, wife of Lewis C.
Walker, of Texas ; Hannah, wife of Newman T. Mitchell, of Boone
county ; Miss Mary ; Susan, wife of Flavius McClure, of Pettis county ;
William, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and John L. died in California.
Porter Jackman, the father of these, became one of the most success-
ful farmers of the county and was largely interested in the tanning
business. He established one of the first tanneries built in the county.
He was from Mercer county, Kentucky, whence he came to this county
in 1816. He and his wife both died at the old homestead in Moniteau
township iu 1865 — he August 10, and she, October 9th. Both had been
members of the Christian church for many years and were among the
first of that denomination in the county. Mark Jackman was born
552 HiSTour of howakd and coopek counties.
in Moniteau township, February 22, 1820. On grewing up he
adopted farming as his occupation, to which he had >been reared, and
which, in connection with milling and, in later years, distilling, he
has since mainly followed. In 1849 he located on his present farm,
but in 1850, during the gold excitement, he went to California. Be-
turningin 1852 he resumed farming, and also engaged in milling and
dealing in mules. He was very successful and took rank among the
worthy citizens of the county. By the war he lost some twenty
slaves. The mill that he has been running so many years was built
originally by D. C. Champin, in about 1836, and was a water mill
(on the Moniteau) but Mr. Jackmanhas long run it by steam power as
well as water. In fact, it has been burnt and built anew, and is now
one of the best flouring, grist and saw mills in the county. In 1877
he started a distillery in connection with it, and in this also he has been
remarkably successful. He pays the government annually on the
spirits he manufactures from $7,000 to $8,000. His distillery has a
capacity for the manufacture of about 300 barrels of spirits a year.
His farm contains 500 acres and on this he raises large quantities of
grain and stock. Mr. Jackman is one of the most enterprising citi-
zens of the county, and has the qualities in a marked degree that go
to win success in life. He has been a member of the Masonic or-
der at Rocheport for the last forty years.
JOHN L. JONES,
farmer, section 26. The subject of this sketch was in his eleventh
year when his parents, Aquila and Letta (Hooper) Jones, started
from middle Tennessee in the fall of 1818, for this state. Driving
stock and coming across the country, they were on the way all
winter, not arriving here until in the following spring. They settled
on Sulphur creek near Glasgow, where their children grew up, and
where the parents lived until their death. Their mother, who was
originally from South Carolina, and had been twice married, her first
husband having been" a Mr. Cooper, died in about 1834. Their
father, a native of North Carolina, survived his wife some twenty-odd
years, dying about 1847. Of their family of eight children, four sous
and four daughters, but three are now living — Wilkerson, now a
resident of Arkansas ; Malina, widow of James Wallace, of Macon
City, Missouri ; and John L. John L. Jones was born in Davidson
county, Tennessee, May 30, 1808, but was principally reared in this
county. July 13, 1828, he was married, just across the line in Chari-
ton county, to Mrs. Mary H. White, a young widow lady, whose
maiden name was Troly. This union lasted fifty years, and was
blessed with a family of nine children, but was at last broken by the
death of Mrs. Jones, which occurred June 13, 1878. Of their chil-
dren, however, but four are now living — Aquila, in Boone county;
Patrick Henry, in Eureka Springs ; Mary E., wife of John Murray;
and Louisa, wife of Franklin Carson. Those deceased are — Eleanor
M., wife of John C. Thompson, Saline county; Jerusha A., wife of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 553
Samuel Hans; John C, Marion A. and Charles W. Mr. Jones
was a second time married, his present wife having been a Mrs. Per-
necia Stickell, widow of Stickell. Her maiden name was Collet.
Mrs. Jones also has a family of six children by her first husband, but
one of whom is still with her. Since 1851, Mr. Jones has lived on
his present farm, which, when he bought it, contained 425 acres. He
now has 274 acres. It is the same tract of land on which Fort Head
was built, in the pioneer days of the county. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Jones are church members. He has been a member of the M. E.
church for forty- two years.
HUDSON Q. MARTIN,
justice of the peace and farmer, section 13. Mr. Martin's life, since
he started out in the world on his own responsibility, nearly forty
years ago, may be divided into two distinct, and, in duration of time,
nearly equal epochs, one of unusual activity and varied adventures,-
and the other of quiet, successful farm life, content with the comforts
of home and the esteem and friendship of all who know him. He
was born in Madison county, Kentucky, December 3, 1828, and was
the eighth of a family of nine children born to Hudson and Lucy
(Hill) Martin, both originally from Virginia. However, the
parents had come to Madison county, Kentucky, in an early day,
and in 1839, when Hudson Q. was but a year old, they came to
this state. On their way to Howard county, while coming through
Warren county, the mother died ; but the father with the children
came on, and settled in this county. Here the children grew up, and
here, in 1868, the father died. At the age of eighteen Hudson Q.,
being of an enterprising dispostion and full of the spirit of adventure,
went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and there, in August, 1846, enlisted
in McMillan's company (Missouri cavalry), under General Sterling
Price, and crossed the plains with his command, stopping finally at
Santa Fe, New Mexico. They remained there until September, 1847.
Returning then to his old home in Howard county, he continued here
until 1850, when he again crossed the plains, this time bound for the
gold diggings of California. He remained on the golden coast for
ten years, engaged principally in mining, and then returned just in
time for the stirring events of the war. He was one of the first to
answer Governor Jackson's call for volunteers, and in May, 1861, be-
came second lieutenant of a company of southern recruits. From
this time, in rapid succession, he participated in the battles of Boon-
ville, Springfield and Dry Wood. At camp Cow Skin, in Southwest
Missouri, prior to the Springfield battle, he was made captain of the
company, and, after the Dry Wood fight, he returned to Howard
county to obtain more recruits for his company. He secured sixty
men, but was captured by the Federal soldiers, having had some
trying experiences while here, and was confined in the military prisons
of St. Louis and Altoii, until 1862, when he was released on parole.
He then came back to this county, resolved to remain true to his word
554 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of honor; and, settling down to farming, was married May 22, 1862,
to Miss Tillitha, daughter of Archibald Hill. However, contrary to
all laws of war, in 1864, he was made subject to the Union draft, and
determined if he had to fight he would fight according to his own
honest convictions of the right, he re-enlisted in the Confederate
army, or rather raised a company of Confederate volunteers, of which
he was made captain, and joined Price's command at Lexington,
Missouri. A short time after this he was commissioned by General
Magruder to raise additional volunteers, for the Confederate service,
and while proceeding north on this commission, was wounded twice
in a skirmish, and subsequently surrendered at Arrow Rock. At the
close of the war he resumed farming, which he has since followed.
He has a good farm and generous cheer, by word and deed, for all who
pass his way. He is a democrat, but liberal in his political as he is
in his religious and other opinions.
Formed on the good old plan,
A true and brave and downright honest man !
He iBows no trumpet in the market-place,
Nor in the church, with hypocrite face,
Supplies with cant tlie lack of Christian grace ;
Loathing pretence, he does with cheerful will
What others talk of while their hands are still.
He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years.
Twice he has been warmly and strongly supported for the sheriffalty
of the county, and he is now serving his second term as justice of the
peace*. Mr. Martin's wife was taken from him by death — of heart
disease — in 1880. She left no children.
JAMES MITCHELL,
farmer, section 5. That immigration is rapidly pouring into this
state, and from the north at that — the best class of northern farm-
ers — becomes apparent to any one who takes the trouble to invest-
igate the facts. Among the many examples in proof of this that can
be cited in almost every neighborhood, is that of Mr. Mitchell, of
Moniteau township, who came here from Ohio in 1874 and bought a
fine farm of 447 acres, and is now one of the leading farmers and most
highly respected citizens of the county. He was born in Franklin
county, Ohio, August 7, 1832, and was the second of a family of four
children, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of John Garrett; Irving, Martha Ro-
beck — all of Ohio — and himself. His father, James Mitchell, and
mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Keyser, were both originally from
Pennsylvania to Ohio, but were reared in the last named" state.
James, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on his father's
farm, arid was educated in the common schools. April 1, 1854, he
was married to Miss Caroline Meek, in his native county, and they fol-
lowed farming there until their migration to this county, in 1874.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 555
They have nine children — Thomas F., Sylvia, Martha, Charley, Ed-
mond, Sarah, William, Humphrey and Catherine — all at home. Mr.
M. has been a member of the I. 6. O. F. for sixteen years.
JOHN H. MURRAY,
farmer, section 24. Mr. Murray's father, Hiram H. Murray, was
originally from Virginia, but in early life came to Boone county,
where he met and married Miss Nancy Inglehart, formerly of Ken-
tucky. Of the children born of this union, nine are now liv-
ing, including John H., the subject of this sketch. He was born
in Boone county August 17, 1851, where he was reared and given an
ordinary, good education in the common schools. At the age of
twenty-two, June 6, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter
of John S. Jones. Farming has constituted his principal employ-
ment in life, and in 1876 he located on his preseut place, in Moniteau
township, which contains 239 acres. He raises about 100 acres of
wheat, and other kinds of grain in proportion. He also has consid-
erable live stock in excess of what he requires for his own use. Mr.
and Mrs. Murray have two interesting children — John Lee and Hor-
ace Early — the former aged three years and the latter one year old.
Mr. M. is a member of the M. E. church.
MRS. SALLIE PEELER,
farm in section 18. Mrs. Peeler was left a widow with seven child-
ren by the death of her husband, Alfred Peeler,, in 1867, since which
the management of the farm has mainly devolved upon her. How-
ever, she has been greatly assisted in this, in the last few years, by
her son John A., now a young man twenty-three years of age. They
have an excellent farm of 300 acres, and such has been the success
with which it has been managed that she has been able to bring up
all her children, the youngest of whom is now a young lady of
eighteen years of age, giving them all good educational advantages as
they grew up. Mrs. Peeler's husband, Alfred, was a son of David
Peeler, mentioned in the sketch of William H., in this volume. Alfred
Peeler was born in this county August 9, 1822. Reared on his
father's farm, and receiving in youth an ordinary good education,
when twenty-four years of age, September 26, 1848, he was married
to Miss Mary Williams, now his widow, the subject of this sketch.
After their marriage they settled on the farm where Mrs. Peeler now
lives, and where, nineteen years afterwards, June 19, 1867, her hus-
band was taken from her by death. Mrs. Peeler was a daughter of
John and Mary (Stemmons) Williams, and was born in Madison
county, Kentucky, March 24, 1829. Her father died in that county
a short time after her birth, and whe~n she was but three years of age
her mother came to this county and settled near Rocheport. Here,
the same year, her mother met and married Judge David Pipes, men-
tion of whom is made in the sketch of his son, George M. Pipes,
556 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
elsewhere in this work. Her mother is still living at the Pipes home-
stead, just across the line in Boone county. To Mrs. Peeler and her
husband were born seven children, all of whom are living — Georgia
A., born October 24, 1851, wife of Elder G. A. Perkins, of Fayette;
David E., born June 15, 1853, married and lives in California; Henry
W., born October 20, 1855, lives near his mother ; Mary J., born
September 13, 1858, attended Camden Point female college, and is
now wife of George Perkins, of Columbia; John A., born September
8, 1860, assisting his mother in management of the farm ; Martha E.,
born January 3, 1863 ; and Maude, born October 15, 1865. Mrs.
Peeler and her daughters are all members of the church at Ashland.
WILLIAM H. PEELEE,
farmer, section 8. Mr. Peeler's father, David, who was for many
years a leading citizen of Howard county and a member of the legis-
lature from this county in 1840, came originally from North Carolina,
where he was born May 10, 1794. When a young man twenty-five
years of age, in 1818, he, in company with his brother John came
west and stopped in Howard county, where, about iwo years after-
wards, David settled on the farm on which William H. now lives.
Here he followed farming, and he also followed milling and distilling
for a number of years, and became more than ordinarily well-to-do in
life. He held the office of justice of the peace eight years, when that
position was of some real dignity and importance, between the years
1830 and 1840, and at the election of the last named year he was
elected to the legislature. He died April 30, 1882, at the advanced
age of eighty-eight. He was twice married. His first wife, formerly
Miss Sarah Wilcoxson, originally of Kentucky' , to whom he was mar-
ried in 1821, died January 26, 1857. Ten children were born of this
union, six ok whom are now living — Elizabeth, now Mrs. Geery;
Joseph, Elde)/N. B., William H., Barnabetb, in California; Jas. D.,
in Eandolph county. Those deceased are Alfred, the eldest, who died
in 1867 ; Martha H., wife of Henry Knaus, died in 1856 in Cooper
county; Eebecca J., Wife of J. E. Sonsley, died in 1858 in St.
Louis, and John O., died in 1877. His second wife, previously Miss
L. A. Brown, born July 2, 1826, to whom he was married in 1863,
died June 20, 1882, leaving two children — Eosa and George.
William H. Peeler, son by his father's first marriage, was born in
this county July 23, 1834, and in the same house where he now lives.
When in his twentieth year he was married March 20, 1864, to Miss
Eliza M. Atherton, a native of Illinois, in Alexander county, of that
state. Eeturning then to his old home in Howard county, he re-
sumed farming, which he has since followed. Of the original family
homestead he has 210 acres, and his place is well improved and in
good condition. He is an industrious, intelligent farmer, and as a
citizen and 'neighbor is well respected. Mr. and Mrs. Peeler have a
family of six children — Jennie A., William B., De Atherton, Charles
F., James E., and Eva May.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 557
GEORGE M. PIPES,
farmer, section 21. Judge David Pipes, father of George M.,
came to Boone county with his parents among the first settlers of the
county, when he wasb ut nine years old. There he grew up in the
pioneer days of the country, and after reaching manhood was married
to Mrs. Mary Williams, widow of John Williams, and previously a
Miss Stemmons, of which union George M., the subject of this
sketch, was born. Judge Pipes being a man of more than ordinary
intelligence and of great industry and enterprise, became a prominent
citizen of the county and filled various public offices. George M.
Pipes was born on his father's farm, two and a half miles from where
he now lives, now owned by Mr. Sutherland, October 12, 1833, and
was educated in the common schools. He remained with his father
until twenty-three years of age, and on January 14, 1857, was mar-
ried to Miss Fannie, daughter of.Wm. H. Settle, of Moniteau townt
ship, this county. He then bought a part (153 acres) of his presen-
farm, and since that time has added to his original tract, until now be
has a place of 275 acres of excellent land, most of which is substan-
tially and comfortably improved. He grows grain, principally wheat,
about seventy-five acres, and other kinds in proportion. They have
four children — Luther M., David F., Robert Emmet and Ora Kate.
Luther is now married, his wife having been a Miss Ella Hart, of
Boone county. They live near his father. Mrs. Pipes, wife of
George M., died February 8, 1880. Mr. Pipes has been a member
of the Christian church for nearly thirty years. For several years he
has corresponded for the press of Boone and adjoining counties from
Moniteau township, under the nom de plume of " Moniflfcau," and has
acquired a wide reputation as an intelligent, versatile cor respondent.
ALLEN PIPES,
farmer. Mr. Pipes was the fourth of a family of eight children of
George Pipes and wife, nee Jackman, who emigrated from Kentucky
to Boone county, this state, in 1817, and afterwards, in 1822, settled
in Howard county. The father was originally from North Carolina,
and was a farmer by occupation, which he followed in this county
until Ins death, October 2, 1846. The mother survived her husband
twenty-three years, dying August 11, 1869. Allen Pipes was born be-
fore his parents left Kentucky, in Washington (now Boyles) county,
that state, October 20, 1815, but was principally reared in this county.
Farming has constituted his occupation thus far through life, and
he now owns an excellent place of 250 acres, and gives his atten-
tion mainly to raising grain. Mr. Pipes has been twice married. His
first wife, previously Miss Sallie A. Porter, of Audrain county, to
whom he was married November 2, 1841, died in 1845, leaving two
children, who soon followed her to the grave. He was not married
again for some fifteen years. September 13, 1860, however, he was
married to Miss Anna M. Cline, of this countv. They have had three
37
558 HISTOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPEE COUNTIES.
children, two daughters, both of whom died in iufanoy, and a son,
Allen, Jr., now sixteen years of age. Mrs. Pipes is a member of the
Christian church. Mr. P. is a successful farmer and highly respected
citizen. He resides on section 13.
J. S. EAINS,
stock dealer and farmer, section 10. Among the stock dealers and
farmers of Howard county the above named gentleman is worthy of
special notice. He has been engaged in farming in this county since
the close of the civil war, and for some time past has been dealing ex-
tensively in live stock, buying and shipping to St. Louis and other
principal markets. The farm in which he, with some others, is inter-
ested, contains over 700 acres, and on this Mr. Rains grows large
quantities of wheat, corn, hay, etc., and he also raises considerable
numbers of stock above what he requires for farm purposes. He was
born in Richmond township, this county, February 17, 1842, and was
the eldest of seven children of Allen and Margaret (Douglas) Rains.
Of the children, five are now living. On attaining manhood, the war
being then in jn-ogress, J. S. identified himself with the south,
and was a member of General Poindexter's command ; but some time
before the close of the struggle he went to Montana, where he engaged
in mining and remained until the restoration of peace. He then re-
turned to Howard, county and commenced farming, which he has
since followed. September 8, 1870, he was married to Miss Lucy,
daughter of E. P. Kirby, now of Randolph county, since which he has
lived on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rains have six children:
Kirby, Jimmy, Wilbur, Clifton, Frank and Mary. Howard died iu
infancy. Both parents are church members.
THOMAS H. RICHARDS,
farmer, section 24. Thomas H. Richards was born in Madison county,
Kentucky, March 4th, 1824, and was a son of Reason and Elizabeth
(Patterson) Richards, of that county. When he was three years of
ao-e his parents removed to this state and settled on a farm in Boone
county, where they reared their family. Thomas H. grew up on his
father's farm and in October, 1848, was married to Miss Sarah A.,
daughter of Olmore and Martha Thompson, of this county. In 1850,
Mr. Richards was attracted to California by the gold excitement, and
there engaged in mining and freighting. Returning sometime
afterwards, however, in 1855, he settled on the farm where he now
lives — in Howard county — which contains 240 acres of good land,
and is comfortably and substantially improved. Mr. Richards is an
energetic, good farmer, and is well respected as a neighbor and a
citizen. He has a family of eight children : Wm. E., Anna M.,
Amanda I., Melia F., Julia D., Thomas C, Sarah C. and Emma M.
One is dead, Martha E., born September 21st, 1850, died June 3d,
1873. Misses Anna and Julia attended the Howard female college,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 559
at Fayette. Mr. Richards has been a member of the Methodist
church south, siuce 1844, and has long been a trustee of his church
and an earnest, zealous worker in the Sunday school. He is now
superintendent of the neighborhood Sunday school. He was in the
Confederate armyfrom 1864 until the war closed, having joined General
Price's command, near Lexington, this state, and surrendered at
Shreveport, Louisiana. His father died some ten years ago, but his
mother is still alive, residing with her youngest son, in Boone county,
at the advanced age of eighty-three.
JOHN DOYLES RICKETTS,
farmer, stock raiser, etc. Mr. Ricketts came to Howard county, in a
comparatively early day, and in 1836, settled on the farm where he
now lives. He first bought 250 acres and improved it himself. After-
wards he added to it until his farm numbered 560 acres, its present
dimensions. He became and still is a very successful farmer. During
the war, however, he sustained considerable losses, and among others
his slave property, consisting of ten negroes. During and before the
war, he dealt in stock and was quite successful in that line of busi-
ness. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, December 11th,
1806, and was the youngest of a family of ten children, of Thomas
Eicketts, originally from Maryland, and wife, formerly Miss Martha
Wilson. Of ten, but two, himself and a sister, Mrs. Martha Davis,
of Midway, Kentucky, are now living. John D. was married to Miss
Martha, daughter of Dr. Crews, of Madison county, Kentucky, Feb-
ruary 20th, 1834. This union proved a happy one and lasted for
forty-four years, but was finally broken by thedeath of his beloved wife,
February 4th, 1878. Nine children were born to them, two of whom
died after reaching their majority, two in youth and one in infancy.
Those living are John K., Samuel C, Benj. W. and Luther M.
Luther M. Ricketts, the youngest son living, is now managing his
father's farm. He was born October 31st, 1854, and was married
after attaining his majority to Miss Luella, daughter of Mrs. Olive A.
Rowland. They have one sou, born August 14th, 1880. James D.
Ricketts' deceased children are as follows: Edward, the eldest, died
in infancy; David, died October 22, 1868, aged thirty-two ; Margaret
E., died aged four months ; Wm. H. C, died August 28, 1865, aged
twenty-two, and Hugh D., died November 11th, 1863, aged twelve
years.
JOHN K. RICKETTS,
farmer and stock raiser and dealer, section 15. Among the names of the
enterprising, intelligent and successful farmers and stockmen of Howard
county, the name that heads this sketch justly occupies a prominent
and conspicuous place. Mr. Ricketts' farm is not one of the largest
in the county, although it is by no means a small one, containing as it
does 360 acres, but considering its size, it has but few, if any superiors
as a grain and stock farm in the township. It is exceptionally well
560 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
divided into fields for cultivation, clover and timothy meadows, blue
grass pastures, etc., and besides raising large quantities of grain and
hay, Mr. Eicketts also l'aises considerable numbers of cattle, sheep and
hogs, and other live stock. He was born in the township where he now
lives, November 11, 1840. His father, John D., and mother, Martha
Eicketts, came from Jessamine county, Kentucky, in 1836, and set-
tled on a farm in this township. There were eight children born, four
of whom are still living, including John K. He was in the Confeder-
ate army during the war and was captured during Poindexter's raid, and
confined in Alton prison six months. After the war, December 21,
1865, he was married in Moniteau township to Miss Mary F. daughter
of Allen Eains, of this county. They have one child, a daughter, Miss
Maggie, now attending the female college in Fayette. Mr. E. settled on
his present farm in 1867, which then contained only 175 acres, since
which he has added to it until it has reached its present proportions.
He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Fayette for about
twenty years. For a number of years past he has been a member of
the democratic central committee of the county.
JOHN F. EIDGWAY,
section 35. On the farm where he now lives, John F. Eidg-
way was born January 16, 1834. He was the seventh of a family of
eleven children born to Thomas Eidgway and wife, previously Miss
Sarah Staniford — the father a native of Kentucky, but the mother
originally from South Carolina. However, they both came to this
state early in life, where they met and married, and then reared their
family in this county. Thomas Eidgway was a successful farmer,
and died at an advanced age at his homestead, where his son, John F.,
now lives, in 1872. His wife followed him to the grave in 1875. Of
their family of children besides John F., seven are now living, Luvena,
wife of Colonel Minor ; Lurano, wife of Frank Tolson ; Eliza A., wife
of Oscar Eawlings ; George, Mary J., wife of John Burreughs ; Enoch
C, of Macon City ; and William. John F. was married in October,
1861, to Miss Virginia B. daughter of Dr. J. W. Eedmon, and then
went to Linn county, this state, where he lived until 1877, when he
returned to the old family homestead on which he has since lived. It
contains 400 acres and he is one of the well-to-do farmers of the
county. He has been running a threshing machine for several years
and has met with excellent success. Mr. and Mrs. Eidgway have four
children, Charles, Willie, Mertil and Gertie.
JUDGE EOBEET A. EOWLAND, deceased.
Judge Eowland, who for nearly forty years had been a citizen of
Howard county, abundantly successful as a farmer and eminently re-
spected as a citizen, died suddenly of pneumonia, at his homestead in
Moniteau township, December 23, 1878, eight days before he was to
have taken his seat as an associate justice of the county court.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPKR COUNTIES. 561
" He gave his honors to the world again,
His blessed past to Heaven, and slept in peace."
His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Rowland, were early settlers of
Boone county, and there Judge Eowland was born February 27, 1821.
Reared on a farm, he grew up amidst the honest, healthful surround-
ings of country life, and thus in youth formed a character for honor and
integrity, and habits of industry and plain, frugal tastes that could
hardly have failed to bring him success and deserved popularity in
after life. Foreseeing the importance of a good practical education
when he should come to engage in the responsible activities of life, he
lost no time while still young to improve his mind by study, both in
the schools he attended and by diligent study at home. Hence he ac-
quired an education above the average of the attainments of those
around him. Thus prepared for the responsibilities of life, at the age
of twenty-one he pushed out into the world for himself. Yielding to
his natural preferences for agricultural pursuits, he adopted farming
as his occupation, and followed it without intermission through life.
In 1845 he located in Howard county, and April 7, 1846, was married
to Miss Olive A., daughter of John B. and Sally (Matheney) Keithly,
early settlers and highly-respected residents of Boone county. Bring-
ing his young wife to his new home, the following year he bought the
farm, or a part of it, on which his subsequent life was spent, and where
he reared his family. They were blessed with ten children : Thomas
B., Homer M. (a prominent minister of the gospel in Texas) ; Luella,
wife of L. M. Ricketts ; James F., Isaac N., in Texas ; Cora, died in
girljiood ; Robert L., died in his second year ; William J. and Ola M.
During the war he served under General Poindexter, but was captured
and confined in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, and in Alton mil-
itary prison — in the latter one year. After his release from prison,
he served under General Price until the general surrender. Returning
then to his farm, he led a quiet, successful and retired life until his
death. Although averse to public life of any kind, such was his well-
known worth and qualifications, and his wide-spread popularity, that
in 1878 he was elected to the office of county judge against his express
wishes. Worthy as his life had been, he died a worthier death — in
the full faith that
One short sleep past we make eternally,
And Death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
JAMES T. SCOTT,
. general merchant at Sebree. This gentleman was born in Port Royal,
Henry county, Kentucky, September 5, 1848, and in 1866 came with
his parents to Missouri, and stopped at Madison, Monroe county,
where he learned the shoemaker's trade, but did not follow it after-
ward. He then engaged in school teaching, having received a good
education in youth, which he continued about three years. December
29, 1872, he was married to Miss Ida Wilson, of Madison, and in 1877
562 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
came to Sebree, and became interested with his brother in their pres-
ent business. In 1879 he became sole proprietor of the store, and
has since conducted it alone with excellent success. He carries a large
and well selected stock of goods and has a wide and rapidly increasing
trade. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have but one child, Henry, aged six years.
Mr. Scott's parents, W. H., and Nancy (McKendree) Scott live in
Howard county, near Burton.
WILLIAM SHIELDS,
farmer, section 15. James Shields and William Johnson were both
early settlers of Howard county, and here each reared a family of
children. Of the family of the former, Thomas Shields, who was
born in Kentucky before his father left that State, was married here
to Miss Frances, daughter of William Johnson, she also being a native
of Kentucky. William Shields, the subject of this sketch, was born
of this union September 19, 1835. His father, who was a successful
farmer, died July 27, 1865, his mother surviving her husband about
sixteen years, dying only two years ago, October 20, 1881. Wil-
liam followed farming after he grew up until the outbreak of the war,
and then enlisted in the Confederate service and participated in the
Boonville and Lexington battles, and in several of the others that
followed in which Price's army took part. While with General Poin-
dexter he was captured at Laclede, and afterwards confined in the mili-
tary prisons of St. Louis and Alton about six months. After this he
rejoined Price and was with his command in the last campaign in this
state. He continued in the service until the general surrender at
Shreveport, Louisiana. Returnins; home, he resumed farming,
which he has since followed. May 8, 1872, he was married to Miss
Mary J., daughter of James P. Manion, after which he settled on his
present farm, containing 160 acres of land, a part of the original tract
purchased by his father. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have two sons, James
and Sonie. Mr. S. is a member of the Christian church.
JAMES SMITH,
farmer, section 5. Mr. Smith is now closely approaching his eigthieth
year, and for over twenty-five years he has been a citizen of Howard
county. He has been a member of the Christian church for over forty-
five years, and in early life often heard discourses by Alexander Camp-
bell and other great ministers and founders of that denomination. He
was born in Madison county, Kentucky, February 15, 1804, and was
a son of James and Margery Smith, of that state. His father, how-
ever, was originally from Ireland, and his mother was a native of
Pennsylvania. When twenty-one years of age, in 1825, James Smith
came to this state, making the trip from New Madrid across the coun-
try, finding Columbia, to which point he came, a small village with its
streets still uncleared of stumps. From Columbia he went to New
Orleans by flat-boat, but after a short stay in the south returned to
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 563
Kentucky where, in 1827, he was married to Miss Nancy Howard. He
remained in his native state until 1857, and then came with his family
to Cooper county, this state, and the following year settled in Howard
county. His first wife died in 1862, having borne him ten children,
seven of whom are still living, Presling, Kate D., Ben. H., in Bates
county; Jason, William, James T., and Solon, present judge of the
probate court. In 1863 he was again married, Mrs. Sallie Bondurant,
widow of Captain John Bondurant, formerly a Miss Crews, becoming
his second wife. He and his present wife were old schoolmates in
Kentucky, and after over forty years of separation, during which each
had married and reared families, their companions dying, they met
and were married in this state. Mr. Smith has an excellent farm and
a good, comfortable home, where he and his wife are spending the
evening of their lives in the renewal of a friendship that began in
youth, which age has ripened to affection.
WILLIAM SMITH,
farmer, section 16, the seventh son of James Smith, whose sketch
precedes this, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, February 11,
1833. In 1854 he came to Boone county, this state, on horseback, in
company with Frank Fowler, now a well-to-do farmer of Cass county.
Mr. Smith has been not less successful than his companion. Coming
on to Howard county, after several years spent in Boone and Cooper
counties, he made his permanent home in the neighborhood where he
still lives, and since 1869 he has resided on his present farm. It num-
bers 250 acres of excellent land. Besides this, he has 100 acres of
fine bottom land. He is a thorough-going, enterprising farmer, and
as a citizen is public-spirited and well- respected. He has been a
school director for sixteen years, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.
May 24, 1866, he was married to Miss Mariah L., daughter of Rich-
ard Eobinson, now of Colorado, but then of this county. She was
born in the neighborhood where they now live, January 25, 1844.
They have seven children — Sallie, Bettie and Pensa (twins), Nannie
M., Katie, Emma and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both mem-
bers of the Christian church.
FEDERAL WALKER, deceased.
There are few old citizens of Howard county to whom the name
that heads this sketch is not as familiar almost as a household word.
And such was the character of the man, such the prominence and use-
fulness of his life in the great work that has been performed in the
county, — the transformation of its trackless wilds into smiling fields
and happy homes, the abode of a prosperous and progressive people —
that his name should be transmitted to succeeding generations and
held in grateful remembrance as one of the foremost and worthiest of
the brave-hearted pioneer settlers, who laid broad and deep the founda-
tions of civilization in this then Indian-sentineled and panther-haunted
564 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
wilderness. He came of a family whose character bespoke the promi-
nence and usefulness of his own career. His ancestors were among
the adventurous baud of pioneers that, like the sea-tossed heroes of
Homer, threaded their way across the Atlantic and planted civilization
on the shores of Maryland. True to the well-known law of geneal-
ogy, that, in a family which does not degenerate, the strong qualities
of the ancestor reappear in the descendant, John Walker, awaj^back
in the latter part of the seventeenth century, became a sturdy pioneer
settler in Kentucky, crossing the blue heights of the Alleghauies from
his native Maryland to make his home in the green wilderness of the
west. He prospered abundantly in his adopted state and reared a
worthy family, Federal Walker being one of his sons. The father
died in 1815. Federal was born on the 14th of August, 1796, aiid
was, therefore, nineteen years of age at the time of his father's death.
If, in the new country in which he was brought up, he did not enjoy
the educational advantages to be had in older communities, the natu-
ral vigor of his mind and constitution at least escaped the effemi-
nating influences of the schools, and acquiring, mainly by private
study, a sufficient knowledge of books for all practical purposes, he
was better qualified for the life he was destined to lead than if, in
starting out in the world for himself, he had received a gilt-letter di-
ploma between kid-gloved fingers. Before his father's death he had
seen more of the west and far southwest than most old men around
him. He had travelled through Texas and all the intermediate coun-
try, and had " prospected " considerably over Missouri ; was in Jfew
Madrid, this state, at the time of the great earthquake of 1812. After
extensive travel, and weighing the advantages offered by different lo-
calities, he concluded to settle in Howard county, and, returning to
Kentucky, he wooed and won the heart and hand of Miss Sarah Dunn,
of his native state. They were married May 4, 1823. She was born
June 26, 1800. This proved a long and happy union, continuing un-
broken by the hand of death until far into the twilight of their lives.
With hearts buoyant with a prophetic realization of their future pros-
perity, they started on their westward journey to Howard county the
following fall. Arrived here, they went to work with a cheerfulness,
energy and intelligence that could not but result in making their
dreams of the future a tangible reality. Mr. Walker entered 275
acres of wild land from the government, and by tireless toil soon had
a comfortable home. As years rolled on he continued to prosper,
until, when but little beyond the mid-noon of life, he found himself the
possessor of over 3,000 acres of fertile land and the owner of sixty
likely slaves. Heaven prospered his married life no less than the sea-
sons, and soil prospered his industry. Eight worthy children were
sent to brighten his home — the pledges of heaven that his name
should not perish from the earth. All grew to maturity, and seven
became the parents of families themselves. Following are the names
of his children: John, Robert D., married Elizabeth, daughter of
Judge Jackson, now in Texas, and died January 15, 1879 ; Thomas
H., married Anna Burnette,.of Chariton county, and now resides in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 565
Saline county ; Lewis E., married Nancy, daughter of Porter Jack-
son, and now lives in Texas ; George W., married Mary E., daughter
of Rev. David Fisher, and died February 28, 1874 ; Christopher C,
referred to below; Mary R., and Nancy J. The mother of these,
worthy both in mind and heart to have been, as she was, the wife of
one of nature's noblemen, died at the age of sixty-eight, on the 1st of
September, 1868. The father died ten years afterwards, aged eighty-
two, August 5, 1868. Both were for many years members of the
Christian church. Christopher C, the youngest of the sons, now re-
sides on a part of the old family homestead, which was partitioned as
a legal result of his father's death. The son's place contains about
400 acres of excellent land, and is one of the most valuable farms of
the county. Christopher C. was born April 8, 1834, and as he grew
up, received his education in the common schools. On the 23d of
June, 1858, he was married, in Hinds county, Mississippi, to Miss
Elizabeth Mount, who was born at Alexandria, October 1, 1837.
They have had a family of five children — Arthur William, who died
in infancy; Sallie Clara, Linnie D., Bettie F., and Charles C. Mrs.
Walker is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Christopher Walker's
whole life, thus far, has been spent on the farm. During the late war
he remained at home and attended to his father's farming and business
interests, taking no part in the struggle. He is an energetic farmer
and highly esteemed citizen and neighbor.
HUMPHREY ROBINSON WALKER,
farmer, section 10. Mr. Walker, son of Hon. John Walker, now state
auditor of Missouri, and grandson of Federal Walker, deceased, for over
half a century one of the first farmers and most prominent citizens of
Howard county, is a young man whose career, thus far, and whose
character give every promise that his future, both as a farmer and
citizen, will fulfil the expectations his antecedents and opportunities
in life justly inspire. He was born on the 19th of September, 1853,
on a part of the old Robinson homestead, upon which he now lives.
His mother, previous to her marriage a Miss Eliza Robinson, was a
daughter of Jared Robinson, now deceased, for many years a leading
farmer and an influential citizen of the county. Of this family there
are two besides Mrs. Walker ; a sister, Nannie May, and a brother
Jared, Jr. The sister is now the wife of Wm. Payne ; the brother, a
graduate from the Agricultural college of Columbia, Missouri., is
now a successful farmer of the county. Humphrey R. Walker
was reared on the farm, and in early youth attended the or-
dinary schools of the neighborhood. Subsequently, after a
thorough preparatory course, he entered the State University of
Columbia, in which he continued as a student for two years, but
was called away before graduating, to enter upon the duties of the
farm. Since then he has been interested in the management of the
place, which contains nearly 400 acres of land, and in the discharge of
these duties he has shown, by the success he has had, that he possesses
566 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
all the qualities, to a marked degree, necessary to a progressive, en-
terprising and thrifty farmer. Since 1874 he and his brother have
been farming together. Mr. Walker is destined to become a useful
and prominent citizen.
GEORGE H. WHITE,
general merchant and stock buyer and shipper. In the mercantile
line Mr. White carries a large and well selected stock of general mer-
chandise, and commands an extensive and lucrative trade. He also
does an important business in buying and shipping live stock of all
kinds, his transactions as a stock dealer amounting to heavy aggre-
gates in the course of the year. He was born in Rocheport, Boone
county, Missouri, May 17th, 1854, and was the seventh of a family of
eleven children, six of Whom are now living : Laura, widow of Thomas
Cook : Sarah, wife of John Street, of Fayette ; Thomas J. , of Randolph
county; Edwin, sheep raiser in Texas ; George H., our subject, and
Benton, farmer on the old homestead. December 24th, 1874, George
H. White, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Lucy
Rucker, daughter of William H. Rucker, of Howard county. They
have three ehildren, Benton, Mattie and Mary E. Mr. White is a
member of the A. O. U. W. As a business man he is energetic and
enterprising, and has the confidence of the community with which he
deals. Well qualified for business, both by education and experience,
his career has been marked by excellent success.
EZEKIEL H. WOOD,
farmer, sections 35 and 36. Ezekiel H. Wood was born in Brown
county, Ohio, December 12, 1818, but was reared in Mason county,
Kentucky, where his parents removed when he was quite young. His
grandfather on his father's side was a soldier in the Continental army
during the revolution, and was afterwards for many years a zealous
and able minister of the gospel. It is a tradition handed down in the
family that he baptized the first convert ever baptized in the Ohio
river. Jesse Wood, Ezekiel's father, was a farmer by occupation, and
reared his family in Mason county, Kentucky, having married Miss
Kiturah, daughter of Andrew Thorp, who also removed to Kentucky
in an early day. Ezekiel remained in the county where he was
brought up until 1864, when he migrated to Missouri and settled in
Boone county. Before coming to this state he had been married, but
lost his wife May 2, 1857. Her maiden name was Mary E. Power.
They were married in Mason county, Kentucky, September 20, 1834.
At her death she left two children — Joseph P., who died when but a
year old, and Kiturah Ellen, who died in this county, aged seventeen.
In 1868 Mr. Wood came to Howard county, from Boone, and settled
on the farm where he has ever since lived — the well-known "Alvin
Miller farm." It contains nearly 300 acres and is all improved. Mr.
W. is an industrious, successful farmer, and is well-to-do in life.
Farming, however, is not the only industry he has followed; He was
engaged in " flat-boating" to and from New Orleans for sonie time ,*,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 567
in an early day, and later he was a manufacturer of stoneware for
about six years. June 4, 1870, he was married to Miss Margaret A.,
daughter of Samuel Pearson, an old citizen of Howard county. They
have one child, Mary E., aged eleven years. Mr. Wood, has been a
member of the Christian church for over forty-one years, and in early
life often heard Jacob Creath, "Raccoon" J. Smith, and other emi-
uent divines preach. His uncle, Christopher Wood, was the cele-
brated spy in the service of General Harrison during the war of 1812.
TOWNSEND WRIGHT,
farmer, section 26. Mr. Wright's father, Townsend, Sr., was one of
the eai'ly settlers of this county. He was a native of Virginia, but
removed to Madison county, Kentucky, whence, in 1817, he came to
Howard county. Here he lived until his death, in 1862, and became
a very successful farmer, and was a highly esteemed eitizen of the
county. He was twice married : first in this county to Miss America,
daughter of John and Nancy (Roberts) Sanford, who came here from
Kentucky in 1812. His first wife died in 1834. Eight children were
born of this union, three sons and five daughters, all of whom lived
to reach their majority, and most of them married and reared fami-
lies. The year following their father was again married, Miss Lucy,
daughter of Reuben Barnes, of Boone county, becoming his second
wife. She died November 17, 1881. Of this marriage Townsend,
Jr., the subject of this sketch, and five others, were born, two of
whom are dead. Townsend, Jr., was the second of this family, and
was born December 15, 1836, on his father's old homestead, about
three and one-half miles south of where he now lives. He was mar-
ried March 19, 1868, to Miss Octavia, daughter of Judge Wade M.
Jackson. She was born in 1844. They have five children : Craven
J., Claiborne F., JamesT., Townsend, Jr., and Robert L. Two daugh-
ters, Carrie P., the eldest child, and Sallie N., the fourth, died in
infancy. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Wright began to work for
himself, and two years afterwards, in 1859, went to California, but
returned in 1860. In 1862 he joined General Poindexter's command
while the latter was in this state, but was captured soon after the La-
clede affair and confined in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, and the
military prison at Alton , together about four months. Released then,
he returned home and remained until 1864, when he enlisted in Cap-
tain Martin's command as first lieutenant, and served under General
Price until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Big Blue,
Ball's Prairie, and others, during the latter part of the war. Return-
ing home after the restoration of peace he resumed farming, and in
1867 was engaged in buying tobacco. Soon after his marriage he
settled on his present farm, where he has 320 acres of good land, and
besides this he has about 100 acres of the old family homestead. He
grows grain and raises stock and has some high-grade cattle, about
eighty, head, and also about 100 head of good sheep, besides other
live stock. He has been a member of the Baptist church since 1866,
and a member of the Masonic order about eighteen years.
568 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES <
LEE WEIGHT,
farmer, section 15. Lee is a brother of Townsend Wright, whose
sketch precedes this, and was the youngest of the five children by his
father's second marriage. He was born April 10, 1845, and, having
been reared on a farm, he has followed farming as his occupation ever
since he started out in life for himself. During General Price's last
campaign in this state, however, he joined the latter's command, and
adhered to the southern standard until the general surrender in 1865,
participating in all the leading battles in which the command was en-
gaged from the time he entered it until the close of the war. After
the return of peace he resumed farming, and
" Venus, thy eternal sway
All the race of men obey;"
On the 16th of January, 1868, he was married to Miss Eupha Hardin,
daughter of Joseph Hardin, of this county. Three children have
been vouchsafed to them as the favors of Heaven : Mattie Lee, Morti-
mer Boyd and Joseph Hardiu. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are both mem-
bers of the Baptist church of Mt. Gilead. His homestead is a neat
farm of about 160 acres, and is comfortably and substantially im-
proved.
PEAIKIE TOWNSHIP.
CAPT. JOHN W. BAGBY,
attorney at law and notary public. John Bagby, the father of John
W., was a native of Virginia, and was a soldier in the war of 1812.
After the close of that struggle he settled in Scott county, Kentucky,
where he married and lived until he came to this county with his fam-
ily, in 1827. His wife was formerly a Miss Mildred Ward, and of this
union John W. was born in the county where they resided in Ken-
tucky, September 13, 1827. In early youth the son received such an
education as could be had in the log school houses of those days, and
when fifteen years of age went to work with his uncle, William Bagby,
in the carpentering and wagon and carriage making business,
which he has followed, with considerable intervals of time devoted to
other pursuits, from then until within the last few years. However, in
1846 he enlisted in Captain John K. Smith's company, designed for the
Mexican war, and followed the stars and stripes into the land of the
cactus and pine to the city of Mexico. He was honoi'ably discharged
at Louisville, Kentucky, in August, 1848. From that time until 1853
he worked at his trade in Roanoke. That year he began merchandis-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 569
ing in Trenton, Missouri, and continued in business there with excel-
lent success until the outbreak of the war. The same spirit that ani-
mated his father in 1812, and himself in 1846, prompted him again to
become a soldier of the line. He enlisted in the Confederate service,
among the first that answered the bugle-call, and was of the last that
left the tented field. He began as a private, and for meritorious
conduct became a captain. Higher commissions were offered him,
but he declined them. On two different occasions his body received
the bullets that were kindly sent to restore a union of hearts as well as
of sisterly, affectionate states. With the return of peace, having been
broken up bj' the war, he returned to his trade in Roanoke. He con-
tinued to work at this until 1875, when, his health failing him, he
began the practice of law, giving his attention also to conveyancing as
a notary public, and to the insurance business. As a man of superior
intelligence, and of an aspiring mind, he had been giving his attention
to the law some years before he began to practice, and was not with-
out substantial qualifications when he entered the profession. Cap-
tain Bagby also conducts an undertaking business in Roanoke, in
which he has been interested for some years. July 11, 1849, he was
married to Miss Elizabeth Terrell, formerly of Kentucky. They have
five children: Lewis, James H., David, Robert and Bettie. The
captain is a member of the Christian church, and is a Royal Arch
Mason.
R. J. BAGBY, M. D.,
physician and druggist. Doctor Bagby, brother to Captain Bagby,
whose sketch precedes this, was born after his parents came to this
county, September 11, 1832. His father was a substantial and highly
respected farmer, and the early youth of the doctor was spent on
the farm in the usual farm duties, a part of each year, however, being
occupied with attending the neighborhood schools. When eighteen
years of age, being then prepared to enter upon a higher course of
studies, he became a student in the Fayette high school, where he con-
tinued until 1852. He then taught school one year, and immediately
thereafter commenced the study of medicine under Dr. P. B. Chides, re-
maining with him one year. The following year he studied under
Doctor Thomas J. Blake, and in 1854-55 attended the St. Louis Medi-
cal college. After the conclusion of the college term of '55, he re-
turned to Roanoke and engaged in the practice of his profession, since
which he has followed it with ouly two interruptions, one of a year,
during which he practised in Chariton county, and the other in the
winter of 1862-63, when he attended the St. Louis Medical college,
graduating in March of the succeeding spring. As a physician the
doctor enjoys an excellent reputation as a skilful and successful prac-
titioner. That his professional career has been successful in a substan-
tial way as well as in reputation, is evidenced by his present comfort-
able situation in life. His drug store is a good one and commands a
wide and lucrative trade. May 12, 1856^ he was married to Miss
570 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Permelia Twyman, formerly of Virginia, but she died January 2, 1872,
leaving three children: Hugh B., Walter and William H. His
second wife was also a Miss Twyman, — Alice H. They have three
children : Noble C„ John W- and Kobert J. W.
E. P. BRIGGS,
one of the leading and most influential citizens of this township, was
born in Pike county, Missouri, February 25, 1827. In 1841, he took
up his permanent location in Howard county, where he has since been
recognized as a representative man of the community in which he
lives. He now resides on section 25, where he owns a farm of 250
acres of well improved land. Upon this is a substantial barn, house
and other buildings. Mr. Briggs married Miss Mary A. Thorp, of
this county, September 15, 1853. They have nine children ; David
J., Fanny B., Lulu E., Hattie B., Thomas H., William J., RobertP.,
Katie M. and Wade H. They are members of the Baptist church.
Mr. Briggs belongs to the Masonic order.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER DENNY,
farmer and stock raiser and dealer. Captain Denny's life has been
more than an ordinarily active one, as well as more than ordinarily
successful. Soldiering, school teaching, mining, teaming, merchan-
dising, farming and the stock business are the occupations that have
successfully employed his time from early manhood to the middle of
the afternoon of life, and in all of them he has shown that he possesses
the qualities that win success in whatever situation one may be placed.
Some will fail anywhere, others nowhere, and Captain Denny is one
of the latter class. He was born in this county, June 17th, 1826,
and was a son of James Denny and wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth
Best, both natives of Kentucky. They were married here, however,
in 1818, the same year that his father cast his fortunes with the
"Boone's Lick country." Alexander grew up on his father's farm
in this county, and in youth secured a good ordinary English educa-
tion in the common schools and by diligent study at home. When
twenty years of age, being naturally of a spirited and enterprising
disposition, he became a soldier in the Mexican war, enlisting under
the old Missouri hero, General Doniphan, in 1846, and serving until
the general discharge at New Orleans, in 1847. He then came home
and engaged in school teaching, which he followed until 1849. That
year the California gold excitement broke out, and young Denny was
one of the first to brave the hardships and dangers of a trip across the
plains and over the cloud-capped heights of the Cordilleras, to the
Hesperian gardens of the Pacific coast. Nor was he one of the faint-
hearted many that lost their courage amid the trials of pioneer ex-
jDerience and returned to the feather-bed ease of home life. He re-
mained until 1856, digging deep into the bowels of the earth for gold,
and teaming through the Indian hemmed mountain canons. His Cal-
HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 571
if'ornia life was not without substantial results. Returning home in
1856, he engaged in merchandising and farming. In 1871 he con-
ducted a successful store in Roanoke, but that year sold out and
turned his whole attention to farming and the stock business. He has
a magnificent farm of a thousand acres finely improved, on which he
grows grain and other products and raises stock on an extensive scale.
He is also one of the leading stock dealers in the county. During
the late war, Captain Denny commanded a company of enrolled
militia, and acquitted himself of the service with marked honor.
January 22d, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary A. Snoddy, and
eight children bless their conjugal life: Lizzie B", Joe S., Fossie,
Kate M., Zannie M., Ula B., James M. and David B. The "black
camel, Death," as Abd-el-Kadir has appropriately named it, has knelt
at their door, and a loved one, a son, George C., has been borne
away.
J. R. DENNEY.
In the year 1826, there was born in Howard county, Missouri,
to Charles and Jennie Deuuey, a son whom they called J. R. Denney,
and whose name heads this sketch. He has ever made this county
his home, and has given his attention to farming and the raising of
stock, in which occupation he has become very successful. He at
present resides on section 32, where he owns a fine farm of 205 acres,
with the necessary buildings upon it. He' is unmarried.
W. E. DENTITH,
senior editor of the Autograph, at Armstrong. Mr. Dentith is a
native of England, and was born in Manchester, August 22d, 1858.
His father was a surgeon-major in the English army. When a lad
ten years of age, young Dentith came to America, landing at Galves-
ton, Texas, where he grew to manhood and lived until coming to
Missouri, in 1882. He received a good practical education in the
schools of Galveston, and after growing up entered the office of the
Galveston JVews to learn the newspaper business. He continued in
that office and the offices of other papers for seven years, thus acquir-
ing a thorough practical knowledge of the business. Coming to this
state in 1882, in January of the following year he established the
Autograph at Armstrong. The ability and energy with which this
paper has been conducted speaks in the highest terms of the qualifica-
tions of Mr. Dentith, both as an editor and business man. On the
23d of November, 1880, he was married at Galveston, Texas, by
Rev. Dr. Bird, of Trinity church, to Miss Lucy L. McKown, daughter
of Judge McKown, of that city. They have one child, a son.
J. F. EVANS,
a member of the firm of Sullivan & Evans, dealers in geueral mer-
chandise at Armstrong, is a native of this (Howard) county, and was
572 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
born October 11, 1844. His parents, Thomas and Mary Evans, orig-
inally from Madison county, Kentucky, came to Howard county, Mis-
souri, in 1818. J. F. Evans married Miss -Katie M. Snavely, of this
county. They have had four children, three of whom are living:
Leonard L., Elmer E., and an infant. They are members of the M.
E. church, and Mr. Evans belongs to lodge No. 270, A. O. U. W., of
Armstrong. This firm are receiving a large share of patronage in
their line of business, and are recognized as substantial business men.
C. R. EVANS,
general merchant. Just as Mr. Evans reached the age that young
men usually start out in life on their own responsibility, the war broke
out, and for four or five years all sorts of business were so* unsettled
in this section of the state that no one could think of engaging in any
line of industry, with any reasonable degree of safety. As the war.
progressed, practically every one qualified for military service became
identified with one side or the other, and he with the rest. In 1864
he enlisted in company C, Elliott's regiment, Shelby's division, and
served until the close of the struggle. He was twenty-three years old
when peace was declared, having been born in this county January 27,
1842. Reared on his father's farm and educated in the common
schools, he was qualified to teach school, and, as no other equally ad-
vantageous employment was open to him, he followed that calling for
one year, after which he secured a position as clerk in a general store
in Roanoke. In this he continued about six years, during which he
not only thoroughly mastered the practical details and the general
system of merchandising, but by economy and upright, gentlemanly
conduct so fortified himself in the confidence and esteem of the public
that he was not wanting for means and ample credit when, in 1876, he
determined to begin business on his own account. The same quali-
ties that made him a successful and popular clerk have made him a
successful and popular merchant, and he now commands a lucrative
and rapidly increasing trade throughout the surrounding country.
May 18, 1881, he was married to Miss Mattie Prewitt, and one child,
Fannie M., was born to them, but
" 'Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade
Death came with friendly care ;
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed
And bade it blossom there.'*
In 1876 Mr. Evans was appointed postmaster of Roanoke, since which
he has continued to hold that office. His father, Thomas Evans, was
a native of Kentucky, but came to this county in 1816, where he after-
wards married Miss Mary A. Denny, and made his permanent home
here. C. R. was one of the family of children resulting from this
union.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 573
JOHN A. FEEGUSON,
farmer and stock raiser. John A., a son of Isham and Julia (Kinney)
Ferguson, was born in this county July 10, 1830. His father was a
native of Virginia,' hut when a young man he removed to Kentucky,
where he was married, and afterwards, in 1825, came to this county
with his family and settled in Prairie township. He was a farmer by
occupation, to which calling John A. was brought up, and this the son
has since continued to follow. Tu youth John A. Ferguson had the
advantages afforded by the schools of Roanoke, and succeeded in ac-
quiring a good practical education. He was married July 17, 1853,
to Miss Emeline Moore, of Scott county, Kentucky. Their only child,
James, was taken from them by death. Mr. Ferguson has a good
farm of 600 acres of fine land, and, besides the ordinary farm interests,
makes a specialty of short-horn thoroughbred cattle, of which he has
a herd of eighty head. He is a thorough-going, enterprising farmer
and stock raiser, and is well respected as a citizen and a neighbor.
MAJOR JOSEPH H. FINKS.
Prominent among the citizens of Howard county who give char-
acter to the community in which they live, and are a credit and an
honor to the county, is Major Joseph H. Finks, of Prairie township.
Descended from an ancestry of soldiers and excellent citizens of the
Old Dominion, where he himself was born and partly raised, he in-
herited undiminished the sterling qualities of his family, which have
given him a standing in his adopted state not unworthy of his name nor
of the old commonwealth that gave him birth. The founder of the
family in this country came originally from Switzerland, that cradle
of the republican institutions of modern times. Mark Finks, the
major's ancestor of the third generation, was a captain in the revolu-
tionary army and served under General Lafayette. He died in Vir-
ginia at the advanced age of eighty. His wife was previously a Miss
Fisher, whose family subsequently became prominent in Kentucky.
He was a man of great personal worth, and of a more than ordinarily
generous, kindly disposition, and quitted a long and useful life with-
out a known enemy. This quality — kindness, generous, courteous
bearing to all — is a marked characteristic of the family. Major
Finks' grandfather, James Finks, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and
served his country faithfully until the close of that struggle. He dis-
tinguished himself in several important engagements by his resolute,
unfaltering courage in the most trying circumstances. He was born
in Madison county, Virginia, in 1776, and died in that state in 1846.
He was married in his native county to Miss Mary Allen, and subse-
quently removed to Orange count}7 of the same state. Captain James
Finks, the major's father, was born a short time before his parents
left Madison county, September 1, 1808, but was reared in Orange
county. He married his first wife in the last named county, Miss Mary
38
574 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
E. Dulany, but she survived her marriage only a short time, dying in
1835. The following year Captain Finks made a trip to Howard coi'in-
ty, this state, where he met and married Miss Caroline, daughter of
Joseph S. and Cassandra Hughes, old settlers of the county, but orig-
inally of Kentucky. He then returned to Virginia with his wife, where
he lived about fourteen years, but in 1851 came back to this county
with his family and made it his permanent home. For many years he
has been one of the most highly respected and substantial citizens of
the county. Joseph H. Finks was born in Greene county, Virginia,
August 7, 1838. He was, therefore, thirteen years of age when his
parents settled in this county. Before he left Virginia he had at-
tended the neighborhood schools a number of sessions, and had made
a substantial start in the acquirement of an education. In this county
he also had the advantages afforded by the ordinary local schools, and
in 1857 was well qualified to enter college. He then returned to his
native state and became a matriculate in Randolph-Macon college,,
where he studied diligently for two years, thus acquiring an excellent
education. Reared on a farm, he early acquired a taste for the inde-
pendent, honorable life of a farmer, which decided him to devote him-
self mainly to agricultural pursuits. Accordingly, after his college
course he located on a farm in this county, and went to work with a
resolution and energy, united with a degree of intelligent management,
that could have but one result — complete success — which he was
not long in achieving. He has long been regarded as one of the best
farmers of the county. However, coming of an ancestry he did, and
in every sense a worthy son of the Old Dominion and of his adopted
state, it was but natural to expect that when the bugle-call of the south
was sounded in 1861 he would be among the first to rally to her de-
fence. He enlisted under Governor Jackson's first call for troops,
and was at once elected first lieutenant of his company. Shortly af-
terwards he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel by the governor, and
assigned to a position on the staff of General John B. Clark, Sr. In
this service he continued until the expiration of his term, when, in
1862, he entered the regular Confederate army and followed the
meteor-like flag of the south through three long years of privation and
danger, and until, like the cross, defeat was made more glorious than
victory. After his entrance into the Confederate service he was com-
missioned major by President Davis, and successively occupied posi-
tions on the staffs of Generals Frost, John B. Clark, Sr., and Parsons.
He was a member of General Parsons' staff at the time of the surren-
der. In 1870 he was elected circuit clerk for Howard county, and
such was his efficiency and popularity in office that he was re-elected
in 1874, thus holding that position eight years. Following this, in
1878, he was elected to the legislature from this county, and in that
body took high rank as an able and conscientious legislator. Decem-
ber 17, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie, daughter of
William J. Harvey, of Chariton county. As a citizen and neighbor,
and in every relation of life, Major Finks is without reproach.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 575
REV. DAVID FISHER, deceased.
Rev. David Fisher and Jacob Fisher, of Fayette, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this volume, had the same paternal ancestor of
the third generation, — David Fisher, of Augusta county, Virginia,
their grandfather, an old Continental soldier. Jacob Fisher, the
father of Rev. David, and uncle of Jacob Fisher, of Fayettte, was born
and reared in Augusta county. He married Miss Mary Painter, of
Kockingham county, of the same state, and of this union David, the
subject of this sketch, was born. Towards the latter part of his life,
Jacob, the father of our subject, with his wife and younger children
removed to Highland county, Ohio, where both parents lived until
their death. There he became a wealthy farmer and was a leading
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. David Fisher was born
in Augusta county, Virginia, March 1, 1805, and was reared in that
county. He joined the Methodist Episcopal church south, when in
his nineteenth year and entered the ministry of that church in his
twenty-second year. He travelled in the Virginia conference about
six years, and was then transferred to the Missouri conference, arriv-
ing at the field of his labor in Boone county in 1838. Ten years after-
wards he came to this county, and since that date up to his death,
December 1, 1877, served his church either as itinerant or local
preacher with but little intermission. However, he did not rely upon
his ministerial work for means of support for himself and family.
Having large farming interests, including three excellent farms, he
was in a position to devote himself to his great life-work, which he
did, " without money and without price " He was married July 8,
1834, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Daniel Brown, of Essex county,
Virginia. She, together with six children, survives her husband :
Charles B., Susan M., wife of Richard Blakey, of Roanoke; and
Misses Sallie C, Laura O., and Lou P., and James O., the fifth child.
Mary E., the eldest, is now deceased. She was the wife of George
W. Walker.
JAMES O. FISHER,
farmer. Mr. Fisher, the fifth of a family of seven, the children of
Rev. David Fisher, deceased, whose sketch precedes this, was born in
this county October 25, 1849. Reared on his father's homestead, after
attending the neighborhood schools in early youth he entered Central
college in Fayette, where he continued as a student until he had
acquired a good practical education. At the age of twenty, in 1869,
he went to Texas, but remained there only a short time, returning
then to his native county. Here he followed farming until 1872, when
he went back to Texas and engaged in the stock business, and for
five years gave that interest his undivided attention. But in 1877 he
was called home by business affairs, and in a short time settled on his
present farm consisting of several hundred acres of fine land, well
improved, where he has since lived. October 3, 1877, he was married
to Miss Kate, daughter of Rice Patterson, an old citizen of this section
of the state.
576 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
STEPHEN T. GARNER,
section 20, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of this vicinity, and
one of the oldest settlers of Howard county, owes his nativity to
Clark county, Kentucky, where he was born August 30, 1815. In
November, 1817, he was brought by his parents to this county, and
has since continued to make his home within its boundaries. His
present fine farm, embracing 320 acres, is well improved and under
cultivation. March 20, 1829, Miss Nancy Snodderly, of Howard
county, Missouri, became his wife. She was the daughter of Joseph
W. Snodderly. They are members of the M. E. church south. Mr.
G. has held the position of justice of the peace for many years. He
is well known in this community, and numbers his friends by the
score.
F. H. GREENE,
farmer. Mercantile clerking in this county and mining in California
occupied about twenty years of Mr. Greene's life after he started out
on bis own responsibility in early manhood. Since then he has been
engaged in farming, and has long been marked as one of the substan-
tial, well-respected farmers of the county. He was born in Howard
county, Missouri, July 15, 1823, and was a son of Wesley S. and
Elizabeth (Hawley) Greene, both natives of Kentucky. His father
removed from Madison county, that state, in 1819, and settled first at
Old Franklin, but two years later pushed on out to Prairie township,
where he made his permanent home and reared his family. After F.
H. grew up he engaged in clerking, and continued in that occupation
at Fayette, Glasgow and Prairieville successively until 1850, when,
the gold excitement of California having broken out the year previous,
he was attracted to the Pacific coast, as thousands of others were, by
the hope of accumulating from the mines of that region a handsome
fortune in a comparatively short time. He remained in California
thirteen years, but in 1863 returned to his old home in Howard
county and engaged in farming. He has a good farm of 200 acres,
improved, and gives considerable attention to stock raising. Febru-
ary 17, 1869, he was married to Miss Martha Kendrick. Thev have
two children — Leo and Lillian.
JAMES E. HARVEY,
farmer. James E. Harvey, born in this county April 25, 1819, was
the eldest of a family of thirteen children born to John and Elizabeth
(Walkup) Harvey, both natives of Madison county, Kentucky. They
came to Howard county in 1817 and settled in what is now known as
Prairie township. John Harvey was a farmer by occupation, and
also followed merchandising, and James E., as he grew up, became
familiar with the requirements and practical duties of both of these
lines of industry. To the former, however, he has given his whole
HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 577
attention, except while he was merchandising. in Glasgow two years,
between 1864 and 1867, and clerking five years in his father's store
in Fayette, from 1837 to 1842, inclusive. He now has several hun-
dred acres of laud in this and Chariton counties, and is a successful,
enterprising farmer. Mr. H. has been twice married. His first wife,
previously Miss Frances Tolson, to whom he was married in 1843,
died in August, 1847, leaving one child, John B., still living. March
28, 1848, he was married to Miss Sallie A. Hern, formerly of Madi-
son county, Kentucky. Of this union there are seven children liv-
ing— William O., James E., Jr., Anna E., Alexander C, Susie A.,
Henry C. and Sallie B. Mr. H. is a member of the Christian church, .
of the I. O. O. F., and has been justice of the peace. His father was
a soldier in the Black Hawk war.
W. C. HARVEY, M. D.,
physician and merchant. Dr. Harvey, a native of this county, and a
thoroughly educated physician, has been practising his profession in
Roanoke for nearly thirty-five years, and has long enjoyed a reputa-
tion, both as a physician and a citizen, second to that of no one in the
contiguous sections of Howard and Randolph counties. He was born
August 8, 1825, and was educated in the common schools of his
neighborhood. When quite a young man he taught school two years,
and then, in 1846, began the study of medicine. He studied under
Dr. L. C. Thomas two years and attended the Transylvania Medical
college of Lexington, Kentucky, during the terms of 1846-47 and
1847-48, graduating at the close of the last named term with marked
honor. After his graduation he returned to Missouri, and for a short
time practised his profession in Linn county, but in the winter of
1848-49 located in Roanoke, where from that time to this he has con-
tinued the practice. September 16, 1852, he was married to Miss
Leah A. Blakey. They have two children living — Gussie S. and
Zallie A. The doctor's father, John Harvey, was a native of Vir-
ginia, but was reared in Kentucky, where he married Miss Elizabeth
Walkup. In 1817 he came to this county with his family and settled
in what is now Prairie township, where the doctor was born and
reared. In 1880 Dr. Harvey established a dry goods and grocery
store in Roanoke, which commands an excellent trade.
G. G. HARVEY,
section 33, a leading agriculturist and raiser of stock of this vicinity,
was also born in Howard county, Missouri, November 18, 1834,
within one mile of where he now lives. His father, William Harvey,
a native of Madison county, Kentucky, came to this county in 1818.
G. G. Harvey was united in marriage December 27, 1865, to Miss
Narcissa Snoddy, of Howard county. They have six children —
Georgie, Thomas J., Annie, Narcissa, William W. and Eva. Mrs.
H. is a member of the M. E. church south." Mr. Harvey is the pos-
sessor of 350 acres of land, under good cultivation, and improved
with a substantial dwelling and fine orchard.
578 history or Howard and cooper counties.
J. Y. HUME, M. D.,
physician and surgeon, and of Fugate & Hume, druggists, at Arm-
strong. Dr. Hume is a son of Reuben Y., and grandson of Joel
Hume, both of whom came to this county in 1844 ; the former, then
a youth, coming out with his father's family, who emigrated from
Madison county, Kentucky, that year. [A sketch of the Hume fam-
ily is given elsewhere in this volume.] Reuben Y. was married, after
he grew up to manhood, in this county, to Miss Frances Payton,
mention of whose family is made in the notice of Joel Hume's life.
Of this union J. Y., now Dr. Hume, was born November 13, 1851.
He was educated at Central college, in Fayette, and in 1874 began
the study of medicine under Dr. F. M. Scroggin, of this county. He
prosecuted his studies' with diligence for two years under that excel-
lent physician, and then entered the St. Louis Medical college, from
which he was graduated with honor in March, 1879. Locating at
Armstrong, he is rapidly establishing a wide reputation as a skilful
and successful physician. He has also for some time past been a
member of the drug firm of Fugate & Hume. This firm has a lucra-
tive and increasing trade throughout the surrounding county. No-
vember 13, 1879, the doctor was married to Miss Fannie P., daughter
of Dr. J. A. Walker. They have one child, an infant. Dr. Hume is
a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the A. O. U. W.
RICHARD W. LEE
is a son of Richard and Nancy Lee, natives of Madison county, Ken-
tucky, and was born November 11, 1834, within one-half a mile of
where he now resides. He has ever made agricultural pursuits and
the raising of stock his occupation during life, and is now the' pos-
sessor of 361 acres of farming land, on section 21, under good im-
provement. Mr. Lee is a brother of Judge Lee, well known in this
community. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity of
Roanoke.
JACOB MORTEN SON,
a prominent dealer in hardware and lumber at Armstrong, was born in
Denmark in July, 1857. Emigrating to the United States, he settled
in Howard county, Missouri, in 1873, subsequently locating in Arm-
strong. Here he is enjoying a good trade, and having a complete stock
in his line, receives a liberal patronage. September 26, 1882, Mr. Mor-
tenson was married to Miss Ella Quinn, of this county. They are
members of the Christian church, and Mr. M. belongs to lodge No.
270, A. O. U. W., of Armstrong.
JAMES H. PATTERSON,
farmer. Mr. Patterson is of Irish descent. Littlebury Patterson, his
ancestor of the fourth generation, lived and died in Virginia, where he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 579
reared a family of eight children. Thomas Patterson, a son of Little-
bury, and grandfather of James H., settled in Madison county, Ken-
tucky, in about 1800, and there married Mary, a daughter of William
Harvey, who afterwards became an early settler of Prairie township,
this county. In 1817 Thomas Patterson removed to this county with
his family, where he lived until his death. He reared a large family
of children, and of these, Rice, the father of James H., was born be-
fore the parents left Kentucky, February 25, 1811, in Madison county.
He was married in this county in the spring of 1838 to Miss Cordelia
G., daughter of David Martin, an early settler of the county. He
died here June 15, 1877, his wife following him to the grave January
5, 1881. He was a man of great industry, enterprise, and of a high
order of intelligence. Beginning life for himself without anything,
he became one of the foremost men of the county in wealth and char-
acter. Esteemed by all who knew him as an upright, progressive
citizen and a good neighbor, he died possessed of a large estate con-
sisting of over 1,300 acres of fine land, and large personal property
interests besides. Flat-boating, teaming across the plains, clerking,
merchandising, farming, and the stock business, mark his successive
steps from youth and penury to honored old age and wealth. For
over twenty years he and his wife were exemplary members of the Bap-
tist church. James H. Patterson was born in this county August 4,
1850, and was the fifth of a family of seven children. He was edu-
cated in the common schools, and in William Jewell college, of Liberty,
Missouri. He began the activities of life at his majority by engaging in
merchandising in Eoanoke. He followed this until 1881, when he
turned his whole attention to farming. In the meantime, in 1879, he
had commenced farming, and since then he has continued in that oc-
cupation with excellent success. He has a good farm, substantially
and comfortably improved. March 19, 1874, he was married to Miss
Bettie Eddins, of this county. They have two children, James C.
and Nadine G. Mr. P. is a member of the Baptist church.
JAMES R. PHELPS..
William P. Phelps, the father of James R., though a native of
Madison county, Kentucky, having been born there in 1823, was
reared in Chariton county, this state, where he was brought by his pa-
rents when only a year old. After growing up he was married to Miss
Elizabeth Finnell, of this section of the state, and of the family of
children born of this union, eight are now living : Mary E., James
R., John L., Lillie D., Genero F., Kate, Robert and Stonewall.
James R. was born October 12, 1849, and in 1850 the family. moved
to Eoanoke, where he was reared and has since continued to live.
January 8, 1876, the father died, leaving an estate consisting of an
excellent farm, and a considerable amount of personal property. Wil-
liam P. Phelps was an industrious, intelligent farmer, and an upright,
good citizen, and was highly respected by all who knew him.
580 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
"Men drop so fast 'ere life's mid-stage we tread,
Few know so many friends alive as dead."
In the very meridian of life, when his need to loved ones was the
greatest, he fell a victim to the insatiate archer, Death. Yet his life
was such, that
"The less of this cold world, the more of heaven —
The briefer life, the earlier immortality."
James E. is interested in the management of his father's farm,
which is being successfully worked and to the best advantage for the
estate. Besides this he is engaged in clerking in Roanoke, which he
has followed for some years, and is an efficient, popular salesman and
clerk. | .?
JAMES RICHARDSON,
tobacco dealer, farmer and fine stock raiser. Mr. Richardson,
formerly a leading citizen of Madison county, Kentucky, of which he
■was a representative in the legislature of that state, came to Howard
county in 1859, but owing to the unsettled condition of affairs just
preceding the outbreak of the war, did not enter largely into farming
and general business until after the close of that struggle. In 1865,
he purchased a large farm of 600 acres just across the line in Ran-
dolph county, which he greatly improved, and it is now one of the
finest landed estates throughout the surrounding country. Coming
from a pure stock country — the blue grass regions of Kentucky — he
brought his tastes' for blooded, high grade stock with him, and at once
went to work to make his farm equal to the fine stock farms of his
native county. The result is he has one of the finest herds of short-
horn cattle in north Missouri — a herd that has taken more premiums
in the last three years than any other in that section of the state. He
also conducts an important tobacco business at Roanoke, in this county.
He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, December 13, 1820. His
father, Thomas Richardson, was a native of Virginia, but was reared
in Kentucky. His mother was formerly Miss Mary Harris, born and
reared in Kentucky. ^James Richardson lived in his native county —
where, June 20, 1840, he was married to Miss Sallie Simpson, of
Clark county, that state, — until he was thirty-nine years of age, then,
in 1859, coming to Howard county with his family. They have three
children, Sallie J., wife of George H. Wilcoxson ; Mary E., wife of G.
C. Brown, and Rosanna B., wife of Chas. R. Brown.
WILLIAM A. SHIFLETT,
section 21, came originally from Rockingham county, Virginia, where
he was born September 27, 1837. On the 26th of September, 1855,
he removed to Howard county, Missouri, and in March, 1870, located
upon the farm which he now occupies. This embraces 226 acres.
February 14, 1856, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shiflett to Miss Mar-
garet Powell, of Greene county, Virginia. They have had a family
of eleven children, of whom ten are living : Henry C, Laurie L,, Dora
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 581
B., Peter, Millie, Mollie, George W., Julia, King B. and Fannie. An
important feature of Mr. Shiflett's farm is his excellent young or-
chard.
BENJAMIN F. SNYDEB,
farmer and stock raiser. Like so many of the substantial and better class
of farmers of Howard county, Mr. Snyder comes of an old and well re-
pected Virginia family. He was born in Madison county. Virginia,
November 14th, 1819, and came to this county with his father's family
when he was fourteen years of -age. His father, James Snyder, and
his mother, formerly Miss Sarah A. Hylor, were both natives of the
Old Dominion, and his father was a gallant soldier in the war of 1812.
They settled in this county in 1833, where the father followed cooper-
ing, to which occupation the son was brought up, following it until
the death of his father in 1851. He then engaged in farming, also
carrying on a cooper shop, and in these occupations he has since con-
tinued. He now owns a handsome farm of nearly 300 acres, and has
it well improved. In connection with his other farming interests he
raises some good stock, of which he has an excellent quality. March
4th, 1863, he was married to Miss Mary F. Walford. They have one
child, Mariam F. Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the
Masonic order.
B. M. SNODDY,
the son of J. W. Snoddy, originally of Madison county, Kentucky,
was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 31, 1831, and has made
this his home since that time, with the exception of seven years which
he passed in Grundy county, Missouri. He is now quite an extensive
farmer and stock raiser, and is the owner of a landed estate of 343
acres. Mr. Snoddy was married April 30th, i860, to Miss Clemency
Wodds of this county. They have four children living: William W.,
John F., Bobert L. and Minnie M. Mrs. S. is a member of the Pres-
byterian church, and he is a Mason.
JAMES L. SPEBEY,
farmer, section 21, owes his nativity to Lawrence county, Kentucky,
where he was born August 1, 1804. In 1839 he came to Missouri, but did
not settle in Howard county until the fall of 1856. Here he now owns
a farm of 148 acres, all under cultivation. March 11th, 1823, Mr.
Sperry was married to Miss Parlina Canterbery, of Lawrence county,
Kentucky. She died January 28, 1880. To them had been born nine
children, five of whom are living.- Eveline M., William H., Benj. F.,
Martha and John W. Mr. Sperry is a member of the M. E. church
south.
SAMUEL STEINMETZ,
farmer and breeder of short horn cattle and other blooded stock.
Among the prominent citizens of Howard county of German birth who
582 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
have reflected credit upon themselves, their fatherland and their
adopted country, is Samuel Steinmetz, of Prairie -township. He was
born in Gros-yen-Engles Kries Fritzler KurHessen, Germany, Octo-
ber 10th, 1809. His father,. Warnerd Steinmetz, was a farmer. His
mother's maiden name was Louisa Seebre. In early youth he received
a limited education in his native town, and then served three years as
an apprentice to the boot and shoe making business. After working
as a journeyman at his trade about two years he came to America, ex-
periencing great hardships on the voyage by reason of the water and
provisions becoming exhausted. Finally he landed at Baltimore in
1834, with but twenty -five francs, a less sum than five dollars. Failing
to get employment there, having refused to accept work offered him,
which would have resulted in the discharge of a fellow-mechanic, he
went to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked about a year,
and from thence to Pittsburg and Allegheny City, thence to Wheel-
ing, West Virginia, and to Maysville, Kentucky, thence to Versailles,
Kentucky, and to Lexington in the same state ; from Lexington he
went to Louisville. At these places he met with varied experiences,
obtaining work in most of them, however, for a short time.
Arrived at Louisville, he secured employment and began a
system of rigid economy, with the view of becoming enabled
to commence business for himself. He soon accumulated a small
capital and went to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he engaged in
business. In a short time he also carried on business in Jackson and
New Orleans, and several other leading points in the south. In a few
years he sold out his business, and had $7,000 in cash as the result of
his enterprise. He then determined to make a visit to his native coun-
try, but by the Brandon bank of Vicksburg failing at that time, in
which his money was deposited, he lost all but about $1,000. He then
came west, and finally located in Glasgow, this state, where he com-
menced his career in this county, just five years after landing at Balti-
more. Here he opened a shop and shortly engaged in the boot and
shoe mercantile line, and by his promptness and honorable dealings he
very soon established a character that secured him all the credit and
assistance he desired in business, and a wide trade — a character which
for truth, honesty and uprightness for over forty years has been with-
out spot or tarnish. In 1861 he sold out his boot and shoe business,
and in 1863 engaged in the grocery business with J. W. Mezrick as
his partner, and having more means than he desired to use in this
branch, he also engaged in speculations in nails, whiskey, etc., from
which he realized very large profits. He also run a large and popular
hotel in Glasgow. In 1866 he purchased a saw mill and farm from A.
W. Roper, just across the river from Glasgow, the farm containing 733
acres of as fine land as there is on the Missouri river. This was greatly
improved, and in a few years was sold in lots to suit purchasers, at
a very large profit. In 1868 he purchased the Hazel Ridge farm be-
longing to the estate of Wm. M. Morrison, deceased, near Glasgow,
containing 330 acres, for many years regarded as one of the most
beautiful farms in the state. He has greatly improved it, andismak-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 583
ing it a model stock farm in every particular. Here he lives, and
follows stock raising on a large scale. He has some of the finest cat-
tle, sheep, hogs and other live stock in Missouri. He has fifty head
of short horn cattle of imported breeds, a large flock of Cotswold sheep,
and hogs of various high grades. This farm is immediately on the
Chicago and Alton railroad, and Mr. Steinmetz has established a station
called Steinmetz, which promises to become an important and pros-
perous place. In 1849 he made a trip to California, which, however,
resulted in a loss to him of over $1,000. December 3d, 1840, he was
married to Miss Lucetta V., daughter of Lewis Coleman, late of Char-
iton county, a lady of great personal woi'th. Her father was a soldier
under Wellington, and participated in the famous battle of Waterloo.
Mr. Steinmetz has nine children. His two eldest sons fill honored
graves, having fallen in the defence of Glasgow, October 15th, 1864 ;
the eldest, Captain Samuel, fell while gallantly commanding his com-
pany within the entrenchments ; his brother, Aaron, was mortally
wounded while obeying the former's orders and died two days after-
wards. The two eldest daughters are married — the first, Amelia, to
John Tillman, and the second, Mary, to Wm. A. Meyer, both promi-
nent merchants of Glasgow. The other children are Edward, George,
John, Don, Palmer, William and Maine.
HENEY C. THOKP,
farmer and stock raiser, section 25, was born in Howard county, Mis-
souri, upon the farm he now occupies, October 5, 1847, his parents
being Jackson and Harriet Thorp, Kentuckians by birth. Henry C.
Thorp was married October 16, 1865, to Miss Belle Brummel, of
Chariton county, Missouri, and to them have been born three chil-
dren— Anna M., Beulah B., and an infant, unnamed. Mr. Thorp's
farm of 215 acres is an excellently improved one, and upon it is a
substantial house, and a barn far above the average of those in this
township. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
as is also his wife.
A. C. TOLSON,
originally from Madison county, Kentucky, was born on October 16,
1821. In the fall of 1823, he accompanied his parents to Callaway
county, Missouri, and in 1825, he came to Howard county, moving
upon his present farm in section 20, in 1858. This contains over 248
acres of fine land that will average with any in the county. Mr.
Tolson is a farmer of advanced views, and takes great interest in pro-
moting the interests of this county and township. September 20,
1855, he was married to Permelia E. Gibbs, of Howard county,
Missouri, and a daughter of Stephen and Martha Gibbs. They have
had four children, three of whom are living — Stephen B., George
L. and James C. They are members of the Christian church.
584 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
J. K. TWYMAN,
section 29, a son of F. K. B. Twyman, is a native of Howard county,
Missouri, and was born August 14, 1855. He has since made this
his home, following farming as his occupation. His present landed
estate embraces 127 acres, upon which is a fine dwelling and a good
young orchard. He devotes some attention to the raising of stock.
Mr. Twyman was married on December 13, 1878, to Miss Fanny B.
Briggs, of this county. Their family consists of two children —
Mary and Euby B.
T. W. VILEY,
stock dealer and farmer. The importance of Mr. Viley's transactions
in the stock dealing business, and the extent of his farming interests,
give him a conspicuous position among the leading citizens of Howard
county in these lines. He buys and ships large quantities of stock
for the principal markets of the West, and his landed estate numbers
a thousand acres of the best quality of farming land. He was born
in Randolph county, Missouri, March 5, 1836, and was reared in that
county, which continued to be his place of residence until 1882, when
he settled in this county. His father, John Viley, and his mother,
whose name before she married was Susan B. Elley, were both natives
of Kentucky, whence they came and settled in Randolph county in
this state. The father was a farmer by occupation, and to this calling
T. W. Viley was brought up. After attaining manhood he was
married September 18, 1861, to Miss Lizzie P. Stock, formerly of
Kentucky, but she died May 18, 1864, leaving one child — Lizzie B.
October 1, 1865, he was married a second time, Mrs. Lou O., relict
of T. W. Boone, then becoming his wife. She was born in Monroe
county, Missouri, April 23, 1839.
J. J. WALKUP,
section 29, was born in Howard county, Missouri, on the 28th of
October, 1834. His parents were James and Arreta Walkup, origin-
ally from Garrett county, Kentucky, who came to this county in 1830.
In 1862, the subject of this sketch removed to Davis county, Iowa,
but in the spring of 1876 he returned to Missouri, locating on his
present farm of 800 acres. Upon this place is a good house and
barn, besides an orchard of excellent fruit. Mr. Walkup married
Miss Isabel Hardy, of Davis county, Iowa, September 7, 1864. They
have six children — Cora L., Thomas H., Lela E., Marv E., Katie B.
and James E. Mr. Walkup is a member of the A. 6. U. W. fra-
ternity, and with his wife belongs to the M. E. church south.
J. H. WAYLAND,
farmer, and lately a manufacturer and merchant. Henry Wayland
and Arana Malone were both born and reared in Virginia, and there
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 585
married and for some years afterwards lived in Orange county, of that
state. Of this union J. H. Wayland, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Orange county, June 8, 1818. When he was but three years
of age his parents removed to this county, and here he wfas reared, and
as he grew up was educated in the common schools. He followed
farming until 1847, when he engaged in merchandising in Roanoke,
in which he continued about seventeen years. He then traded in live
stock until 1867, at which time he gave his attention to milling and
and the manufacture of woolen goods a short distance east of
Koanoke, conducting also a store at the same time. These lines he
pursued with satisfactory success until 1873, when he leased his mill
and resumed farming, which he has since followed. He has a good
farm of about two hundred acres, and has it substantially and com-
fortably improved. He was for some years justice of the peace, and
is a worthy member of the C. P. church. September 23, 1847, he
was married to Miss Martha W. Dysart, of Randolph county. They
have eight children — R. C, EuphemaA., Mary K., Martha V., J. N.,
Fannie P., Charles D. aud Orpho L.
A. S. WOLCOTT,
farmer and stock raiser, section '16, is a native of Ontario county,
New York, and was born March 22, 1827. On March 24, 1874, he
came to this county and has since continued to live here. He now
owns a farm of 160 acres, of which sixteen acres are devoted to an
orchard. This orchard is one of the finest in the county, and con-
tains about 2,400 trees, 1,000 trees being red winter apples, 300
peaches (representing forty varieties), 200 plum trees, 600 orange
quince, besides Siberian crab and pear trees, together with a number
of grape vines. Mr. Wolcott was united in marriage August 2, 1855,
to Miss Sarah P. Walker, of Ontario county, New York. She died
May 9, 1882, leaving three children — Charles S., Eliza L. and George
F. Mr. W. is a prominent member of the M. E. church.
SIDNEY S. WOODS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 17, was born April -29, 1819, in
Howard county, Missouri, upon the farm where he now resides. His
brother, James Woods, was bom upon the same farm April 3, 1821.
Their parents, Patrick and Frances Woods, originally of Madison
county, Kentucky, came to Howard county, Missouri, in 1816, set-
tling the place which these brothers now occupy. With the exception
of three years spent in the war, Mr. Woods has always lived in
Howard county. These brothers jointly own a farm of over 517
acres, upon which is a good house, barn and small orchard.
586 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
B UK TO ST TOWNSHIP.
JOHN W. BLAKLEY,
the seventh of a family of ten children born to John and Hannah Blak-
ley, nee Hardin, is a native of Burton township, Howard county, Mis-
souri, where he was born August 25, 1826. His father, a Virginian by
birth, was born in 1791. Mrs. B. was a daughter of Samuel Hardin.
Of the original number of children, six are now living. John W. re-
sided at home until his marriage, in September, 1849, to Miss Nancy
Morris, of Howard county, and a daughter of John W. Morris. By
this union there were nine children — Anna Laura, . Thomas M.,
Samuel J., Nathaniel, Susan M., John J., Hardin J., William A. and
Sallie A. Two of these are deceased, three are married, and the re-
mainder single. On the 10th day of April, 1883, Mrs. Blakley died,
sincerely mourned by all with whom she was acquainted. She was a
most estimable lady, and had hosts of friends. Mr. B. came to this
county from Macon county, Missouri, whither he had previously moved,
in 1866, and now owns 280 acres of land. His farm is under good im-
provement.
R. W. BLAKEY, M. D.
On the 12th of September, 1839, there was born in Howard
county, Missouri, to John M. and Frances (White) Blakey, a son, the
subject ot this sketch. His father, John M. Blakey, a Virginian by
birth, was born between the years 1797 and 1800. R. W., the fifth
of seven cildren, lived with his father until that person's death, in
1844, after which he made his home with his mother until sixteen
years of age. Then he went to the high school at Fayette for one
year, subsequently entering Central college where he attended three
years. Soon after he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr.
W. K. Harvey, and upon studying with him for one year took a course
of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated in
1860. For one year from this time Dr. Blakey practised his profession
with Dr. Harvey, going thence to Macon City and from there to Roan-
oke. He returned to Macon City some time later, and also at Roan-
oke, coming next to his present place. He is quite extensively en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising, and is quite successful in the
prosecution of his chosen calling. In 1861 Dr. B. was married to
Miss Susan M. Fisher, daughter of Rev. David Fisher, of Howard
county. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living:
Anna L., Lizzie B., Estel, R. W., Mary E. and Russell. Georgia is
deceased.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 587
JAMES M. BLY,
farmer and stock raiser, owes his nativity to Tennessee, where he was
born on the 2d day of May, 1831. In 1835 he emigrated with his
father, George Bly, to Missouri, and located in Jasper county, build-
ing the first cabin in that county. George Bly, originally from North
Carolina, was born in 1784, and married Miss Sarah McDonald. They
had twelve children, ten boys and two girls. When twenty-two years
of age J. M. went to California, remaining for three years. In the
meantime he visited New Mexico and Texas, and on his second trip
enlisted in the Mexican war, with General Clarkson, of Dade county,
receiving his discharge in 1848. In October, 1865, he was married
to Miss Jake Embree. They have been blessed with five sons, three
of whom survive. Charles G., John and Clyde. William and one in-
fant are deceased. Mr. Bly's farm contains eighty acres, and he
raises upon it considerable stock. His residence is an excellent one.
He is by trade a blacksmith. Politically he has always been a demo-
crat.
JAMES F. BURN AM
is the son of Mrs. Isabella Burnam, who was born in Kentucky in
1831, her parents being James and Eliza Crow. She lived at home until
thirteen years old, and then accompanied her mother to Howard
county. In 1857 she was married to Mr. William Burnam, and to
them were born five children : James F., William B., Robert, Stephen
and Freddy L. She was again married to Mr. Owen Williams, and
they had one child, Charles Williams. Mrs. Burnam is pleasantly lo-
cated on a farm of 160 acres of excellent land. The children are all
unmarried.
J. FOSTER BURNAM
was born in Howard county, Missouri, upon his present place of resi-
dence, in 1845. His father, Foster Burnam, originally fr.om Ken-
tucky, came to Howard county, Missouri, in 1816, but subsequently
returned to his native state, remaining there for eighteen months. Com-
ing again to this county, he settled the place now owned and occupied
by his son, living there until his death. He had been twice married ;
first to a Miss Todd, who bore him one son, who died in 1849 while
crossing the plains. He was again married to Miss Maria Pemberton,
a daughter of Stephen Pemberton. To them were born eleven chil-
dren, of whom J. Foster was the tenth. October 8, 1874, he was
married to Miss Maria B. Bradley, a daughter of George W. Bradley.
They have two bright and promising children : Clay B. and John F.
Politically Mr. B. is a staunch democrat. His father was among the
earliest pioneers of this county, and his grandfather was the man who
first settled the present site of Fayette ; he operated a horse mill for
some time just above that place.
588 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
PRYOR BURTON.
The subject of this sketch was born on the 15th of April, 1829,
in Howard county, Missouri, being the son of Moses Burton, of Ken-
tucky, born in 1796, who came to this county in 1816 or 1817. He
was first married to Miss Elizabeth Pemberton, of Kentucky, and
they had nine children, of whom Pryor was the third. Only three
children are now living. Mr. B.'s second marriage occurred to Miss
Jane Hughes. "When twenty years old, young Burton took a trip tov
California, remaining for three years, when he returned. In 1855
Miss Mary E. Willis, of Howard county, became his wife, and to them
was born one child — Alonzo Moses, now deceased. He was again
married to Miss Susan E. Hockensmith, a daughter of Joseph Hock-
ensmith, of this county. They have had two children — Joseph W.
and Fannie — neither of whom are living. Mr. Burton is the owner
of 225 acres of well improved land, in excellent condition. He has
ever been a democrat in politics. He is a member of the Baptist
church.
WILLIAM A. CRESON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 31, owes his nativity to Surry county,
North Carolina, where he was born in 1832. George Creson, his
father, also born in North Carolina in 1798, married Miss Eunice
Hadley, of the same state. Nine children were born of this union,
six of whom are living. William accompanied his parents to Mis-
souri in 1840, locating in Howard county, which has since been his
home. In 1858 Miss Nancy J. Robb became his wife, and they have
four children living — George William, Sterling Price, Caleb W.,
and Ann M. Mr. Creson was not in the service during the war,
though his sympathies were with the southern cause. Politically he
is now a greenbacker, though formerly a democrat. His farm con-
tains eighty acres.
STEPHEN W. CRESON,
one of the prominent and most successful teachers in this county,
was born iu Howard county, Missouri, January 27, 1853. He was
the son of Thomas H. Creson, a native of North Carolina, born in
1823, who was first married in 1848 to Miss Caroline Collier. They
had six children — Mary L., Eunice O., Stephen W., Josephine,
James M. and Rebecca L. Of these five are now alive. Mr. C.'s
secoud marriage occurred to Frances Enyard, who bore him five
children. Stephen W. remained at home until twenty-five years of
age, receiving the principal part of his education at the Kirksville
normal school. In 1874 he commenced teaching, and has followed
that profession continuously ever since. His first school he taught
in Randolph county, and afterwards in Swetnam's school, then at the
Rock Spring school house, and finally at his present location, where
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COQPER COUNTIES. 589
he has taught for three consecutive years. He has acquired an envi-
able reputation as an able and thoroughly competent instructor, and
his services are eagerly sought after. He owns a farm in section 32,
of 102 acres, upon which is a fine residence, and he also devotes con-
siderable attention to the raising of stock. All he now owns has been
acquired through his own efforts, he having commenced in life for
himself, a poor boy. Mr. Creson was married in 1877 to Miss Susie
E. Robb, daughter of Sarah E. Robb. They have one child —
Bertha A.
JOHN A. EMBREE
was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1822, and was the son
of Isham T. Embree, a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1788. He
came to this county in 1800, and in 1820 was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Givens, also of Kentucky, her father being Benjamin
Givens. To them were born ten children — Benjamin, John A.,
William, Susan, Sarah, Naucy, Mary, Martha, Fannie, and Jake.
Seven of this number are now living. John A., the second child in
the family, was married in 1844 to Miss Nancy Robb, a daughter of
Jonas Robb. By this union there were six children — Sarah, Martha,
Mollie, Joella, Isham and William, and of these Mollie, Joella and
Isham are at home, the others being deceased. Mr. Embree owns
140 acres of fine land, in section 19. During the war he was in the
Confederate service, being a member of company G (Perkins' com-
pany), and he served for two years. He is now a greenbacker in his
political preference, but was formerly a democrat. He is connected
with the Baptist church, and is also a member of Elm Grange No.
1372, Patrons of Husbandry.
J. R. EVANS
was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1833, his parents being
John and Eliza (Roper) Evans, the former born in Kentucky in 1800.
They had seven children: Mary C, William G., J.R., Lucy, Law-
rence, Alfred W. and John. Of this family four are deceased. J.R.,
the third of these children, lost his father by death when eleven years
old. He then lived with his mother until twenty-five years old, when
he was married, in 1858, to Sarah N. Crews, a daughter of James and
Lucinda Crews. To them were born seven children: Theodore F.,
Ada C, James, Jessie L., Eliza, W. Roper and Roscoe. Politically,
Mr. E. is a republican. He has owned 342 acres of land, but has
given his son eighty-seven of this, and a portion of 200 acres in
Prairie township. His 'homestead is well improved, and his residence
is a most comfortable one.
ALEXANDER FORBES,
.a native of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, born in July, 1830, was
the son of Alexander Forbes, originally from Scotland, who came to
this country when twenty years old, subsequently being married to a
39
590 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Miss Mash, of Maryland. Alexander, the youngest child of a family
of three children, left home at the age of twenty and went to Vir-
ginia, from whence he again moved to Maryland, thence to Pennsyl-
vania, and later to Ohio. He returned after a time to Pennsylvania,
and upon living in that state and Ohio at different periods, left and
came to Missouri, landing in Randolph county in April, 1870. In
one year thereafter he came to this county, which has since been his
home. Mr. Forbes married Miss Sophia Sutliff, of Lawrence county,
Pennsylvania, whose father, F. Sutliff, was a native of England. To
them were born nine children : Alexander, died when four years old ;
Sutliff, died at the age of eight; Susannah, James A., John H., Oli-
ver S., Sarah A., William V. and Job. Mr. F. is actively engaged
in farming, but also runs a custom mill and operates a factory for
carding and spinning wool. He owns 125 acres of land in Burton
township and some in Prairie township. His landed estate embraces
175 acres.
SAEAH GEORGE,
the daughter of James Hardin, Esq., was born in 1828, and is a native
of Howard county. She was married in January, 1851, to William
A. George, who was also born, reared and educated in this county.
His father was William George. Mr. G. served in the Mexican war
under Doniphan, and he was also a soldier during the late civil war,
and died, in prison at St. Louis in February, 1865. To them were
born nine children and six are now living: James L., John C, Wil-
liam H., Colden W., Susan A. and Ameseta 11. Three died in in-
fancy. John C. married Miss Melissa Jackson, Susan A. is now Mrs.
Hiram McCafferty, and Ameseta H. is the wife of William Robb.
Mrs. George.is the owner of 160 acres of improved land.
DEMARCUS GEORGE,
farmer and stock raiser, was born on the 6th of November, 1830, in
Howard county, Missouri. His father, William George, a native of
Kentucky, born in 1794, married Miss Lucy Lyles, of the same state.
By this marriage there were born seven children. William George,
leaving Kentucky in the spring of 1816, came by keel boat to Mis-
souri, and lived in Howard county until his death. His second mar-
riage occurred to a Mrs. Reed. Demarcus George was the seventh
child of his father's family. He was married in 1853 to Miss Henrietta
Cunningham, of Howard county, and a daughter of John Cunning-
ham. She was born in 1837. They have had eight children : Elbert
B., Noah W., James M., Thomas B., Calvin,. Are E., Orvil B., and
Wilbur B. Of these all are living except the eldest. Mr. George is
the owner of a farm of 160 acres of land in sections 27 and 28. In
his political preferences he is democratic.
J. C. GREEN,
son of Samuel Green, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in
1850. The former, a native of the same county, born in 1818, was
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 591
married to Miss Serena Williams, and from this marriage eight chil-
dren were born, six of whom survive. J. C, the fifth child in the
family, lived with his father until twenty years of age, then going to
Whalen, Hall & Co.'s mill, where he operated the engine for one
year. He soon commenced farming, and in 1874 was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lucy Magruder. They have three children living :
Maggie A., Euphrata B. and Lena P. Mr. Green is the owner of
120 acres of finely improved land in section 21. He is a carpenter
and joiner by trade, and works at this occupation in connection with
his farming operations. Politically he is a democrat. He is a mem^
ber of the Grange, being master of Elm Grange No. 1372. He is
connected with the M. E. church south.
THOMAS B. HARRIS,
a promineut citizen of Burton township, was born on May 2, 1818,
and is a native of Kentucky. His parents were William and Marga-
ret D. Harris, to whom were born twelve children, and eleven grew
to manhood and womanhood. Thomas B., the second in the family,
came to Missouri with his father in 1820, locating in Howard county.
When twenty-one years old he went to Lincoln count}', and two years
later removed to what is now the Platte purchase, in 1840, remaining
there until 1844. Returning to Howard county he purchased eighty
acres of land, where his residence now stands. Mr. Harris was
married January 16, 1845, to Miss Margaret M. Thompson, of this
county, and they had fourteen children, of whom four died in infancy.
Ten are now living: Elizabeth, William T., Olivia M., Millard P\,
Jerome W., Virgil Bates, Artiniesia, Martha T., Lenora B. and Mar-
garet Price. Mr. Harris now owns 520 acres of land, all in cultiva-
tion. He has given much property to his children. Politically he is
a democrat. In his religious preferences he is a Cumberland Presby-
terian. Mr. Harris is a man who never drank a glass of liquor.
MILLARD P. HARRIS,
a native of Howard county, Missouri, was born in 1853. His father,
Thomas B. Harris, one of the largest farmers in the county, is a
Kentuckian by birth, but emigrated to this county in an early day.
Millard P. lived with his father until twenty-one years of age, at
which age, leaving home, he spent some time in travelling. In 1880,
he was married to Miss Florence Pemberton, a daughter of Tilford
Pemberton, of Howard county. By this marriage they have had one
child. Mr. Harris is the owner of 160 acres of land.
MATHEW HOWARD
was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1857, and was the son of
Thomas Howard, one of the largest farmers and most prominent
stock raisers in the county. Mathew was brought up and received
592 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
his education in the county of his birth, and has made farming his
principal occupation during life. His farm contains 210 acres of land
on section 27.
FRANCIS M. KERBY,
the son of John Kerby, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in
1833. John Kerby, who was a native of Garrett county, Kentucky,
born in 1807, was married in 1826, to Miss Mary A. Wharton, and by
this union there were fifteen children, of whom Francis M. was the
fifth in number. The senior Kerby died in 1870, his widow departing
this life in 1882. When twenty-two years of age, the subject of this
sketch went to Clinton county and from there to Carroll county.
After returning from Carroll he entered the Confederate service, and
served over three years. About a year succeeding the war, he spent
his time in Arkansas, then retracing his steps to his former home.
Here he was married in 1867, to Miss Sallie A. Cross, a daughter of
John Cross, of this county. By this union there have been three
children. Francis M. and Sallie A., now living, and the eldest son
John H., deceased. Mr. Kerby is the owner of a fine farm of 260
acres, well improved, of which ]30 acres are bottom lands. In poli-
tics he is a democrat.
J. P. KETCHUM,
a leading agriculturist of Burton township, was born in 1824, in
Hart county, Kentucky, and was the son of Joseph Ketchum, also a
Kentuckian by birth, born in Louisville. His wife was formerly
Miss Jane Sherl, of the same state as himself, and te them were born
seven children, five boys and two girls. J. P., the third child in the
family, remained at home until about twenty-two years of age, then
coming to Howard county, Missouri. In 1844, he married Miss Julia
A. Rains, a daughter of William Rains. They have had twelve chil-
dren : Caroline, James, Julia A., Mary and Martha (twins), Johnnie
R., Thomas, Medora, Millard, Lee, Susan and Robert. Six of these
children are now living. Mr. Ketchum owns 390 acres of land, well
watered and improved, making one of the finest farms in this locality.
Politically he is a democrat, and during the war was a second lieuten-
ant in a company of state militia.
CHARLES W. LAY,
the son of Franklin and Charlotte B. Lay, was born in Howard coun-
ty, Missouri, in 1858, being the third of a family of seven children :
Laura E., Dora A., Nellie, Katie, Joe, Ada and William F. Franklin
Lay came to Missouri with his father, Daniel, and was among the
earliest pioneers of the vicinity. In 1850 his marriage occurred, his
wife being the daughter of Joseph and Rachel Carter, Virginians by
birth. She was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, in 1828, and was
fourth in a family of seven children. After living in her native state
for quite a period of time, she accompanied her parents to Randolph
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 593
county, Missouri, they settling near Moberly. Franklin Lay is now
deceased. Mrs. Lay owns 240 acres of improved land. Charles W.
Lay was educated at Huntsville, Randolph county.
JUDGE JAMES McCAFFERTY,
farmer and miller. Deprived in boyhood, by the death of his father,
of every advantage and opportunity to fit himself for a useful and suc-
cessful life, except such as he could command by his own resolution
and personal worth, Judge McCafferty has achieved a measure of suc-
cess in the world which many in the most favorable circumstances
have failed to equal. With perfect modesty it may be said that his
life-record is one he may contemplate with satisfaction, and not with-
out a pardonable degree of pride — one that his children and those
who come after him may review with pleasure and to their own profit.
An orphan boy without means or friends, and without education or
family influence, who makes his way in the world and becomes an in-
fluential, prosperous citizen, rears a worthy family, and attains to a
position of prominence in the social and public life of his community,
is one to whom none need be ashamed to trace their origin. James
McCafferty, a son of Thomas and Rachel McCafferty, was born in
Columbus, Ohio, in 1816.- His father was a native of Pennsylvania,
born in Hagerstown, in 1788, and was twice married. Mrs. Mc-
Cafferty, of the first marriage, whose maiden name was Black, lived
but a short time. Thomas McCafferty was then married to Miss
Rachel Johnson. Of this union eight children were born, of whom
James, the subject of the present sketch, was the fifth. The family
having removed to Columbus, Ohio, in the meantime, eight years
after the birth of James the father was taken away by death. The
family was kept together, however, by the mother, a woman of great
fortitude and energy, and entirely devoted to her children. James
remained at home until his twenty-fifth year, but in 1841 came to seek
his fortune further in the West, and stopped first in Linn county, this
state, but the same year came on to Howard county, where he made his
permanent home. Before leaving Ohio he had succeeded in acquiring
a good practical education in the excellent public schools of that
state. His youth was more than an ordinarily active one. But little
time was given to rest, pleasure or amusement. When not at work
he was attending school or occupied with his books at home. Thus
the habits of industry and mental improvement were formed, which
have proved the secret of his success in after life. Arrived in this
county he soon resolved to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, and
went to work farming with an energy and resolution that could hardly
have failed to briug success. In 1844 he was married to Miss
Matilda J., daughter of John Proctor, one of the pioneer settlers of
Kentucky, and a participant in the unfortunate affair of Estill's de-
feat. This union has proved a long and happy one and has been
blessed with ten children, six of whom are living : Mary J., Sophronia,
Hiram, Josephine, Lulu and Thomas. Two daughters are the wives
594 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
respectively of Dr. Scott and Mr. Jno. O. Winn. Those deceased are
Elmira, John, Ada and James. As a farmer, Judge McCafferty is re-
garded as one of the most energetic, business-like and successful in
the county. His landed estate aggregates over 400 acres, lying in
and around Burton, his place of residence. His .homestead is excep-
tionally well improved, his dwelling being one of the finest in the
township, with which his other buildings and improvements corre-
spond. In the milling business he has the second finest flouring mill
in Howard county, a county noted for its large number of first-class
mills. In point of machinery his is the very finest in the county. It
contains the latest and most approved patterns of machineiy in every
department — a model, modern flouring mill in every respect. To
describe it in detail would take more space than the nature of this
work permits, for it has a score of different departments all supplied
with the best " plant " that can be had in the country. It also does
other classes of milling besides that of making: flour. Judge Mc-
Cafferty has always taken a lively interest in public affairs, including
politics. In every movement looking to the material development
and prosperity of the county, he is one of the first to lend it aid and
encouragement. In politics, he has always been a democrat. Though
firm in his own convictions, he is tolerant and considerate of tne
opinions of others, and is never offensive to those around him, what-
ever their views maybe. Several times he has been called upon to
serve the people of his county in official positions. In 1858 he was
elected to the responsible office of county judge, a position he held
until after the outbreak of the war, when he refused to take the test
oath required of all public officials, and retired from the office. After
the close of the war he was again elected, and served as county judge
for six years in succession. In every position in which he has been
placed he has acquitted himself with the hearty indorsement of the
public. As a neighbor, citizen and public officer, he has always en-
joyed the esteem and confidence of those among whom he lives.
EICHAED MAGEUDEE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 29, was born in Howard county, Mis-
souri, on the 25th of January, 1852. Traverse Magruder, his father,
was also a native of this county, and mai'ried in 1824 or 1825, Miss
Nellie E. Graves, a daughter of David Graves. To them were born
seven children — Nellia A., now the wife of William Nicholas; El-
mira, now Mrs. D. W. Sunderland ; Eichard, Thomas, married Miss
Luella Pemberton ; Susan M., wife of J. B Eobb ; Traverse and
O. P. Eichard, the eldest son and third child in the family, con-
tinued to reside at home until twenty-one years old. In 1873, he was
married to Miss Nancy E. Ware, a daughter of Franklin Ware, of
this county. They have one child, William C.,born in August, 1881.
Mr. Magruder is the owner of 160 acres of finely improved land,
well watered. He is democratic in his political preferences. He
belongs to Elm Grange, No. 1372.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 595
JOSEPH W. MASON,
a native of Owen county, Kentucky, was born in 1837, and was the
son of Samuel Mason, born in 1801, who married, in 1830, Miss
Felicia Neal, who was born in 1808. Samuel Mason died when
Joseph was about nine years old. He, the fourth in a family of
nine children, lived with his mother until twenty-three years of age.
Entering the army, he served in all about two years and eight months,
returning from the war in May, 1865. In December following he
was married to Miss Susan Smith, and they were blessed with five
children — Felicia F., Charles, Eva Ennis, William L., and Samuel
T. Mr. Mason came to this county in 1845, and now owns 206 acres
of land. He raises stock to some extent, and is quite successful as
an agriculturist. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
He is connected with the Patrons of Husbandry, belonging to Burton
Grange.
WILLIAM H. MOERIS.
On the 19th of May, 1821, there was born in Howard county, Mis-
souri, to Nathaniel and Nancy (Williams) Morris, a son, the subject of
this sketch. His father, originally from New Jersey, moved to Ken-
tucky, and thence in 1818, to Missouri, being one of the earliest settlers
of this county. His marriage occurred in Kentucky, his wife having
been a daughter of Alfred Williams, who came to Howard county in
1817. Of the original family of twelve children, who grew to man-
hood and womanhood, six now survive. William H. lived with his
father until he was twenty years old, when Nathaniel Morris died.
March 24, 1842, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Magruder, daughter of Thomas Magruder, now one of the oldest
living pioneers of Burton township. By this union there were eleven
children, four pf whom are deceased. All are married except one
child. Mr. Morris is a greenbacker in his political preferences,
though not radical. Until recently he owned and cultivated a farm
of 320 acres, but having lately sold it, is not now engaged in any
active business, but is enjoying the result of years of his hard labor
and toil.
HUGH B. O' BRIAN,
farmer, and the owner of 213 acres of land, came originally from
Rockingham county, Virginia, where he was born in 1827. His
father, James O'Brian, was born in Dumfries, Virginia, but was raised
in Richmond. He was in the war of 1812. He was also in the
burning of the Richmond theatre. His wife was formerly Miss Mary
Ireland, and to them were born five children, of whom Hugh B. was
the second child. In December, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary
E. Killby, of Culpeper county, Virginia. They have six children —
Joseph Leroy, William Thomas, Walter E., Ernest Bolivar, Edward
Hugh, and Mary Letitia. Mr. O'Brian in his political preferences is
democratic. In 1872, he came from Rockingham county, Virginia,
to Howard county, Missouri, which has since been his home.
596 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
D. H. PAYTON,
a native of Madison county, Kentucky, was born in 1820, and was
the son of Yelverton Payton, also a Kentuckian by birth, born about
the year 1790. He married Mildred White, a daughter of Joel
White, of Madison county, and they had eight children, six of whom
survive. The senior Payton, leaving the state of his birth in 1843,
came to Missouri and settled in Randolph county, where he subse-
quently died. D. H. Payton, when nearly twenty-two years old, or
in 1842, was married to Martha F. Best, of Garrett county, Ken-
tucky, and a daughter of Eben Best, a noted stockman of that state,
who was once owner of the celebrated stock farm bearing his name.
Mr. and Mrs. Payton have had eight children, of whom five are
living. Mr. Payton came from Randolph county to Howard county
in 1871, and has since made this his home. He owns 220 acres of
excellent land in section 28. Politically he is a greenbacker, but was
formerly a democrat.
JEFFERSON C. ROBERTSON,
originally from Randolph county, Missouri, was born March 5, 1849.
His father, Hiram Robertson (who died in December, 1880), was a
Virginian by birth, and took for his wife Miss Sidney Waylaud, a
daughter of Henry and Ara Wayland. By this marriage there were
nine children, of whom five are living. Jefferson C, the third in the
family, was married in February 1876, to Miss May E. Rucker, a
daughter of Joseph and Eliza, Rucker. They have had four children,
of whom Sidney I., Francis E. and Charles J. are living, and an
infant is deceased. Mr. Randolph is the possessor of 279 acres of
fine land, improved and watered, and within two and a half miles of
Yatesville. Politically he is independent.
MRS. SALLIE E. ROBB
was born in Randolph county, Missouri, in 1838. Her father, James
Leslie Robb, a Virginian by birth, born in 1778, married Miss Susan
Huckell, originally from Kentucky, born in 1810. Their family con-
sisted of nine children, five girls and four boys. Miss Sallie remained
at home until 1855, when she was married to Samuel Robb, a son of
Jonas Robb. To them were given eight children, of whom seven sur-
vive : James B., born in 1856; Susan, born in 1858 ; Sarah N., born
in 1859, (now deceased) ; John P., born in 1861; Jonas, born in
1863 ; Mary M., born in 1866 ; Lucy A. R., bom in 1869 ; and George
W., born in 1873. James B. married Miss Susan A. Magruder ;
Susan is the wife of S. W. Creson, and John P. married Miss Mattie
Morris. Mr. Robb's death occurred in 1876, he leaving a large circle
of friends and relatives to mourn his loss. Mrs. R. owns 202 acres of
land in this township, upon section 5.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 597
i
DR. J. B. SCOTT,
druggist and physician, at Burton, owes his nativity to Henry county,
Kentucky, where he was born July 29, 1848. His father, W. H.
Scott, a native of Scotland, was born in Glasgow and emigrated to
this country while young, locating in New York. He remained in
that state for some time, learning the shoemaker's trade, after which,
going to Kentucky, he married Miss Nancy McEndree, of Henry
county, that state, and a daughter of Reuben McEndree, one of the
earlier pioneers of Kentucky. To them were born five children, of
whom J. B. was second. In 1866 W. H. Scott came to Missouri,
settling in Monroe county, where he resided about eleven years, then
locating in Howard county. The subject of this sketch lived with
his father until twenty-one years old, then engaging in teaching and
the study of medicine. He graduated in pharmacy and medicine from
the Missouri Medical College of St. ]Louis, Missouri, in the fall of
1873. Dr. Scott then located at Burton, and the following winter,
ou the 23d day of December, 1874, was married to Miss S. A. Mc-
Cafferty, second daughter of Judge James McCafferty. In 1877, yi
connection with his brother, he opened a drug store, which is now
owned by Major Wilson and himself, and has conducted it to the
present. This is the only drug establishment in the place, and they
are enjoying a good patronage. The doctor has a lucrative practice,
in which he has been very successful.
DAVIE R. SHORT
was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1845. His father, a native
of Boone county, Missouri, was born in 1817, and married Miss Mary
Ann Young, of Howard county. D. R. Short, the eldest of a family
of three children, remained with his father until the death of the
latter, after which he made his home with his mother until twenty-
one years old. In 1874 Mr. S. was married to Miss Mary E. Swear-
ingin of Boone county, and a daughter of C. M. Swearingin. To
them were born three children, Ethel, Josia and Sallie Marie. In
1881, upon leaving Boone county, Mr. Short came to Howard county,
which has since been his home. Here he devotes his attention to the
raising of stock. Politically he is a democrat.
JAMES SIMPSON,
aresident of Burton township, owes his nativity to Scotland, where he
was born in 1841. Robert Simpson, his father, also originally from
Scotland, was married to Miss Elizabeth Clark, and by this union
there was only one child, the subject of this biography. He immi-
grated to America in 1870, but in 1866 he was married to Miss Mary
Innis, a daughter of John Innis, and also of Scotch ancestry. To
them were born six children: Robert, (who died in 1881), John,
James, George, Alexander and Mary. Mr. Simpson has a farm of
598 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
eighty acres. He is an excellent carpenter and quite a mechanic, and
devotes considerable attention to this industrjr. In his political pre-
ferences he is democratic.
ALVIN P. SPOTTS
was born in Howard county, Missouri, June 5, 1857. His father, a
Virginian by birth, born about the year 1826, married Miss M. A.
Prather, of Howard county, and a daughter of Mrs. A. Walkup. To
them were born seven children : Alvin P., Eugene L., Lela A., Ida
E., Edwin R., Baylor A. and Arretta F. Mr. Spotts, Sr., came to
this state when only ten years of age, and is, therefore, one of the
earliest settlers of Howard county. He and his wife are both living,
and are located near Armstrong. The subject of this sketch remained
at home until twenty-two years old, then coming to Burton. From
that time on (or from August, 1879,) to January, 1883, he was
occupied in the mercantile business, a portion of the time with Mr.
Winn as a partner, but previously he was a director of the Patrons'
supply house in Burton. December 10, 1881, Mr. Spotts was mar-
ried to Miss Mattie D. Harris, a daughter of Thomas B. Harris, one
of the most extensive land owners in this township. They have one
child, Harvey W.
JUDGE MORGAN A. TAYLOR,
a native of Virginia, was born May 15, 1823. His father, Humphrey
Taylor, also a Virginian by birth, born in 1788, married Miss Ann
Broyle, of the same state as himself. To them were born seven chil-
dren, of whom Morgan was the sixth child. In 1844, leaving Vir-
ginia, he accompanied his father to Missouri, locating in Howard
county, where he has since remained. The senior Taylor died in 1870.
In November, 1859, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss
Amanda Burton, a daughter of Moses Burton. Their family consists
of nine children: Fratie B., Alice P., Robert L., Minnie B., Mary
H., William B., JohnM., Fannie S. and Gertrude. Eight of these
are now living at home. In 1856 Mr. Taylor was elected judge of
the county court of Howard county, and served continuously for
eleven years in a manner which won for him the highest commenda-
tion of all. Since then he has given his attention to carrying on his
fine farm of 480 acres. .This is under cultivation and well improved.
Politically he is a democrat.
J. C. TAYLOR,
farmer and stock raiser, was born on the 24th of February, 1851, at
Roanoke, Howard county, Missouri. His father, Thomas Taylor,
who came originally from Virginia, was born in 1817, and married
Miss Virginia Davis, of Randolph county. By this marriage there
were seven children: W. B., J. C, Henry, Rufus E., Lizzie and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 599
Dora. Five of this number are now living. After he was twelve
years old, J. C. Taylor went to live with his grandfather, with whom
he remained until the death of that relative in 1874. In 1877 he was
married to Miss Fannie Baugh. They have one child, a daughter,
Maudie, born April 22, 1878. Mr. Taylor's farm of 180 acres is lo-
cated in sections 18 and 19, and is well watered and improved, and of
good quality. He is a democrat in his political views.
ASA THOMSON,
the son of Asa Thomson, was born in Howard county, Missouri,
while his father, Asa Thomson, originally from Kentucky, came to
Missouri in- 1820 and located in this county. Here he was married
to Miss Margaret Wallace, a native of the same state us himself, and
they were the parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls, of
whom eight are living. When twenty-one years of age, young Thom-
son, leaving home, went to live with his brother-in-law, with whom he
remained five years. In the winter of 1863 he was married to Miss
Mell Robertson, a daughter of Hiram Robertson. During the war
Mr. T. enlisted in company A , General Clark's regiment, under Colonel
Jackson, and served for four years. He owns a farm of 340 acres of
fine land, eighty acres of which are in Randolph county, and the bal-
ance on what is known as Foster's Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson
have had eight children, five of whom are living: William, Johnnie
F., Ara, Lena and Bettie. Three are deceased: Sidney, Sallie and
Elfie J. Mr. T. is a democrat.
WILLIAM S. THOMPSON
was also born within the limits of Howard county, Missouri, on Decem-
ber 7, 1820. N. M. Thompson, his father, a native of Kentucky,
born in 1794, emigrated to this county in 1812, and was united in
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of C. C.Williams, of
Howard county. Their family consisted of sixteen children, but only
five are now living. William S. remained with his father until eighteen
years of age, when he went to the Platte Purchase, staying about two
years after his marriage. On the 8th of October, 1839, Miss Mary
Jeffries, of Clay county, and a daughter of John Jeffries, became his
wife. To them were born six children : Nero, Elizabeth, Nancy Ann,
Colden W., Arminta M. and Margaret. Four of these children are
now living. Mr. Thompson owns a farm of 110 acres in section 22.
He has ever been a democrat in his political preferences.
JAMES M. WALKUP,
farmer and stock raiser, section 8, was born in 1850, and is also a
native of Howard county, Missouri. James Walkup, his father, a
Kentuckian by birth, came to this connty about the year 1830. He
died a month before the birth of James M. The latter, the youngest
son of a family of nine, children, lived with his mother until 1872,
600 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
when he went to Iowa, remaining there for four years. In 1876 he
was married, while in that state, to Miss Lizzie McMains, and they
have been blessed with three children, all of whom are living: Arthur
M., Bertha and Virgil. Mr. Walkup has in his possession 137 acres
of improved land. In his political affiliations he is democratic.
C. T. WARE,
born in the year 1829, in Burton township, Howard county, Missouri,
was the son of John B. and Susan Ware, nee Graves, both Kentuck-
ians by birth, the former born in 1804, and the latter in 1805 or 1806.
They were married in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1823, and to them
were born three girls and five boys, of whom C. T. is the third now
living. John B. Ware took for his second wife Miss Elizabeth Graves.
When fifteen years old the subject of this sketch commenced working
out, and soon went to Indiana, where he remained one year, then re-
turning to this eounty. March 9, 1852, he was married to Miss Mar-
tha Robb, daughter of Jonas and Sallie Robb. They have two chil-
dren : John S., born March 31, 1855, married Miss Dora Ketchum,
and Sarah E., born April 22, 1857, wife of J. W. Magruder, of Bur-
ton. They have with them at this time two orphan children, whom
they are raising : Sallie B. and Thomas. Mr. Ware owns 186 acres
of land in section 5, upon which he is extensively interested in farm'
ing and the raising of stock.
MAJOR M. W. WILSON,
who came originally from Delaware, was born in 1825, and is the son
of Joshua Wilson, of the same state, born about the year 1785. He
married Miss Mary Glover, and to them were born three children : M.
W., Sarah, born in 1812, still living and unmarried, and Elizabeth,
born in 1829, and the wife of Joseph Dickerson, of Delaware. When
Mr. Wilson left his native state, in 1842, he came to Shelby county,
Missouri, where he made his home until 1846. Going to Palmyra, he
remained until 1847, at which time he enlisted under Colonel John
Ralls, of Ralls county, in the Mexican war, serving until the close of
hostilities. Returning to Palmyra, he was married July 11, 1849, to
Miss Amelia Pool, a daughter of Anthony Pool, of Marion county,
Missouri. They had four children, of whom Ida and Mary are living,
and Annabel and John are deceased, the former dying in 1876, and the
latter in 1865. In 1850 Mr. Wilson went to Shelby county, Missouri,
and located at a place known as Walker's Mill, on Salt river, where
he built a saw and grist mill. Selling out in 1857, he settled at Mad-
ison, Monroe county, erected a mill there, but disposed of it in 1860,
then going to Cedar county. He operated a mill near Stockton, on
Cedar creek, until 1862, then leaving the vicinity on account of the
troubles pertaining to the civil war. For one year he lived in Easton,
Leavenworth county, Kansas, and upon returning to Madison, Mis-
souri, was engaged in merchandising for one year. Subsequently he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 601
sold out, but he remained there till the fall of 1880, at which time,
coming to Howard county, he located at Burton and embarked in
business here. He now owns the drug store at this place, and has a
well-stocked establishment. He is at present occupied in coal minin°-
as one of the Salt Fork Coal Mining company of Missouri. While in
Monroe county he served for sixteen years as a justice of the peace,
and just before leaving was elected for another term of four years,
but resigned. He is now a notary public. One of Major Wilson's
daughters is the widow of H. M. Haley, and the other daughter is the
wife of a Mr. Scott, a merchant at Sebree.
JOHN O. WINN,
merchant and manager of the Grange co-operative store at Burton.
Among the young business men of Howard county, none, judging by
the best criterion — success already achieved — have a more promising
future than the young gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He
was born in Boone county, this state, in 1858, and was a son of George
and Etta (O'Neal) Winn, both now deceased. John O. was still a
child when his father threw himself into the civil war to uphold the
institutions and honor of the south, and paid the sacrifice of his life
upon the altar of his convictions. The love and tender care of a de-
voted young mother were not long spared to smooth the pathway of
her fatherless children through life. She, too, died a few years after
her husband looked his last upon the bright banner that led him to a
soldier's grave. James and Anna were left orphan children. Anna
is now the wife of French Gulick, of Boone county. At the age of
twelve, James went to St. Charles county. There in the ordinary
schools he acquired the rudiments of an education. His knowledge of
books he afterwards improved by private study. From St. Charles he
went to Texas. Two years afterwards he returned to Missouri and
stopped at Burton. Here he has since made his home. The first two
years he clerked in a store at this place. The following year he was
a partner with Mr. A. P. Spotts in the mercantile business. He was
then appointed manager of the co-operative Grange store, the position
he now fills. As a merchant he has proved a marked success. Under
his management the store has declared an annual net dividend of
nearly twelve per cent. Of the many Grange stores started a number
of years ago, this is one of the very few that have proved successful,
a fact highly complimentary to the business ability of its manager.
In this establishment he has become a leading stockholder — the prin-
cipal one, in fact, in the store. It does an annual business of over
$60,000, and its trade is rapidly increasing. This, on a capital stock
of $6,000, is a most flattering showing. Several years ago Mr. Winn
was married to Miss Josephine McCafferty, an amiable and accom-
plished daughter of Judge McCafferty, of Burton, whose sketch ap-
pears elsewhere. In politics Mr. W. is a democrat, and is now the
representative of his township in the democratic central committee of
the county. As a citizen and a neighbor he is respected and esteemed
by all.
602 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
BOIIE FBMME TOWNSHIP.
ELIJAH ANCELL,
section 28, is a Virginian by birth, and was bora in 1830, being the
son of James Ancell, who was born in 1798, in Lawrence county,
Virginia. He Jived there until his marriage, in 1816, to Miss Frances
Estes, of the same state, and they had six sons, all now living but
one, of whom Elijah is the youngest. In 1836 he accompanied his
father to Howard county, Missouri, locating at first two miles from his
present residence, and two years later moving to the place he now
occupies. The senior Ancell died in 1872, his wife's death occurring
June 19, of the same year. Mr. Ancell was married in 1850 to Miss
Surah F. Mason, who bore him five children — Falicia Frances, Mary
W., Lucy S., James T. and Samuel N. He was again married in
October, 1879, to Miss Lucinda Harges, a daughter of Caleb and
Elizabeth Harges, of this county. They have one child, Elijah C,
born August 28, 1881. Mr. A. owns 160 acres of land. He and his
wife are members of the Christian church, in which he is an elder.
JAMES JOHNSON AVEETT
is an old resident of Howard county, having always made his home
within her limits. He was born June 16, 1836, near Fayette, his
parents being James and Polly (Hale) Avrett. The former was born
in South Carolina in 1803. Their family consisted of twelve children,
all of whom arrived at manhood and womanhood, and of these nine
are living. James J., the eighth child, lived upon the farm with his
father until twenty-five years old, his education being somewhat
neglected in youth. In March, 1861, he was married to Miss Cynthia
Jane Winn, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Winn, both of Howard
county. To them were born eight children — Effie L., Boyd, Wil-
liam K., Luther, Peter H. and Cassius are living, and two daughters,
Minnie and Lulu, are deceased. Mr. Avrett is greatly interested in
educational matters, and has given his children excellent opportunities
for attending school. He owns 240 acres of land, 200 acres being
in section 16, upon which is located his residence.
MINTER H. BAILEY.
In Fauquier county, Virginia, on the 20th day of August, 1808,
occurred the birth of the subject of this sketch. He was principally
reared in Lewis county, West Virginia. In 1830 he came as far west
as St. Louis, and remained thereuntil 1833, then moving to Howard
county and locating on Salt creek. Mr. B. was married February 6,
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 603
1854, to Miss Nancy Bradley, who was born iu May, 1814. Nine of
the twelve children born to them are living : Mary J., born February
18, 1838; Samuel, born February 6, 1840; Kachel, born January 2,
1842; Sarah, born December 21, 1843; Nancy, born September 21,
1848; Minter, Jr., born December 30, 1850; Susan M., born Jan-
uary 6, 1853 ; James S., born August 6, 1855 ; Thomas, born August
19, 1858. Elizabeth, John and Melinda are deceased. John was
killed in the army under Price, May 10, 1864. Mr. Bailey's father,
Samuel, was born in Southern Virginia. He married Miss Agnes
Hutchinson, of Virginia, and to them were born six sons and two
daughters. Mr. B. owns 280 acres of land, most of it of a superior
quality.
JOHN BARTON,
a justice of the peace of Bonne Femme township, residing at Bun-
ker Hill, was born in England, June 18, 1844. His father, Solomon
Barton, also a native of that country, married Miss Susan Dallas.
They early emigrated to the United States and settled in Kentucky.
The subject of this sketch left Kentucky in 1868 and emigrated to
Howard county, where he was married in 1878 to Miss Nancy Hern, a
daughter of George Hern, of Howard county. They have two chil-
dren, William and Joseph.
ANDREW COLLINS
was born in Madison county, Kentucky, September 15, 1815, and was
takeu when young by his parents to Tennessee. The family lived in
that state until 1819, then emigrating to Cooper county, Missouri.
His father, Thomas Collins, was a native of Kentucky, and in 1809 mar-
ried Miss Frances Woods, of the same state. Andrew was the third
of a family of eleven children. Thomas Collins was engaged to some
extent in freighting on the lower Mississippi, and in 1829 died in New
Orleans. His wife's death occurred in 1882. The subject of this
sketch was married in Cooper county, in 1845, to Miss M. L. Smith,
a Dative of Missouri. They have had nine children: James D.,
Thomas, Susan F., William B., Martha E., Isaac G., John G., Re-
becca P. and Andrew. Politically Mr. C. is a staunch democrat, and
takes deep interest in the Grange, of which he is a member. He
owns 240 acres of land, 100 acres of which are good bottom land.
DR. T. H. DINWIDDIE,
druggist at Bunker Hill, and a prominent and enterprising young phy-
sician of the vicinity, was born on November 5, 1858, and is a native
of Boone county, Missouri. His father, Dr. Archie Dinwiddie, a Vir-
ginian by birth, located in Madison, Indiana, and from there came to
Missouri in 1830. He was married three times : first to a Miss
Mitchell, of Fayette, afterwards to Miss Dudgeon, daughter of Cap-
tain Dudgeon, and lastly to Miss Sallie A. Harris, daughter of Tyler
Harris, a noted "stump-speaker." T. H. resided with his father
604 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
until about sixteen years of age, and later he attended the medical de-
partment of the state university at Columbia for ten months. Subse-
quently he became a student in the Missouri Medical College at St.
Louis, graduating from that institution, March 5, 1878. Dr. D. soon
went to Moberly, Missouri, and remained with the surgeon of the
Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad for a time. In three months he
located at Bunker Hill, where he is now enjoying a lucrative practice.
August 17, 1880, Miss Susan M. Jones, daughter of W. M. Jones, of
this county, became his wife. They have one child, Harry M. The
doctor is the owner of a well stocked drug store at this place.
JAMES H. FELAND
was born in Howard county, Missouri, near Fayette, in 1830. His
father, William M. Feland, was a native of Kentucky and was born
in 1802. He came to Howard county in 1817, and was married in
1827, in this county, to Miss Elizabeth Snell. To them were born
seven children, four of whom are now living. Mr. Feland was a
farmer by calling and followed this occupation until his death, in
1846. James H. spent his early life on his father's farm, obtaining a
common school education. At the age of twenty-one years he com-
menced teaching school, and after pursuing this avocation for a time
resumed farming for one year, and then received the appointment of
deputy sheriff from Bird Deatheridge, Esq. After holding this posi-
tion eight months he was elected in August, 1855, assessor for two
years, but owing to a new law going in force he was legislated out of
office at the expiration of one year. He was then appointed district
assessor for two more years, by the county court. In 1860 he was
elected by the democrats, sheriff, and served the county faithfully in
that capacity. After the expiration of his term of office he re-
turned to his farm on section 36, and has devoted himself to the
more peaceful calling of farming and stock raising. His farm con-
sists of 160 acres of excellent land. Mr. Feland was married in
December, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Gates, of Howard county, she
being the daughter of Daniel Gates. Of ten children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Feland, nine are now living: Susan I., Mamie J., Wil-
liam A., Oliver D., Carrie M., Sallie F., Thomas, Nannie P.,
John B. and James M.
KEV. JACKSON HARRIS,
pastor of the Missionary Baptist church at Bunker Hill, and now re-
siding on section 7, was born near- Fayette, Howard county, Mis-
souri, April 12, 1825, and was the son of William Harris, a farmer
by occupation, born May 15, 1792, in Virginia. He lived there until
nineteen years old, emigrated to Kentucky, and in 1812 or 1813 mar-
ried Miss Margaret Downing, daughter of Ezekiel Downing. After
living in Kentucky a few years, Mr. H. removed to Missouri, locating
in Lincoln, but two years later, in 1820, came to Howard county be-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 605"
fore the present town of Fayette contained a house. He helped to
carry the chain for Alfred W. Morrison when this county was sur-
veyed. Jackson remained with his father until twenty-three years of
age, soon entering the employ of General Clark, for whom he had
previously worked at intervals. He travelled for one year, and dur-
ing this time, on January 22, 1851, was married to Miss Nancy Cas-
per, daughter of John Casper, of Howard county, and one of its old
settlers. They have had eight children, and brought up three sons
and three daughters. About 1848 Mr. Harris was converted under
the preaching of Wm. T. Ellington, and in 1849 commenced prepar-
ing himself for the ministry. After due study he acted as a local ex-
horter until in August, 1867, when he was ordained a minister of the
Baptist denomination. He has ever 'followed farming in connection
with his ministerial labors, and now owns 222 acres of land, all in
this township, except forty acres, in Randolph county. His home,
place contains 142 acres of well improved land.
JOHN R. HITT
was born April 2, 1827, in Virginia. His father, Joab Hitt, also a
Virginian by birth, was born about the year 1780, and was married to
Miss Nancy Vaughan. They had six children, of whom John R. was
the second, and he is one of four now living. He was educated in
his native state, and in 1846 he came to Howard county, Missouri,
remaining for three years, and returning in 1849 to Virginia. In
1852 he again came to this county, He was married first, in 1849, to
Laura L. Brown, who bore him nine children: Joel H., James B.,
Samuel H., Andrew J., Bennett, Ernest (now deceased), Russell V.,
Arthur (now deceased) and John C. His second marriage occurred
in Giles county, Tennessee, to Miss Sarah L. Quarles, of Tennessee,
a daughter of Ammon T. Quarles. To them have been born seven
children; Laura E., Francis, Tennessee, Jennie, Emily Jane, Adda
and Luavedia. Politically Mr. H.is democratic. He owns 220 acres
of land.
WALTER A. HITT,
a native of Howard county, Missouri, was born, October 25, 1846,
and was the son of Joab Hitt, originally from Virginia, and one of
the earliest settlers of Howard county, Missouri, who married Miss
Frances B. Taylor, also of that state. To them were born ten chil-
dren, of whom six survive: James R., John H., Francis A., Eliza-
beth, Warren T. and Walter A. The latter received his education in
the district schools, and continued to reside at home until twenty-one
years old. December 26, 1876, he married Miss Anna T. Dougherty,
daughter of John T. Dougherty, of this county. They have had
three children : Archie S., Edna E. and Roy B. One of these chil-
dren is deceased. Mr. Hitt owns 205 acres of land near Meyers'
post-office (Bunker Hill), nearly all of which is well improved. He
is a member of the Grange. During the war he belonged to a com-
pany which acted for the Confederate cause.
40
606 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WILLIAM M. JONES
is one of Bonne Femme's most prominent citizens. He is a native of
Jessamine county, Kentucky, and was born on the 13th day of July,
1827. His father, J. D. Jones, was also born in Kentucky, in 1797.
The maiden name of his mother was America Bowen. William M.
was the fifth son and sixth child of a family of ten children. His
youth, until eighteen, was spent in the state of his birth, after which
he passed three years in Illinois. In 1848 he returned to Kentucky
and was there married to Miss D. Boggry, of that state. Their eight
children were named Susie M., Jennie, Joseph, Fannie, Callie,
America, Henrie and William J. In October, 1871, Mr. Jones lo-
cated where he now lives, and at this time he owns over 300 acres of
valuable land ; besides conducting his farming operations he is en-
gaged in a successful mercantile business at Bunker Hill, and is also
a stock dealer of prominence. He holds the position of postmaster
of Meyer's post-office.
GEORGE STEPHEN LAY.
Alfred Lay, the grandfather of George, is remembered as being
one of the pioneers of Howard county, and one of the first, if not
the first, to operate a mill in the county. His son, William, was born
in this county in 1822, and married Miranda Simeons. Of their nine
boys and three girls, five attained manhood and womanhood. The
subject of this sketch was born in Howard county, Missouri, June 20,
1854. He found a wife in the person of Miss Flora Stewart, a daugh-
ter of C. C. Stewart, of New York. They have two children living —
C. L. and Arthur. Ada and George are deceased. Politically, Mr.
L. is a republican. His farm contains 180 acres.
GEOEGE S. and HENRY C. MUIR,
who are now residing on section 36 of this township, are sons of W.
B. and Margaret T. Muir, nee Blue, who were married in 1827, in
Kentucky. Their family originally consisted of twelve children, six
of whom survive. In 1827, emigrating to Missouri, they settled in
Boone county, and in 1828 located where Mrs. Muir now lives, it
being on the first farm cleared in the township. W. B. Muir died in
September, 1875. Mrs. M. owns 160 acres of land, her sons, George
S. and Henry O, making their home with her. They are both dem-
ocrats.
SAMUEL M. NAYLOR
is the seventh child of a family of eight children born to George T.
and Rosa Naylor, nee Newcomb, both natives of Kentucky. His
father was born in 1786, and married in 1809. Samuel M. was born
in Howard county, Missouri, October 19, 1831. He lived with his
father until eighteen years of age and then went to New Mexico, and
' HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 607
after a short residence there returned to his former home. In 1852
he was married to Miss Amanda Avery, daughter of James Avery, of
Howard county. They have five children living — Samuel P., born
January 20, 1853; Cornelia, born June 5, 1855; Kosa A., born July
1, 1860 ; Mary M., born March 23, 1863 ; William F., born Decem-
ber 25, 1867 ; John H., born May 30, 1857, died August 1, 1861;
and Fannie W., born December 5, 1864, died September 8, 1875.
Mr. Naylor owns a farm of 160 acres, in sections 31 and 32. He and
his wife are members of the Christian church, and Mr. N. belongs to
the Masonic fraternity at Fayette.
FRANKLIN NAYLOR
was born in Howard county, Missouri, March 26, 1842, being the son
of George T. Naylor, born in May, 1768, who, in 1800, emigrated to
Kentucky, coming thence to Howard county, Missouri, in 1830. He
was married twice, his first marriage occurring to Miss Rosa New-
comb, in 1809. In 1837 he married Miss Margaret Griffin. Of their
family of five children, Franklin was the third. He remained with
his father until 1873, and on June 26, 1877, he was married. He has
two children — Oscar and Allie E. Mr. N. owns a farm of fifty-three
acres in section 36.
GEORGE W. POTTER
may well be said to have been the architect of his own for-
tune. He is the son of William J. Potter, a native of Maryland,
who was born in 1793. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and par-
ticipated in the battle of Plattsburg. He came to Missouri first in
1826, moving tothe state to reside permanently in 1829. He mar-
ried Miss Ann C. Parten, and to them were born four children, George
W. being the youngest. His birth occurred April 14, 1836. At the
age of fifteen he left home and commenced working for himself and
attending school, qualifying himself for a teacher. He supplemented
the primary education received in the common schools by attending
Central college at Fayette. Mr. P. married Miss Mary A. Gatewood,
in 1867. They have had six children — George W., born May 12,
1868; Orange, born July 30, 1869; Anna L., born November 9,
1871; John M., born August 27, 1873; Dora, born November 22,
1875 ; Arthur, born March 25, 1877. Mr. Potter's homestead is sit-
uated in section 31, and he owns 471 acres of highly productive and
splendidly improved land. He is a thoroughly practical, progressive
farmer, and keeps fully up with the times in everything. His stock
is of excellent breed and numerous.
EDWARD S. ST. CLAIR
is a son of Isaac B. St. Clair, who was a native of Virginia, born in
1800. He lived in his native state until 1857. He was married, in
1822, to Miss Maria Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, and to them
608 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were born nine children, the subject of this sketch being the seventh
child. He was born in Prince William county, Virginia, in 1847.
During the late war he enlisted in company E, 8th Missouri cavalry,
Shelby's brigade, and served faithfully for three years and eight
months, proving himself a brave and efficient soldier. In 1864 he re-
ceived injuries in the service that disabled him of the use of one of
his arms for life. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Nancy Bailey, of
Howard county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Minter H. Bailey.
Their family circle consists of six children — George W., born in
1870; Archie E., born in 1872; Nora J., born in 1873 ; Isaac T.,
born in 1876; John M., born in 1878, and Mary A., born in 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair are members of the Christian church. Mr.
St. Clair's farm, in section 22, contains 160 acres, nearly all of which
is covered with fine grass. He is one of the most extensive stock
dealers in the eastern part of the county.
H. B. TURNER
was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, in 1859. He was reared in
his native state, and was educated at Russellville college, Logan county,
Kentucky. He is at present engaged in the important duties of teach-
ing school, and has attained a well-merited success as a capable in-
structor. His father, Richard O. Turner, was born in Kentucky.
The maiden name of his mother was Susannah J. Blewette. The
subject of this sketch was the third child of a family of eight chil-
dren, of whom seven are now living.
JUDGE GEORGE J. WINN
is the seventh child of a family of eight children born to James and
Elizabeth (Adams) Winn. They were both natives of Madison
county, Kentucky, the former having been born in 1797, and the latter
in 1799. Mrs. W. died in 1882. They came to Howard county,
Missouri, in 1817, and on July 7, 1829, Mr. Winn was killed by In-
dians in Adair county. George J. Winn was born in Bonne Femme
township, Howard county, April 28, 1828. May 20, 1852, he was
married to Miss Frances A. Hitt, daughter of Joab Hitt, of this
count}'. They have had ten children: William H., MaryE., Francis
B., George J., Joab H, Edward L., John B., James W., Alice B. and
Bertha M. Of these, eight are living. Mr. Winn owns 620 acres of
land, his home farm containing 320 acres, upon which is an excellent
residence. He is a stock raiser of considerable prominence. In 1882,
he was elected by the democratic party, one of the judges of the
county court, a position he is at present filliug.
REV. WILLIAM K. WOODS,
one of the early Baptist ministers of Howard county, is a son of Peter
and Jale (Cavinaugh) Woods, early pioneers of that county. The
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 609
father of our subject was born in 1762, and the mother in 1765. The
marriage that changed the name of Miss Jale Cavinaugh to Mrs. Jale
Woods, was consummated in 1783. By this union there were sixteen
children born, of whom Wm. K., born in August, 1807, is the
twelfth. His parents resided in Howard county from 1810 until 1825,
when the father departed this life. Wm. K. was married on the 17th
day of January, 1828, to Miss Sallie Maguyer, of Howard county.
To them were born Susan B., Peter W., John, Sarah A., Jale A.,
Nancy C, Charles K., Andrew E., William G. and Mary E. Nine of
these children are now living. Mr. Wood's farm in section 24, con-
tains 120 acres. For years he was actively engaged in ministerial
work, but now, owing to his age, he has given place to those who are
younger, but still remains an active worker in the church, and for his
past labors receives the highest praise from his co-laborers.
ADDENDUM
It has been nearly impossible to obtain a history of the churches
of the M. E. denomination in this county, in consequence of the early
records having been lost. What we here present was handed us too
late to place in its proper order in the ecclesiastical history of Howard
county. For this reason, we insert it here.
M. E. CHURCH SOUTH, FAYETTE, MO.
[Prepared by R«v. J. H. Ledbetter.]
" The world is my parish," has ever been the motto of Method-
ism. Since 1770, Methodist circuit riders have been pushing on west-
ward with the sure rolling tide of emigration. The Methodist itiner-
ant is everywhere. During the year 1806, one of these modern
apostles on horseback, with saddle-bags containing his Bible and hymn
book, crossed the Mississippi river at or near New Madrid. This was
John Travis, a member of what was then called the western confer-
ence. The whole territory of Missouri was his circuit. In the year
1815, a new circuit was formed north of the Missouri river, embrac-
ing the counties of Boone, Howard and Chariton. It was called
Boone's Lick circuit, and was the seventh circuit organized in Missouri.
Eev. Joseph Piggott was the first regularly appointed pastor of
the Methodist church to Howard county. Others may have made
preaching tours to the several small settlements in the county prior
to this ; but Piggott came as the regular preacher, and organized the
church. Rev. Samuel Thompson was presiding elder of the Missouri
district. The next year Eev. Jesse Walker was presiding elder, and
Joseph Piggott circuit preacher. From 1817 to the fall of 1824, the
following Methodist preachers were at times -employed in Howard
county: Jesse Walker, John Scripps, Alexander McAlister, Jesse
Haile, James Keyete, David Sharp, Wm. W. Redman, Uriel Ham,
and Shadrack Casteel. Missouri had, in the year 1824, been consti-
tuted an annual conference, with three districts. About this time, or
probably a little later, a church was organized in or near the present
town of Fayette. The preaching, and the customary class meetings,
were held in the house of William Reynolds, commonly called " Billie
(610)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 611
Eeynolds." His house was situated about a half mile east of Fay-
ette, on the spot where General J. B. Clark, Jr., lived when elected
to congress, in 1872. It is not known certainly who organized this
church, or who composed the membership.
During the great civil war, the church records were taken out of
the store of Mr. John Ewen by a body of United States soldiers and
burned. It was done, no doubt, because the word " south" was on
them, it being a part of the name of the Methodist church at Fayette.
By this vandal act, vei'y important historical matter was destroyed,
with no possibility of ever having it reproduced, so the meagre state-
ments contained herein have been gathered after much trouble and
delay.
It appears from all that can be gathered from the memories of the
" oldest inhabitants," that the Methodist church was organized some-
time between 1824 and 1827. Mr. Stephen Garner, now living in
Prairie township, Howard county, came to the county in 1820, and
he says that he attended class meeting and preaching at the residence
of " Billie Eeynolds," in 1827, and that a. few years before that, he
knows the class had been organized. It is not certainly known who
the minister was under whom the organization was effected. We know
this, in the year 1824, Kev. Wm. W. Redman was preacher in charge
of Boone's Lick circuit, which included all of the county, and more.
It is very probable that he preached at Fayette, for we find his name
associated in the minds of the old people, with the earliest meetings
held by the Methodists in this part of the county. In the year 1825,
Eev. Urial Ham, and Eev. Shadrack Casteel were the preachers. In
1826, Ham and Redman were the preachers. Now, we think that it
was during this period that Fayette became a regular preaching place,
and other new points were evidently added, as the eircuit had two
regular preachers. In the years 1826 and 1827, Rev. Andrew Mon-
roe was presiding elder, and James Baukson was the circuit preacher.
He was a young man of fine natural gifts, but of limited education,
yet, by application, he became an able minister. The house of " Billie
Eeynolds " was still ^he preaching place for the Fayette church, and
in the country, the house of Mr. Bennett Clark was another preach-
ing place.
Early Members of Fayette Church. — We are very sorry that we
cannot give a full list of the original members of the Fayette Metho-
dist church ; but so it is. We give below the names that we have
been able to obtain, as belonging prior to 1840. The first six or seven
were doubtless charter members. Billie Reynolds and wife, Mrs.
612 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Mary Green, Bennett Clark, Joseph Sears, Esq., Hampton Boone,
Mr. Ball, David Johnson, Henry W. Kringe, Mrs. Leverage, James
Miller, Mrs. James Miller, and James Hicks.
It might be well for me to give a few lines of personal reference to
some of these pioneers of the Fayette Methodism.
Mr. Bennett Clark was a Virginian, and came to Howard county in
1818. He was a true man and an earnest Christian of the Methodist
type of that day. His house was a preaching place, a home for the
saddle-bag circuit rider. The old gentleman was very large. He was
as tall as his son, General J. B. Clark, Jr., and weighed about 400
pounds. He was faithful in holding family prayers, but could not
kneel down, so he sat up and read his Bible and prayed.
Joseph Sears was a farmer, and for several years justice of the
peace. While in this office he officiated at the marriage of Abiel
Leonard. He was a devoted Methodist, and as a man and Christian
was much beloved by all classes of society.
Mrs. Mary Green, the wife of Dr. J. Green, was one of the elect
ladies. What would the church do without its holy women ? She was
one of the charter members of the Methodist church in Fayette. She
was the mother of the noble Christian wife of Col. Joseph Davis. The
old Boone's Lick circuit was noted for its holy, devout women.
Of the members who were conspicuous after 1844 we may men-
tion Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hendrix, Mr. and Mrs. William Nipper,
Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Watts, Mr. and Mrs. A. Mitchell, Mr.
Henderson, Mrs. Colonel Davis, Mrs. Kringe, Mr. John Ewen, Mr.
John Marmaduke, etc. From these families there are three Methodist
preachers now at work in Missouri : Dr. E. R. Hendrix, president of
Central college ; Rev. Charles W. Watts, preacher in charge at
Weston, and Rev. James J. Watts, of St. Louis.
Of the early preachers mention should be made of Jesse Green,
who took charge of the Fayette church in October, 1827. He was a
preacher of mark in his day. His fort was doctrinal preaching, and
he distinguished himself in the doctrinal debates of those early times.
He gave special attention to the Calvinists and to the Disciples. He
was a regular sledge hammer, the doctrinal preacher of his conference.
In the fall of 1828 Rev. William Shores took charge of the church.
He was afterward a citizen of Howard. He was a man of deep piety.
He has several worthy children still living in the county, and one son,
Rev. J. W. Shores, is a member of the Missouri conference at this
time. In the fall of 1829 Joseph Edmondson became the preacher.
He was a strong man, and was afterward stationed in St. Louis. In
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 613
September, 1830, Rev. Robert Jordan, who had just been ordained a
deacon by Bishop Roberts, became preacher in charge. He was as
good a man as ever was sent out — a true apostolic preacher. Then
for ten years, up to 1840, the following preachers had charge at vari-
ous times : William Ketron, John K. Lacy, A. W. Arnington, R. H.
Jordan, Thomas Wallace, G. W. Bewley and David Fisher. Not
having a copy of the general minutes at hand, I am unable to say who
were the preachers from 1840 to 1857. During that time, however,
Eev. Tyson Dines, one of Missouri's greatest preachers, was in charge
of the church. From 1858 to 1865 the following were the pastors:
S. W. Cope, B. F. Johnson, Andrew Monroe, W. M. Sutton andE.
Eobinson.
Heretofore the Fayette church had formed part of the circuit ; but
in 1869 it was made a station. Professors Forster and Miller supplied
the pulpit after the death of Dr. William A. Smith. Professor W.
G. Miller acted as pastor from September, 1870, until the fall of
1871. At that time Rev. J. H. Ledbetter was appointed to the sta-
tion. Iu September, 1872, Rev. William M. Newland became pastor.
In September, 1873, Rev. William Penn ; September, 1874, Rev. H.
P. Bond ; October, 1875, Rev. E. M. Mann ; September, 1876, Rev.
W. W. Jones, and the church was again connected with the circuit.
In September, 1877, Rev. J. R. A. Vaughan became pastor, and re-
mained four years; in September, 1881, Rev. William Penn; in
September, 1882, Rev. J. H. Ledbetter, who is still pastor.
On the 12th of October, 1828, the thirteenth session of the Missouri
annual conference convened with the Fayette church. Iu order to
accommodate the preachers and people* and get the greater amount
of religious good out of the, occasion, they held the conference in con-
nection with a camp meeting, on the old Fayette camp ground, two
and a half miles north of town. Bishop Joshua Soule presided. Some
of the old people still remember the bishop. They were then children,
and were struck by his dress. His coat was made with a stiff upright
collar ; it was straight breasted, and shad-belly. His pants came just
belowthe knees, and his high top boots buttoned over them.
In October, 1839, the Missouri conference once again met with the
Fayette church ; but this time in the town. Bishop Morris presided ;
William W. Redman, secretary. In September, 1881, for the third
time, the conference convened in Fayette. Bishop Capers presided ;
W. M. Rush, secretary.
The first preaching place, as I have already stated, was the resi-
dence of Billie Reynolds. In the year 1826 the first court house was
614 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COCNTIES.
erected, and the Methodists secured the privilege of preaching in it,
which they continued to do until they succeeded in building a church.
This first Methodist church ever built in Fayette was completed and
occupied in 1838. It was only used by the Methodists about two
years ; it then passed into the possession of the Reformers, or Disciples,
as they were then called — " Christian church " now. They still use
it. It is a small frame building on Second Main street. It
seems that this church was never deeded to the Methodists. Mr.
Hampton Boone, a well-to-do merchant, at that time a member and a
local preacher of the Methodist church, advanced most of the money
used in erecting the building. He found it difficult to get his pay,
at least, it came in slowly. In 1840 he asked and obtained of the
quarterly conference authority to sell the property and get his money
out of it. When he had obtained this permission he withdrew from
the Methodist church, and shortly afterward united with the Disciples
and turned the church over to them. This, I have no doubt, is a
true history in brief of a matter that occasioned much talk at the
time and since. After the Methodists had thus lost their church they
worshipped in a small brick school house that stood within the present
campus of Central college ; but on great occasions they used the
chapel of the high school building. This they continued to do until
the year 1855, when they succeeded in building a frame church, at a
cost of $2,500. It is still standing, and is now the property of the
colored Methodists. This church was dedicated by Bishop G. F.
Pierce, in 1856. This building was used until 1870, when, under the
direction of Dr. William A. Smith, president of Central college, the
congregation moved into the college chapel, where they still hold all
of their services. They are soon to have more elegant quarters than
ever, as the magnificent new chapel, "Centenary," is being erected
at a cost of $24,000. God grant that their wanderings may be over !
When the Methodist church was divided in the United States
into two branches, in 1844, on account of the great trial of Bishop
Andrews, growing out of the agitation of the slavery question, there
was a division in Howard county. All of the Methodist churches in
the county adhered to the southern branch of the church. There has
always been unity and harmony in the Fayette church. Even the
great civil war did not disrupt them, though there were people of
both sides in the church. For nearly sixty years Methodist preachers
have been laboring in Fayette. The church has had a variety of ex-
periences. It has passed through many dark and stormy days. It
has been houseless and almost friendless at times, but better times
have come to her. The handful has become a strong congregation.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 615
The future grows rosy with promise. Her gospel is the same, her
mission the same, her spirit the same — may her courage and fidelity
be the same ! The present membership is 227. The following is the
official board: A.F.Davis, Lewis S. Prosser, O. H. P. Corprew,
T. G. Mumpower, J. B. Bell. Tbere are two foreign missionary
societies among the ladies and girls of the church, and one among
the young men. The whole church contributes for missions about
$400 per annum.
Washington church, M. E. south, located on section 11, township
51, range 16, was organized about the year 1850. Among its original
members were : Wm. Shores, wife and family, D. K. Spotts and wife,.
Reuben and Levy Alverson, John Green, Martin Green and wife, Mar-
tin A. Finnell, Wesley Green, and others. William Shores was the
founder of the church. The building, a frame structure, was erected
in 1866, at a cost of about $1,000, and during that year was dedicated
by Dr. W. G. Miller. The present pastor in charge is William Was-
sen. Its membership numbers 100. After the organization was first
effected a church was built upon the site of the present one, but was
burned at the beginning of the war.
Oak Grove M. E. church south, is located on section 18, township
52, range 16, and was organized May 22, 1856. Its original members
were: Mrs. Permelia Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. James Dodd, Mrs. Nar-
cissa Snoddy, Stephen T. Garner and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Yancy
(wife of Robert Yancy), Miss Emeliue Dodd, Mrs. Ann McCully,
Eobert Yancy, Miss Mary A. Snoddy, Mary Switzer, and three col-
ored people, slaves. The building was constructed in 1874 and is of
frame, having cost $1,600. It was dedicated in June, 1875, by Dr.
E. K. Millet. Among the pastors who have served the church as
such are: James Penn, S. W. Cope, Andrew Monroe (J. Smith,
assistant), William F. Bell, Dr. Johnson, D. H. Root, William M.
Rust, George Penn, Geo. W. Rich, Rev. Rooker, William Warren,
and others, at intervals. The present membership is twenty-four.
Rev. James Penn organized the church at the Old Liberty church site,
one mile south of the present location, and services were held there
until the winter of 1861, when the building was burned. Then
services were conducted during the war at the house of Stephen T.
Garner, and from 1866 until the new church was erected they occu-
pied a school-house on the old Snoddy farm.
Lebanon church was built in 1880 by members of Washington,
and other churches. It is of frame and cost about $900, and was ded-
icated (in 1880) by Dr. W. G. Miller. There is no regular pastor.
Armstrong society, located in Armstrong, was organized in June,
616 HISTORY Of HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
188 — , with the following, as constituting the original membership :
John. J. Walkup and wife, Mrs. Narcissus Harvey, Mrs. Fugate, Mat-
thew Markland, Belle Krouse, William McCully and wife, Miss Ida
McCully, Mrs. Bettie "Walker, Mrs. Cynthia -Hannah, Mrs. Lucy Mor-
ris, S.B. Weir, M. D. Alverson and wife, Mrs. Francis, Jane Denny —
seventeen in all. The church, a frame building, erected in 1881, cost
$1,800, ,and is a union church, owned by tbe Christian, Baptist, Pres-
byterian and M. E. south denominations. June 2, 1881, it was ded-
icated by Rev. J. H. Pritchett. The pastors have been : Rev. W. F.
Bell, Rev. W. Warren. Its membership is twenty-nine.
Sharon church was organized in 1876. They worship in a build-
ing owned by the M. E. south, Presbyterian and Baptist. The church
building cost about $1,500.
Besides these, there are churches known as Roanoke, Franklin,
Clark chapel, Cooper chapel, Ebenezer church, and Smith's chapel.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized at Glasgow, De-
cember 28, 1844. The preaching places were Glasgow and Souls
chapel. Thomas Johnson was the first preacher in charge, and
William Patton was the presiding elder. The trustees for the church
at Glasgow were William D. Swinney, John Bull, William N. Smith,
William F. Duunica, K. L. Barton, Benjamin W. Lewis and Jesse
Arnot. Of these, three are now living. K. L. Barton and William
F. Dunnica are living in Glasgow, and Jesse Arnot in St. Louis.
James S. Thomson was elected first Sabbath school superintendent.
At a quarterly meeting held April 5, 1845, the question of the division
of the church was brought up, and it was unanimously decided to con-
cur with the annual conference in the division of the church, and
from this time the church was called the Methodist Episcopal church
south. The names of the first members were as follows : B. W.
Lewis, James Y. Williams, J. S. Thomson, John F. Nicholas, J. M.
Sexton, George Humphreys, W. G. Brown, Elias R. Barton, R. P.
Hanenkamp, Mrs. Carter, L. Wilson, Thomas Mead, T. N. Cockerill,
Mrs. Elizabeth Barton, Mrs. Lacy, Jease Arnot, Noah Swacher, G.
B. Dameron, W. F. Duninca, Charles Gilliam, James B. Lewis, Mrs.
William Barton, T. Emmerson. Present pastor is Rev. A. Mizell.
M. E. church (north), at Glasgow, was organized in the fall of
1865, with the following members : B. W. Lewis, James W. Lewis,
Jennie Lewis and Noah Swacher and wife. The name of the first
pastor was D. A. McCrady. Its membership now numbers forty-four.
This church is now the only organization of that branch of the M. E.
church (north), in the county. Another organization was started at
Gillies chapel, below Glasgow, but it has not now any existence.
HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY.
CHAPTEE I.
Introduction — Importance of Early Beginnings — First Settlements — Their Courage —
Their Condition Compared to that of the Pilgrim Fathers — How They Came
and Where They Settled — War of 1812 — Cole's Fort — Where Located — First
Appearance of Hostile Indians — They Kill and Scalp Smith — Settlers Capture a
Boat and Cross to the North Side of the River — Samuel McMahan Killed — Fort
at Hannah Coles'— The War Over — Major Stephen Cole Killed — First Con-
stable South of the Missouri — Incidents — Strange but True.
INTRODUCTION.
Sixty-five years have passed since Cooper, the eldest and fairest
daughter of Howard county, came into existence, and wonderful have
been the changes and mighty have been the events and revolutions,
the discoveries and inventions, that have occurred within this time.
Perhaps since God "formed the earth and the world," and tossed them
from the hollow of his hand into space, so many great things have not
been accomplished in any sixty-five years. Reflections on these can-
not fail to arouse wonder and awaken thankfulness that God has ap-
pointed us the place we occupy in the eternal chain of events. Ten-
nyson and Browning, Bryant and Whittier, Lowell and Longfellow
have sung ; the matchless Webster, the ornate Sumner, the eloquent
Clay, the metaphysical Calhoun and Seward, have since reached the
culmination of their powers and passed into the grave. Macaulay,
Thiers, Gizot and Froude have written in noble strains the great his-
(617)
618 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tory of their lands ; and Bancroft, and Prescott, and Hildreth, and
Motley have won high rank among the historians of the earth ; Spur-
geon, and Punshon, and Beecher, and Moody, have enforced with
most persuasive eloquence the duties of morality and religion. Car-
lyle, and Emerson, and Stuart Mill, and Spencer have given the re-
sults of their speculations in high philosophy to the world. Mexico
has been conquered, Alaska has been purchased ; the centre of popu-
lation has travelled more than two hundred and fifty miles along the
thirty-ninth parallel, and a majority of the states have been added to
the glorious constellation on the blue field of our flag. Great cities
have been created, and populous counties developed ; and the stream
of emigration is still tending westward. Gold has been discovered in
the far west, and the great civil war — the bloodiest in all the annals of
time — has been fought. The telegraph, the telephone and railroad
have been added to the list of the most important inventions. In
fact, during this time our country has increased in population from
a few millions of people to fifty millions. From a weak, obscure
natiou it has become strong in all the elements of power and influence,
and is to-day the most marvellous country for its age that ever existed.
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY BEGINNINGS.
Every nation does not possess an authentic account of its origin,
neither do all communities have the correct data whereby it is possible
to accurately predicate the condition of their first beginnings. Never-
theless, to be intensely interested in such things is characteristic of
the race, and it is particularly the province of the historian to deal
with first causes. Should these facts be lost in the mythical tradition
of the past, as is often the case, the chronicler invades the realm of
the ideal, and compels his imagination to paint the missing picture.
The patriotic Roman was not content until he had found the " first
settlers," and then he was satisfied, although they were found in the
very undesirable company of a wolf, and located on a drift, which the
receding waters of the Tiber had permitted them to pre-empt.
One of the advantages pertaining to a residence in a new country,
and one seldom appreciated, is the fact that we can go back to the
first beginnings. We are thus enabled to not only trace results to
their causes, but also to grasp the facts which have contributed to
form and mould these causes. We observe that a state or county has
attained a certain position, and we at once try to trace out the reasons
for this position in its settlement and surroundings, in the class of
men by whom it was peopled, and in the many chances and changes
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 619
which have wrought out results in all the- recorded deeds of mankind.
In the history of Cooper county we may trace its early settlers to their
homes in the eastern states and in the countries of the old world. We
may follow the course of the hardy backwoodsman from the " Buck-
eye " or " Hoosier " state, and from Kentucky and Virginia, on his
way west, " to grow up with the country," trusting only to his strong
arm and willing heart to work out his ambition of a home for himself
and wife, and a competence for his children.
Again, we will see that others have been animated with the im-
pulse to move on, after making themselves a part of the community,
and have sought the newer parts of the extreme west, where civiliza-
tion had not penetrated, or returned to their native heath. We shall
find something of that distinctive New England character which has
contributed so many men and women to other portions of the west.
We shall also find many an industrious native of Germany, as well
as a number of the sons of the Emerald Isle, all of whom have con-
tributed to modify types of men already existing here. Those who have
noted the career of the descendants of these brave, strong men, in
subduing the wilds and overcoming the obstacles and hardships of
early times, can but admit they are worthy sons of illustrious sires.
They, who in the early dawn of western civilization, first bearded the
lion in his den, opened the path through the wilderness, drove out the
wild beasts and tamed the savage, are entitled to one of the brightest
pages in all the record of the past.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
The permanent settlement of Howard and Cooper counties was
made about the same time. It is true that Asa Morgan, Ira P. Nash,
Stephen Hancock, Stephen Jackson, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone,
and a man by the name of Prewitt, came to Howard county before
any settlement was made in Cooper county. These parties, however,
were there temporarily, whatever may have been their original inten-
tion as to remaining when coming. William Christy and John J.
Heath came from St. Louis in 1808 and manufactured salt in what is
now Blackwater township, Cooper county, the place being known to-
day as "Heath's Salt-Lick." And, in the spring of that year, Colonel
Benjamin Cooper located in Howard county, but soon after returned
to Lontre island. On the 20th of February, 1810, Colonel Benjamin
Cooper came again to Howard county ; with him came a number of
others, all of whom remained in what is now known as Howard county,
■ excepting Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole, who settled in Cooper
620 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
county. Hannah Cole was a widow and had nine children, whose
names were Jennie, Mattie, Dikie, Nellie, James, Holburt, Stephen,
William and Samuel. Stephen Cole's family consisted of himself, his
wife, Phoebe, and their children, James, vRhoda, Mark, Nellie and
Polly, making in all, in the two families, seventeen persons who made
the first permanent settlement in what is now known as Cooper county.
Hannah Cole located in what is now East Boouvillc, on the big bluff
overlooking the river, at a point of rocks where a lime-kiln now stands,
the land being the southwest quarter of section 25, township 49, range
17. Stephen Cole settled about one and a half miles east of Boon-
ville, in what is called the old "fort field, " on the northwest quarter
of section 31, township 49, range 16. At the date of these two set-
tlements there was no white American living in Missouri west of
Franklin county and south of the Missouri river. These families were
distant from their nearest neighbors from two to three miles, from
whom they were also separated by a wide and dangerous river.
Here, in the midst of an untrodden wilderness, surrounded by
treacherous Indians, these two families pitched their tents, determined
to try not only the stern realities of the western wilds, but to build
for themselves and their children homes, whose broad acres should
include the best of timber, the richest of soil and the purest of water.
Among other commendable traits of character possessed by these
pioneers, they surely had, in a large measure, the stuff of which the
hero and the heroine are made. The very fact of their separating
from their friends on the other side of the Missouri river and coming
hither — this little band of emigrants, composed of but two families,
and the head of one of these being a widow — shows a courage and a
will that would brave the hardships, not only of the wilderness, but a
coui'age that would stubbornly resist the attacks of the savage, as,
their life in the forts so nobly attested.
We who are to-day surrounded with the blessings of civilization,
the comforts of long established homes and the companionship of ge-
nial friends and neighbors, can hardly appreciate that exalted heroism
which nerved and sustained that handful of original pioneers.
As we think of Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole and their fami-
lies, we naturally recall to mind, the history of the landing of the
Pilgrim Fathers, and compare these first settlers of Cooper county,
to them, in their solitude and isolation. These families came in
wagons on the north side of the Missouri, and when they arrived at
the river, where old Franklin was afterwards laid out, they brought
their goods and chattels on this side, in a canoe, swimming their
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 621
horses after them. There were then no roads — not even a travelled
path within the present area of Cooper county — and when reaching
this shore, they were compelled to take any opening that they could
find in the woods or thickets, that would admit of the passage of
their wagons and animals. They, however, after reaching high
ground, soon halted for a i-est, and finally settled, as already stated,
near the present site of Boonville. Nearly two years had passed,
since the date of their coming, when they were joined by other ad-
venturous spirits, who also settled near the present town of Boon-
ville. This was during the winter of 1811 and spring of 1812, and
as the names of these early frontiersmen should be preserved, for all
time to come, we herewith record them : Joseph Jolly, Joseph Yar-
nell, Gilliard Bupe, Muke Box, Delany Bolin, William Savage, John
Savage, James Savage, Walter Burress, and David Burress. These
ten families, and Captain Stephen Cole and Hannah Cole, and their
families, included all white persons who had settled in the present
limits of Cooper county prior to the summer of 1812.
THE WAR OF 1812.
Hitherto, the life of the settler had been passed in comparative
ease and quiet. Supplied by nature with till that he wished to eat or
drink, he had nothing to induce him to labor, except to provide a
shelter for his family. This completed, he could spend his time in
hunting and fishing, and by these pleasant pastimes, he could provide
all the necessaries for those dependent upon him. He had no care
about his stock, for in winter, as well as in summer, they were boun-
tifully fed by the grass and other vegetation which grew luxuriantly
on every side. Except an occasional encounter with some wild
animal, such as a bear or panther, the life of the pioneer was one
devoid of incident or excitement. This life of ease and rest was
suddenly disturbed by the inauguration of a bloody and harrassing
war, a war in which the Indian was to take the most prominent part,
as the unrelenting and merciless foe of the pioneer, who had settled
along the banks of the river. Great Britain, our quondam, cruel
mother, had declared war (1812), against the United States. The
settlers, who were then residing on each side of the river, soon be-
came convinced that the savages were preparing to take sides with
Great Britian, and being thus forewarned, they began the immediate
erection of forts.
41
622 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
cole's FORT.
The first fort in the present limits of Cooper county was built
by Stephen Cole, his neighbors assisting, in the year 1812, and was
called " Cole's" fort. It was situated in the north part of what is
now known as the " old fort field," about one and one-half miles east
of the city of Boonville, north of the road from Boonville to Roche-
port. As soon as it was completed, all the families living around
gathered at the fort for protection from the savages. As their meat
consisted entirely of the wild game which they killed, they had to
send out parties from day to day to kill it. And it happened that a
couple of parties were out hunting when the Indians attacked the
fort.
A few months after the fort was built, a band of about four
hundred Indians suddenly made their appearance in the neighborhood.
When they appeared before the fort, there were two parties out hunt-
ing, in one of which were two men by the name of Smith and Savage,
who, on their return to the fort, were pursued by the Indians. The
savages shot at them several times ; in the first fire, Smith was
severely wounded, but staggered on to within fifty yards of the fort,
where the Indians shot him again, two balls taking effect and hurling
him to the ground. As soon as Savage saw him fall, he turned to
assist him ; but Smith handed him his gun, and told him to save him-
self, as he knew he was mortally wounded. As the Indians were in
close pursuit of them, Savage was forced to leave his unfortunate
companion and attempt to make his escape. He reached the fort un-
hurt, although he had been shot at some twenty-five times. The
Indians after having scalped Smith, and barbarously multilated his
body, withdrew to the adjacent woods, and laid siege to the fort.
As the Indians who were in pursuit of Savage came in full view of
the fort, several of them could have been killed. Indeed, Samuel
•Cole, who was in the fort at the time, begged his mother to let him
fire upon them, but she refused, telling him that as the Indians had as
yet shown no disposition to attack the fort, the inmates did not wish
to arouse their anger by killing any of them ; hoping that before they
did attack, those settlers, who were out hunting, would arrive, and
they perhaps get a chance to escape. During the following night the
remaining settlers, who were outside the fort, returned.
The next day the settlers captured a French boat which came up
the river loaded with powder and balls, to trade with the Indians at
Council Bluffs. They crossed their families and all their stock, fur-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 623
niture, etc., over the river in this boat, to Kincaid fort, or Fort Hemp-
stead, which was located in what is now Howard county, about one
mile. from the north end of the great iron bridge over the Missouri
river at Boonville. It will be seen from this, that these settlers were
not only brave men, but fit to lead an army in time of danger, as when
they made this retreat the fort was surrounded by the Indians on all
sides, except that protected by the river. And yet in the face of all
this they saved everything from the fort.
After they had crossed their families and chattels in the captured
boat, and taken possession of the twenty-five kegs of powder and five
hundred pounds of balls which the boat contained, the settlers let the
Frenchmen return down the river with their boat, with the admoni-
tion, that if they ever came up the river again with supplies for the
Indians, they would hang them, as they could not permit their ene-
mies to thus obtain supplies. Previous to the capture of this boat
and theamunition with which it was loaded, Joseph Jolly had supplied
the settlers with powder, manufacturing it himself, from saltpetre,
which was found in a cave near Rocheport.
The settlers who had crossed to the north side of the river, re-
turned to their homes in the spring of 1813, but the Indian troubles
continued for two years thereafter.
On the 14th day of December, 1814, a man named Samuel McMa-
han, living in what is now Lamine township of Cooper county, was
killed near Boonville, not far from the present residence of Scott
Benedict, under the following circumstances : He had been down to
the settlement at Boonville to bring his cattle, as he intended to move
down the river, and as he was returning home he came upon a band
of Indians who were lying in ambush for some men who were cutting
down a bee tree not far away. The savages fired upon him, wounding
him and killing his horse. He jumped up after his horse fell, and al-
though severely wounded, ran down the ravine leading to the river.
The Indians started in pursuit of him, and as he was*weak from the
loss of blood, they soon overtook him and killed him, sticking three
spears into his back. They afterwards cut off his head and scattered
his entrails over the ground. The Indians, knowing that the ven-
geance of the settlers would be sudden and terrible, then scattered,
and made their way out of the country the best way they could.
The next day, for the settlers, not knowing the number of the
Indians, waited for reinforcements from the opposite side of the river,
a party of men went out to get the body of McMahan. James Cole,
the brother of Samuel Cole, carried the body before him on his horse,
624 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and David McGee brought the head wrapped in a sheep skin. The
settlers buried McMahan under the linn tree, which formerly stood in
the centre ring at the old fair grounds. A child of David Burress,
which was burned to death, was also buried under this tree.
The next day after the killing of McMahan, all the settlers living
near the present site of Boonville, speedily repaired to the house of
Hannah Cole, which stood on the bluff, in what is now "East Boon-
ville," as this place was the most suitable of any near to defend
against an attack of the Indians. All of these men came with their
teams, cut down trees, dragged logs to build a fort at that place.
They completed the building of the fort in about one week, although
all of the men could not work at one time, as it was necessary to station
a guard on every side to watch for the approach of the enemy, whom
they expected every hour.
The fort was built on the edge of the bluff, and as the bluff was
very steep at that point, it was well defended on that side from the
Indians. Another reason for building it in that plaee, was, because
the inmates of the fort could obtain a constant supply of good water
from the river. They had a long log running out over the edge of
the bluff, and a windlass aud rope attached to it, so that it was an easy
matter to draw up water, even during an attack of the Indians.
As soon as the fort at Hannah Cole's was completed, the old fort
at Stephen Cole's, situated on the bluff near the river, one mile below
the new fort, was abandoned, and all the families gathered into the
new fort, so as to be a protection to each other.
But this precaution proved to be unnecessary, as the killing of
McMahan was virtually the end of the war in this part of the country,
and the settlers had no more open fights with the Indians, although
small bands of savages occasionally roamed through the country, run-
ning off stock, and committing other depredations, The Indians had
found out that the men who had pierced the wilderness and brought
their families wfththem, were ready to lay down their lives in defence
of them and their homes, and the savages deserted their hunting
grounds and moved farther west.
Major Stephen Cole, the acknowledged leader of the settlers, liv-
ing south of the Missouri river, survived the war, and after making
every effort for their defence, his love of wild adventure led him to be-
come a pioneer in the trade with Santa Fe in 1822. He was killed by
the Indians during the same year, about sixty miles southwest of Santa
Fe, on the Rio Grande river.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 625
FIRST CONSTABLE SODTH OF MISSOURI RIVER.
Sometime during the year 1817, William Gibson, now living a
short distance east of the city of Boonville, was appointed by the
territorial court constable of that part of Howard county lying south
of the Missouri river. His jurisdiction extended from the Missouri
river, on the north, to the Osage river, on the south. ■ Soon after his
Appointment, there being some trouble down on the Osage, he was
sent there with a warrant for the arrest of the man who had caused
the trouble. The distance was between sixty and seventy miles.
After arresting the man, he returned to Boonville with his prisoner.
As he was on his journey back, having an execution against a man
who lived on the road, he stopped at his house and proceeded to levy
on the feather beds, as nothing in those days was exempt from levy
under execution. But, as soon as he made his purpose known, four
women, who were the only persons at home, threatened to give him a
thrashing, so he was forced to retire as fast as he could, and return
the execution unsatisfied. To add to this, the court only allowed
him, for his journey of 140 miles, which occupied four days, the
magnificent sum of twenty-five cents. Mr. Gibson thinking the office
not quite lucrative enough to justify him in devoting his whole time
to its duties, and not wishing to risk his life at the hands of angry
women, quietly sent in his resignation, thus furnishing the example
of one officer who resigns, although few have the same inducements.
INCIDENTS.
While Samuel Cole was living at his mother's fort in East Boon-
ville, in the year 1817, there was a dance at William Bartlett's board-
ing house, on the flat near the ferry landing, at the mouth of Ruppe's
branch. Although Samuel wished very much to attend, his mother
refused to permit him, as his wardrobe at that time was entirely too
limited to permit him to associate with the "elite." He had no
pants, his sole garment consisting of a long tow shirt, which 'reached
entirely to his heels. But Samuel, although always, from his own
statement, an obedient son, was not to be deprived of so great a
pleasure, by this, to him, very trivial excuse. So he determined to
attend that dance, and then make the best arrangement he could to
meet the " wrath to come." Not having any horse, he bridled a
tame bull, which was at the fort, and thus mounted, rode up to the
door of the house in which they were dancing. After looking in for
some time, and by his strange looking steed and attire, attracting a
626 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
large crowd around him, he drove his bull down to the river, and
riding in, he slid back over its haunches, and caught hold of its tail.
In this way he swam down the river to Hannah Cole's Fort, when he
and his strange companion came out of the water and sought their
homes. This story has often been published, but never correctly, as
all former accounts represented him as swimming the river to attend
a wedding, but our version is correct, as it was obtained directly from
Samuel Cole himself.
About the 15th day of November, 1817, Joseph Stephens with his
large family and several friends, crossed the river where Boonville
now stands, and camped near the foot of Main street. The next day
after they crossed, Samuel Cole, who was then a boy of sixteen years
of age, appeared at their camp and asked Mrs. Stephens if she would
like to have some venison. Upon her replying that she would, as she
was nearly out of meat, Samuel shouldered his gun and marched off
into the woods, telling her to wait a few minutes and he would kill
her some. Samuel Cole, at that» time, although there was a slight
snow on the ground, was bare-footed and bare-headed, his breeches
reached only to his knees, the collar of his shirt was open, and he
carried an old flint lock rifle. About fifteen minutes after he left the
camp, Stephens and his family heard two shots in the direction in
which he had gone. Pretty soon Samuel appeared, and told them
that he had killed two fine deer, that they must go out and bring them
to the camp. So they started out and found the two deer lying on
the side of the hill just north of the present residence of William H.
Trigg. After they skinned them and cut them up, the party brought
them to the camp and presented them to Mrs. Stephens. This shows
what little exertion was necessary at that day to obtain meat.
A few days afterwards Joseph Stephens moved with his family
to the farm which he had bought, about one-quarter of a mile north
of the present site of Bunceton. About Christmas, in the same year,
Samuel Cole rode up to Joseph Stephens' camp, and Mrs. Stephens
asked him to alight and take dinner. He asked her whether she had
any honey, and she told him she had not. He said he could not eat
without honey. And although she insisted that he should remain, he
still refused. In the meantime, Larry and Joseph, two of her sons, '
and a negro man named Basil, came up to the camp carrying their
axes, as they had been cutting wood. Samuel turned to them, and
told them to go with him and get some honey for dinner. They at
first, supposing him to be joking, refused to go. But as he still in-
sisted, they consented. After going some 200 yards east of the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 627
camp, Samuel suddenly stopped, and pointing to a tree, told them to
cut it down. The others, not seeing anything about the tree that
would induce any one to think that it contained honey, yet willing to
accommodate company, cut it down, and it was found filled with nice
honey. While they were cutting down this tree, Samuel found
another a short distance away, and having cut down this one also, they
returned home with six buckets of fine honey, having taken nothing but
the clear part. Before he left, Samuel taught them the way in which
he found the trees. He told them that if they would examine the
ground around the tree, they would find small pieces of bee bread,
and occasionally a dead bee. This was an infallible sign of a bee tree.
They afterwards, following his directions, searched and found, in a
small space, thirteen trees whiehwere filled with honey; and as they
had no sugar this was a great help to them. They sometimes had as
much as 400 pounds of honey on hand atone time.
STRANGE, BUT TRUE.
In the year 1818, Joseph Stephens, who died in 1836, Major
Stephen Cole and William Boss, the hatter, started west on a hunting
and exploring tour, aud travelled as far as the present site of Knob
Noster. At that time all the country west of the present boundary
line of Cooper county, was a wilderness, no person living in it. About
six miles'southeast of the present site of Sedalia, in Pettis county, on
the farm now owned by a man by the name of Warren, near Flat
creek, they discovered what appeared to be a large, high and peculi-
arly shaped Indian mound. They examined it pretty closely, and
found on one side that the wolves had scratched an opening into it.
After enlarging it so as to admit them, they beheld a remarkable sight.
They found themselves in what resembled a room, about eight feet
square, with a ceiling of logs, just high enough to permit a tall man
to stand erect. On the side opposite where they had entered, sat an
officer dressed in full military uniform, with gold epaulettes ujDon his
shoulders, gold lace fringing every seam of his coat, cocked military
hat, knee breeches, lace stockings and morocco slippers. As
he sat erect upon a seat hewed out of a log, nothing but the
ghastly hue and leathery appearance of his skin would have suggested
but that he was alive. By his side stood a heavy gold-headed cane.
His features were complete, and his flesh free from decay, though
dried to the consistency of leather. The place in which the body was
found was very peculiar. A place about eight feet square and two feet
deep had been dug in the earth. The sides had been walled up with
628 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
sod until it was high enough for the purpose, reaching several feet
above the surface of the ground. The top was then covered with
poles, which ran up to a point in the centre like the roof of a house.
Then the poles and the surrounding walls were covered with sod two
or three feet deep, cut from the prairie nearby, thus excluding entire-
ly the rain and air. When they left the place, William Ross, being
the oldest man of the party, took the cane as a memento, but nothing
else was touched.
Who this officer was, from whence he came, what he was doing
in this part of the country, what was the cause of his death, and
when and by whom he was thus singularly entombed, has not, and
perhaps never will be known. But he was supposed by many to have
been a British officer, who, during the war of 1812, passed around by
way of Canada into the Indian country, to incite the Indians against
the whites ; yet this is only conjecture, though those who discovered
his body account for him in that way.
Soon after this, Joseph Stephens, Sr., now living near Peters-
burg, on the O. V. & S. K. railroad, in company with James D.
Campbell, went into that part of the country bee hunting, and visited
the burial place of this officer. They found that part of the roof had
fallen in and that the wolves had eaten all of the flesh off the body,
so that nothing but the skeleton and clothes remained. Joseph Ste-
phens took the epaulettes as a memento, but nothing else was dis-
turbed. As his mother objected to his keeping the epaulettes, he
melted them into a large ball, which was worth fifteen or twenty dol-
lars, as it was solid gold. This description of the burial place and
the mysterious, solitary inmate was obtained from the last mentioned
Joseph Stephens, and is correct and reliable, although several other
and different accounts have been published. As much has been said
of Samuel Cole in this, the first chapter of the history of Cooper
county, the reader is referred to chapter XX. for other incidents and
a more complete biographical sketch of this brave old pioneer, who
still lives, at a green old age, in Cooper county.
?tdl%3S>
CHAPTEE II.
CUSTOMS OF EARLY DAYS.
Habits and Modes of Living of the Pioneers — Manner of Building — Furniture — Horse
Collars and Horses — The Women — The Manner of Making Dresses — How They
Went to Church — Simplicity of Their Lives — Food and How Cooked —Home Manu-
factures— The Wearing Apparel of the Men and Boys — Log-rollings and Quiltinga —
Corn Huskings and Dances — The Bottle Handed Around — Athletic Exercises and
Target Shooting — Fist Fighting — Pioneer Mills.
" To the aged, no days like the old days :
Let the old settlers take us by the hand."
It is a trite but true proverb that < ' times change and we change
with them ; " and it is well illustrated by the changes in dress, condi-
tion and life that have taken place in this country in less than half a
century. We doubt not that these changes, as a whole, are for the
better. To the old man, indeed, whose life work is accomplished,
and whose thoughts dwell mainly on the past, where his treasures are,
there are no days like the old days, and no song awakens so respon-
sive an echo in his heart as " Auld Lang Syne." The very skies that
arch above his gray head seem less blue to his dimmed eye than they
did when, in the adoration of his young heart, he directed to them
his gaze ; the woods appear less green and inviting than when, in the
gayety of boyhood, he courted their cool depths, and the songs of
their feathered inhabitants fall less melodious upon his ear. He
marks the changes that are very visible, and feels like crying out, in
the language of the poet : —
"Backward, turn backward, oh, Time, in thy flight! "
It is natural for the aged to sigh for a return of the past, nor
would we attempt the hopeless task of convincing them that, with the
changes of the years, there have come also an increase in happiness,
an improvement in social life, a progress in education, an advancement
in morality, and a tendency upward in all that relates to the welfare of
mankind.
We may learn lessons, however, from a study of that land over
which the pardonable and fond imagination of the old settler has
(629)
630 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
thrown the " light that never was on sea or land," if, withdrawing
ourselves from the activities of the present, we let the old settler take
us by the hand and lead us back into the regions of his youth, that
we may observe the life of those who founded a grand empire in a
great wilderness. Let us leave the prow of the rushing ship, from
which may be discerned a mighty future, rich in promises and bright
with hope, and take our place upon the stern and gaze backward into
the beautiful land of the past. No doubt we shall be led to regret
the absence among us of some of the virtues of dwellers in those
early days. Gone is that free-hearted hospitality which made of
every settler's cabin an inn, where the belated and weary
traveller found entertainment without money and without price.
Gone is that community of sentiment which made neighbors indeed
neighbors ; that era of kindly feeliug which was marked by the almost
entire absence of litigation.
Gone, too, some say, is that simple, strong, upright, honest in-
tegrity, which was so marked a characteristic of the pioneer. So
rapid has been the improvement in machinery, and the progress in the
arts and their application to the needs of man, that a study of the
manner in which people lived and worked only fifty years ago, seems
like the study of a remote age. It is important to remember that
while a majority of settlers were poor, that poverty carried with it no
crushing sense of degradation like that felt by the very poor of our
age. They lived in a cabin, it is true, but it was their own, and had
been reared by their hands. Their house, too, while inconvenient
and far from water-proof, was built in the prevailing style of architect-
ui-e, and would compare favorably with the homes of their neighbors.
They were destitute of many of the conveniences of life, and some
things that are now considered necessaries ; but they patiently endured
their lot, and hopefully looked forward to brighter days. They had
plenty to wear as a protection against the weather, and an abundance
of wholesome food. They sat down to a rude table to eat from tin
or pewter dishes ; but the meat thereon spread — the flesh of the deer
or bear, of the wild duck or turkey, of the quail or squirrel — was
superior to that we eat, and had been won by the skill of the settler,
or that of his vigorous sons. The bread they ate was made from
corn or wheat of their own raising. They walked the green carpet of
grand prairie or forest that surrounded them, not with the air of a
beggar, but with the elastic step of a self-respected free man.
The settler brought with him the keen axe, which was indispen-
sable, and the equally necessary rifle — the first his weapon of offence
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 631
against the forests that skirted the water courses, and near which he
made his home, the second that of defence from the attacks of his foe,
the cunning child of the forest and the prairie. His first labor was to
fell trees and erect his unpretentious cabin, which was rudely made
of logs, and in the raising of which he had the cheerful aid of his
neighbors. It was usually from fourteen to sixteen feet square, and
never larger than twenty feet, and very frequently, built entirely with-
out glass, nails, hinges, or locks. The manner of building was as
follows : First, large logs were laid in position as sills, on these were
placed strong sleepers, and on the sleepers were laid the rough-hewed
puncheons, which were to serve as floors. The logs were then built
up till the proper height for the eaves was reached ; then on the ends
of the building were placed poles, longer than the other end logs,
which projected some eighteen or more inches over the sides, and
were called " butting pole sleepers ;" on the projecting ends of these
was placed the " butting pole," which served to give the line to the
first row of clapboards. These were, as a matter of course, split, and
as the gables of the cabin were built up, were so laid on as to lap a
third of their length. They were often kept in place by the weight
of a heavy pole, which was laid across the roof parallel to the ridge
pole. The house was then chinked and daubed. A large fire place
was built in at one end of the house, in which fire was kindled for
cooking purposes (for the settlers generally were without stoves),
and which furnished the needed warmth in winter. The ceiling above
was sometimes covered with the pelts of the raccoon, opossum, and
of the wolf, to add to the warmth of the dwelling. Sometimes the
soft inner bark of the bass wood was used for the same purpose.
The cabin was lighted by means of greased paper windows. A log
would be left out along one side and sheets of Strong paper, well
greased with coon grease or bear oil, would be carefully tacked in.
The above description only applies to the earliest times, before
the buzzing of the saw mill was heard within our borders. The fur-
niture comported admirably with the house itself, and hence, if not
elegant, was in perfect taste. The tables had four legs, and was
rudely made from a puncheon. Their seats were stools, having three
or four legs. The bedstead was in keeping with the rest, and was
often so contrived as to permit it to be drawn up and fastened to the
wall during the day, thus affording more room for the family. The
entire furniture was simple, and was framed with no other tools than
an axe and auger. Each was his own carpenter, and some displayed
considerable ingenuity in the construction of implements of agricul-
632 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ture, and utensils and furniture for the kitchen and house. Knives
and forks they sometimes had, and sometimes had not. The common
table knife was the jack-knife, or butcher-knife. Horse collars were
sometimes made of the plaited husk of the maize, sewed together.
They were easy on the neck of the horse, and if tug traces were used,
would last a long time. Horses were not used very much, however,
as oxen were almost exclusively used. In some instances, carts and
wagons were constructed or repaired by the self-reliant settler, and
the woeful creakings of the untarred axles could be heard at a great
distance.
The women corresponded well with the virtuous woman spoken
of in the last chapter of Proverbs, for they " sought wool and flax,
and worked willingly with their hands." They did not, it is true,
make for themselves " coverings of tapestry," nor could it be said of
them, that their " clothing was silk and purple;" but " they rose
while it was yet night, and gave meat to their household," and they
"girded their loins with strength, and strengthened their arms."
They "looked well to the ways of their household, and ate not the
bread of idleness." They laid " their hands to the spindle and to the
distaff," and " strength and honor were in their clothing."
In these days of furbelows and flounces, when from twenty to
thirty yards are required by one fair damsel for a dress, it is refresh-
ing to know that the ladies of that ancient time considered eight yards
an extravagant amount to put into one dress. The dress was usually
made plain with four widths in the skirt and two front ones cut gored.
The waist was made very short, and across the shoulders behind was
a draw-string. The sleeves were enormously large and tapered from
shoulder to wrist, and the most fashionable — for fashion, like love,
rules alike, the " court and grove " — were padded so as to resemble
a bolster at the upper part, and were known as " mutton legs " or
" sheep-shank sleeves." The sleeve was kept in shape often by a
heavily starched lining. Those who could afford it used feathers,
which gave the sleeve the appearance of an inflated balloon from
elbow up, and were known as " pillow sleeves." Many bows and rib-
bons were worn, but scarcely any jewelry. The tow-dress was super-
seded by the cotton gown. Around the neck, instead of a lace collar
or elegant ribbon, there was arranged a copperas colored neckerchief.
In going to church or other public gathering, in summer weather,
they sometimes walked barefooted, till near their destination, when
they would put on their shoes or moccasins. They were contented
and even happy without any of the elegant articles of apparel now
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 633
used by ladies and considered necessary articles of dress. Ruffles,
fine laces, silk hats, kid gloves, false curls, rings, combs and jewels,
were nearly unknown, nor did the lack of them vex their souls. Many
of them were grown before they ever saw the interior of a dry goods
store. They were reared in simplicity, lived in simplicity, and were
happy in simplicity. It may be interesting to speak more specifically
regarding cookery and diet. Wild meat was plentiful . The settlers
generally brought some food with them to last till a crop could be
raised. Small patches of Indian corn were raised, which in the earliest
days of the settlements was beaten in a mortar. The meal was made
into a coarse but wholesome bread, on which the teeth could not be
very tightly shut on account of the grit it contained.
Johnny-cake and pones were served up at dinner, while mush and
milk was the favorite dish for supper. In the fire-place hung the crane,
and the Dutch oven was used in baking. The streams abounded in
fish, which formed a healthful article of food. Many kinds of greens,
such as dock and poke, were eaten. The "truck patch" furnished
roasting ears, pumpkins, beans, squashes and potatoes, and these were
used by all. For reaping-bees, log-rollings and house-raisings, the
standard dish was pot-pie. Coffee and tea were used sparingly, as
they were very dear, and the hardy pioneer thought them fit only for
women and children. They said it would not " stick to the ribs."
Maple sugar was much used, and honey was only five cents a pound.
Butter was the same price, while eggs were only three cents a dozen.
The utmost good feeling prevailed. If one killed hogs, all shared.
Chickens were to be seen in great numbers around every doorway, and
the gobble of the turkey and the quack of the duck were heard in the
land. Nature contributed of her fruits. Wild grapes and plums were to
be found in their seasons along the streams. The women manufactured
nearly all the clothing worn by the family. In cool weather, gowns
made of "linsey-woolsey " were worn by the ladies. The chain was
of cotton and the filling of wool. The fabric was usually plaid or
striped, and the different colors were blended according to the taste of
the fair maker. Colors were blue, copperas, turkey-red, light-blue,
etc. Every house contained a card loom and spinniug wheels, which
were considered by the women as necessary for them as the rifle was
for the men. Several different kinds of cloth were made. Cloth was
woven from cotton. The rolls were bought and spun on little and
big wheels into two kinds of thread — one the " chain " and the other
the "filling." The more experienced only spun the chain, the
younger the filling. Two kinds of looms were in use. The primitive
634 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in construction was called the side loom. The frame of it consisted
of two pieces of scantling running obliquely from the floor to the wall.
Later, the frame loom, which was a great improvement over the other,
came into use. The men and boys wore jeans, and linsey-woolsey
hunting shirts. The jeans was colored either light blue or butternut.
Many times when the men gathered to a log-rolling or a barn-raising,
the women would assemble, bringing their spinning wheels with them.
In this way sometimes as many as ten or twelve would gather in one
room, and the pleasant voices of the fair spinners would mingle with
the low hum of the spinning wheels. Oh ! golden, early days ! Such
articles as could not be manufactured, were brought to them from the
nearest store by the mail carrier. These were few, however. The
men and boys in many instances wore pantaloons made of the dressed
skin of the deer, which then swarmed the prairies in large herds.
The young man who desired to look captivating in the eyes of the
maiden whom he loved, had his " bucks" fringed, which lent them
not an unpleasing effect. Meal sacks were also made of buckskin.
Caps were made of the skins of the fox or wolf, wildcat and muskrat,
tanned with the fur on. The tail of the fox or the wolf often hung
from the top of the cap, lending the wearer a jaunty air. Both sexes
wore moccasins, which in dry weather were an excellent substitute for
shoes. There were no shoemakers and each family made its own shoes.
The settlers were separated from their neighbors often by miles.
There were no church houses or regular services of any kind to call
them together ; hence, no doubt, the cheerfulness with which they
accepted invitations to a house raising, or a log rolling, or a corn
husking, or a bee of any kind. To attend these gatherings they
would sometimes go ten and sometimes more miles. Generally, with
the invitation to the men, went one to the women, to come to a quilt-
ing. The good woman of the house where the festivities were to take
place, would be busily engaged for a day or more in preparation for
the coming guests. Great quantities of provisions were to be prepared,
for dyspepsia was unknown to the pioneer, and good appetites were
the rule and not the exception. " The bread used at these frolics was
baked generally on johnny or journey cake boards, and is the best
corn bread ever made. A board is made smooth, about two feet long
and eight inches wide — the ends are generally rounded. The dough
is spread out on this board and placed leaning before the fire. One
side is baked and the dough is changed on the board, so the other
side is presented, in its turn, to the fire. This is johnny cake, and is
good, if the proper materials are put in the dough, and it is properly
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 635
baked." At all the log rollings and house raisings it was customary
to provide liquor. Excesses were not indulged in, however. The
fiddle was never forgotten. After the day's work had been accom-
plished, outdoors and in, by men and women, the floor was cleared
and the merry dance began. The handsome, stalwart young men,
whose fine forms were the result of their manly outdoor life, clad in
fringed buckskin trousers and gaudily colored hunting shirts, led forth
the bright-eyed, buxom damsejs, attired in neatly-fitting linsey wool-
sey garments, to the dance, their cheeks glowing with health and eyes
speaking of enjoyment, and perhaps of a tenderer emotion. In pure
pioneer times the crops were never husked on the stalk, as is done at
this day, but were hauled home in the husk and thrown in a heap,
generally by the side of the crib, so that the ears tvhen husked could
be thrown direct into the crib. The whole neighborhood, male and
female, were invited to the "shucking," as it was called. The girls
and many of the married ladies generally engaged in this amusing
work.
In the first place, two leading expert huskers were chosen as cap-
tains, and the heap of corn divided as near equal as possible. Rails
were laid across the piles so as to designate the division ; and then
each captain chose alternately his corps of huskers, male and female.
The whole number of working hands present were selected on one
side or the other, and then each party commenced a contest to beat
the other, which was in many cases truly exciting. One other rule
was, whenever a male husked a red ear of corn he was entitled to a
kiss from the girls .
This frequently excited much fuss and scuffling, which was in-
tended by both parties to end in a kiss. It was a universal practice
that taffa, or Monongahela whiskey, was used at these husking frolics,
which they drank out of a bottle ; each one, male and female, taking
the bottle and drinking out of it and then handing it to his or her
neighbor without using any glass or cup. This custom was common
and not considered rude. Almost always these corn shuckings ended
in a dance. To prepare for this amusement, fiddles and fiddlers were
in great demand , and it often required much fast riding to obtain them .
One violin and a performer were all that was contemplated at these
innocent rural games.
Towards dark, and the supper half over, then it was that a bus-
tle and confusion commenced. The confusion of the tongues at Babel
would have been ashamed at the corn husking, the young ones hur-
rying off the table, and the old ones contending for time and order.
636 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
It was the case in nine times put often, but one dwelling-house was
on the premises, and that used for eating as well as dancing. But
when the fiddler commenced tuning his instrument, the music always
gained the victory for the young side. Then the victuals, dishes, ta-
ble and all, disappeared in a few minutes and the room was cleared,
the dogs driven out, and the floor swept off, ready for action. The
floors of these houses were sometimes the natural earth, beat solid,
sometimes the earth with puncheons in the middle over the potato
hole, and at times the whole floor was made of puncheons. The music
at these country dances made the young folks almost frantic, and
sometimes much excitement was displayed to get on the floor first.
Generally the fiddler on these occasions assumed an important bear-
ing, and ordered, in true professional style, so and so to be done, as
that was the way in North Carolina where he was raised. The decision
ended the contest for the floor. In those days they danced jigs and
four-handed reels, as they were called. Sometimes three-handed
reels were danced. In these dances there was no standing still ; all
were moving at a rapid pace from beginning to end. In the jigs the
bystanders cut one another out, so that this dance would last for
hours.
The bottle went around at these parties, as it did at the shuck-
ings, and male and female took a dram out of it as it passed around.
No sitting was indulged in, and the folks either stood or danced all
night. The dress of these hardy pioneers was generally homespun.
The hunting shirt was much worn at that time, which is a convenient
working or dancing dress. In the morning all go home on horseback
or on foot. No carriages, wagons or other vehicles were used on
these occasions, for the best of reasons — because they had none.
Dancing was a favorite amusement, and was participated in by all.
" Alike all ages, dames of ancient days
Have led their children through the mirthful maze,
And the gray grandsire, skilled in jestic lore,
Has frisked beneath the burden of three-score."
The amusements of that day were more athletic and rude than
those of to-day. Among the settlers of a new country, from the
nature of the case, a higher value is set upon physical than mental
endowments. Skill in woodcraft, superiority of muscular develop-
ment, accuracy in shooting with the rifle, activity, and swiftness of
foot, were qualifications that brought their possessors fame. Foot-
racing was practised, and often the boys and young men engaged in
friendly contests with the Indians. Every man had a rifle, and kept
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 637
it always in good order ; his flints, bullets, bullet-moulds, screwdriver,
awl, butcher-knife and tomahawk were fastened to the shot-pouch
strap, or to the belt around the waist. Target-shooting was much
practised, and shots were made by the hunters and settlers, with flint-
lock rifles, that cannot be excelled by their descendants with the im-
proved breech-loaders of the present day. At all gatherings, jumping
and wrestling were indulged, and those who excelled were thenceforth
men of notoriety. At their shooting matches, which were usually for
the prize of a turkey, or a gallon of whiskey, good feeling generally
prevailed. If disputes arose, they were often settled by a square
stand-up fight, and no one thought of using other weapons than fists.
They held no grudges after their fights, for this was considered un-
manly. It was the rule, if a fight occurred between two persons, the
victor should pour water for the defeated as he washed away the traces
of the fray, after which the latter was to perform the same service for
the former.
PIONEER MILLS.
Among the first were the " band mills," a description of which
will not prove uninteresting. The plan was cheap. The horsepower
consisted of a large upright shaft, some ten or twelve feet high, with
some eight or ten long arms let into the main shaft and extending out
from it fifteen feet. Auger holes were bored into the arms on the
upper side at the end into which wooden pins were driven. This was
called the " big wheel " and was about twenty feet in diameter. The
raw hide belt or tug was made of skins taken off of beef cattle, which
were cut into strips three inches in width ; these were twisted into a
round cord or tug which was long enough to encircle the circumfer-
ence of the big wheel. There it was held in place by the wooden
pins, then to cross and pass under a shed to run around a drum, or
what is called a "trunnel head," which was attached to the grinding
apparatus. The horses or oxen were hitched to the arms by means
of raw hide tugs ; then walking in a circle, the machinery would be
set in motion, To grind twelve bushels of corn was considered a
day's work on a hand mill.
The most rude and primitive method of manufacturing meal was
by the use of the grater. A plate of tin is pierced with many holes,
so that one side is very rough. The tin is made oval and then nailed
to a board. An ear of corn was rubbed hard on this grater, whereby
the meal was forced through the holes and fell down in a vessel pre-
pared to receive it. An improvement on this was the hand mill. The
42
638 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
stones were smaller than those of the band mill, and were propelled by
man or woman power. A hole is made in the upper stone and a staff
of wood is put in it, and the other end of the stafl' is put through a
hole in a plank above, so that the whole is free to act. One or two per-
sons take hold of this staff and turn the upper stone as rapidly as pos-
sible. An eye is made in the upper stone, through which the corn is
put into the mill with the hand in small quantities to suit the mill
instead of a hopper. A mortar wherein corn was beaten into meal, is
made out of a large round log three or four feet long. One end is cut
or burnt out so as to hold a peck of corn, more or less, according to
circumstances. This mortar is set one end on the ground and the
other up to hold the corn. A sweep is prepared over the mortar, so*
that the spring of the pole raises the piston, and the hands at it force
it so hard down on the corn, that after much beating meal is manu-
factured.
The pictures here drawn of the pioneers, their modes of living,
their customs and amusements, while lacking entire completeness, we
feel are accurate and truthful. The reader, after reading our chapter
in the history of Howard county, on the pioneers, their manners, cus-
toms, etc., in connection with this chapter, will get a fair idea of
pioneer times.
CHAPTEE III.
Organization of Cooper County— First Circuit Court— First Suits— First Verdict
of a Jury —First Deed Recorded— Marriages— First County Court— John V. Sharp-
First Court House— Second and Present Court House— Attempts to move the County
Seat—" Fantastic Company "—Last Effort to move the County Seat.
ORGANIZATION OP COOPER COUNTY.
Cooper county was organized on the 17th day of December,
1818, and comprised all lhat part of what had been Howard county,
lying south of the Missouri river.
It was bounded on the north by the Missouri Eiver, on the east
and south by the Osage river, and on the west by what was then
called the territorial line. The county was named in honor of Colonel
Benjamin Cooper.
At the time of its organization, it included the territory now
embraced in the whole of the counties of Cooper, Saline, Lafayette,
Jackson, Cass, Henry, Johnson, Pettis, Morgan, Moniteau and Cole ;
and parts of the counties of Bates, St. Clair, Benton, Camden and Miller ;
eleven whole counties and part of five others, which would form an
area of about seven thousand square miles.
Although the act organizing the county was passed and approved
in December, 1818, it was not vested with all the powers, privileges
and immunities of a separate and distinct county until the first day
of February, 1819.
The commissioners to locate the county seat, appointed by the
legislature, were Abel Owens, William Wear, Charles Canole, Luke
Williams and Julius Emmons.
FIRST CIRCUIT COURT.
The. act of organization provided, that " the courts to be holden
in the said county of Cooper, shall be holden at such place in said
county as the commissioners of said county, or a majority of them,
shall adjudge most convenient, until a place be fixed on by such com-
missioners, and a court-house and jail erected thereon ; provided, that"
the first court for said county of Cooper be held at Boonville," and
(639)
640 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in accordance therewith, the first court of the newly organized county
of Cooper, was held in the present limits of the city of Boonville, on
the first day of March, 1819. It was held at the boarding-house of
William Bartlett, which was situtated on the flat just east of the
mouth of Rupe's branch, near the present site of the " Boonville
Furniture Factory." This court under the territorial laws of
Missouri, exercised the present duties of the county, probate and
circuit courts. The duties of these three courts continued to be
exercised by this one court until the year 1821, when the duties of the
probate and county courts were separated from those of the circuit
court, and a new court, called the "county court, " was
organized.
As it is supposed that every one would be interested in reading
the actions of the first court, we will insert, at this place, the full pro-
ceedings thereof, as they appear from the record of the court:
The officers of this first court were, David Todd, judge; E. P.
Clark, clerk; William McFarland, sheriff, and John.S. Brickey,
prosecuting attorney.
The grand jury at this term of the court were, Samuel Peters,
foreman ; Muke Rose, John Savage, James Chambers, Britton Wil-
liams, John Roberts, Carroll George, John Davis, James Savage,
Clayton Hurt, Joseph Smith, William Gibson, Eli N. Henry, Freder-
ick Houx, Thomas Twentyman, William Noland and Delany Bolin ;
John Cathey, Zepheniah Bell, Henry Guyer, George Cathey, Daniel
Dugan and James Campbell were summoned on the same jury, but
did not appear ; process was ordered to be issued for them to show
cause why they should not be fined for their non-appearance.
The commissions of David Todd, as judge ; of William McFar-
land as sheriff, and of John S. Brickey, as prosecuting attorney,
were recorded by the clerk.
The above named grand jury, after having been sworn, retired
and returned into court, when, having nothing to present, they were
discharged .
The next day, March 2, 1819, the following proceedings were
had by the court : —
By order of the court, the whole of the county of Cooper was di-
vided into the following five township* : Moreau, Lamine, including
all of the present county of Cooper, Arrow Rock, Miami and Tebo.
The following judges of election were appointed, viz. :
For Moreau township. — Wm. Wear, John Verian and John
Alexander.
HI8TOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 641
ForLamine township. — James Bruffee, Robert Wallace and Ben-
jamin F. Hickox.
For Arrow Rock township. — William Lillard, Benjamin Cham-
bers and James Anderson.
For Miami township. — John B. Thomas, Joel Estes and John
Evans.
For Tebo township. — Julius Emmons, Gilliard Rupe and Abel
Owens.
The election, at which the foregoing men were to act as judges,
wag ordered to be held at the following places in each township : At
the house of William Bartlett, in Lamine township ; at the house of
William Cooper, in Arrow Rock township ; at the house of Andrew
Rupels, in Miami township ; at the house of Paul Whitley, in Moreau
township, and at the house of Mathew Coxes, in Tebo township.
The following constables were appointed : of Moreau township,
Paul Whitley ; of Lamine township, John Potter ; of Arrow Rock
township, Jacob Ish ; of Miami township, Elisha Evans ; and of Tebo
township, Green Macafferty.
Stephen Turley was granted a license to keep a ferry across the
Lamine river.
B. W. Levens, Ward and Parker, and George W. Kerr, were
granted a license to keep a ferry across the Missouri river, at the
present site of Overton.
The following were the rates fixed by the court to be charged at
B. W. Levens' ferry, viz. :
For man and horse, fifty cents ; for either, twenty-five cents ; for
horses and four wheeled wagon, two dollars ; for two horses and four
wheeled carriage, one dollar ; for horned cattle, four cents each ; and
for meat cattle, two cents each.
William Curtis was appointed under-sheriff of Cooper county.
The first petition for a public road, was presented on this day, by
B. W. Levens. It asked for the location of a road leading from
Boonville to the mouth of Moniteau creek. The court appointed
Eichard Stanford, David Trotter, William George and Benjamin
Clark, commissioners, to review the road, as asked for, and report to
the court their opinion as to the location, etc., of the same.
Bird Lockhart and George Tompkins, who were appointed to ex-
amine as to the qualifications of candidates for the office of county
surveyor, having filed their report, the court recommended Wm.
Ross to the governor, as a fit subject for said appointment.
642 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
The next petition for the location of a public road, was filed by
Anderson Eeavis on the same day. The road petitioned for ran
from the mouth of the Grand Moniteau to the Boonville and Potosi
road. The commissioners appointed to review this road were Francis
Travis, Wm. Lewis and John Savage.
John Potter filed his bond as constable of Lamine township, in
the sum of $1,000, with Asa Morgan and William Eoss as his securi-
ties.
James Bruffee, Benjamin F. Hickox and Eobert Wallace were ap-
pointed commissioners to superintend the building of the court-house.
The court then adjourned until the regular July term.
JULY term, 1819.
Monday, July 5th, 1819. The first indictment by the grand jury
in Cooper county, was presented on this day, Stanley G. Morgan
being then indicted for assault and battery. It was then the law that
every offense, however trivial, should be tried by indictment before
the circuit courfr.
E. P. Clark, this day, produced his commission as clerk of the
circuit court of Cooper county ; also Peyton E. Hayden was admitted
to the bar, as an attorney and counsellor at law.
John Cathey, Henry Guyer, George Cathey and Zepheniah Bell,
against whom process was issued at the March term, were each fined
one dollar and costs, for contempt of court, for not appearing as
grand jurors at the said term, after having been summoned as such.
The first civil suit on record, was an action for debt, brought by
George Wilcox against E. P. Clark and Samuel S. Williams, which is
entered among the proceedings of this day.
Tuesday, July 6th, 1819. Jesse McFarland appeared before the
court, and took the oath of office as county surveyor. William
Bartlett was granted a license to keep a tavern near the mouth of
Eupe's branch, in Boonville.
Wednesday, July 7th, 1819. Stephen Cole appointed deputy
county surveyor of Cooper county.
The first account presented against Cooper county was allowed
on this day. It was an account of William Bartlett, for six dollars
for the rent of his house, it having been used by the court as a court-
house. On the same day, four men were fined, by a jury of twelve
men, five dollars each, for gambling.
Thursday, July 8th, 1819. — Asa Morgan was granted a license to
keep a ferry across the Missouri river at Boonville.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 643
November term, 1819— Andrew S. McGirk was enrolled as an
attorney and counsellor at law. James Williams was granted a li-
cense to keep a ferry across the Osage river, on the road from Boon-
ville to Potosi. (
March term, 1820. — The following men were indicted by the grand
jury forswearing, viz. : Jesse Mann, Isaac Renf'ro, "William Warden,
William Bryant, Thomas Brown, Stephen Tate, John S. Moreland and
David Fine. These indictments were afterwards dismissed by the
court for want of jurisdiction.
On the 6th day of March, 1820, Abiel Leonard produced his license,
and was admitted to the bar; also January 23d, 1821, Hamilton R.
Gamble was admitted to the bar.
The following is a list of attorneys who at this time were enrolled
and practising in this court : —
George Tompkins, John S. Brickey, Peyton R. Hayden, Cyrus Ed-
wards, John S. Mitchell, Hamilton R. Gamble, Andrew McGirk,
Kobert McGavock, Abiel Leonard, John F. Ryland, Arinstedd A.
Grundy, Dabney Carr, William J. Redd and John Payne. Among
these we find the names of many who afterwards occupied offices of
trust in the state of Missouri. Indeed, all of them are noted as being
fine lawyers and honorable men.
The first case of any kind placed upon the docket was — United
States against John Cathey for contempt. The first civil action was
George Wilcox against Robert P. Clark and Samuel S. Williams.
The following is a copy of the record of the first verdict rendered
by a jury in Cooper county. It is taken from the proceedings of the
November term, 1819 :
United States, Plaintiff,
Vf.
Stanley G. Morgan, Defendant.
' ' This day comes as well the defendant, in discharge of his recogni-
zance, as the prosecuting attorney. Whereupon, the said defendant,
being arraigned upon the indictment in this cause, plead not guilty,
and, for his trial, put himself upon God and his country, and the cir-
cuit attorney also. Whereupon came a jury, viz. : Wm. Burk,
William Black, Gabriel Fitsworth, Michael Hornbeck, Nicholas Houx,
William Reed, Alexander Dickson, David Reavis, Frederick Houx,
David McGee and Samuel Peters, who, being elected, tried and sworn,
the truth to say, as and upon the issue joined, upon their oaths do say,
that the defendant is guilty of assault and battery, whereof he is in-
dicted. Whereupon it is considered by the court, that the said defend-
ant make the payment of the sum of five dollars and pay the cost
hereof, and may be taken," etc.
644 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
There was, as shown by the records, but four peddlers and six mer-
chants within the limits of the county of Cooper, during the year 1819.
The total amount of county revenue, on the tax book for 1819, as
charged to William Curtis, sheriff, at the July term of this court,
was $488.34.
All these terms of court were held at William Bartlett's boarding-
house, called on the records, the " Tavern of Boonville."
There is embraced in the foregoing the full proceedings only of the
court held on the first and second days of March, 1819 ; extracts only
being made from the other terms of the eourt referred to of those pro-
ceedings each day, which were supposed would be of most interest to
the general reader. The proceedings of the court held March 1st,
1819, cover only seventeen pages of a very small record book; for
July term, forty-one pages, and for the November term, thirty-three
pages. The proceedings of the circuit court, alone, for the April
term, 1876, cover eighty-four pages of the largest record made, which
is equal to about 250 pages of record, such as was used for the first
court. When it is taken into consideration, also, that the proceedings
of the county and probate courts, now separate from the circuit court,
were included in the record of the circuit court for 1819, it can easily
be perceived what a vast increase has been made in this part of the
business of the county.
FIRST DEED.
This deed made and entered into this 16th day of July, 1817, by
and between Asa Morgan, of the county of Howard, and Charles
Lucas, of the town of St. Louis, both in the territory of Missouri,
of the one part, and Robert Austin, of the count}' of Howard in the
said territory, of the other part, witnesseth, that they the said Mor-
gan and Lucas, for, and in consideration of the sum of seventy five
dollars, to them in hand paid by the said Robert Austh), at or before
the delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowl-
edged, have this day granted, bargained and sold, and by these pre-
sents, do grant, bargain and sell unto the said Robert Austin, and to
his heirs and assigus forever, a cei'tain lot or parcel of ground, sit-
uate, lying and being in the town of Boonville, in the county of How-
ard, in the territory of Missouri, containing ninety feet in front,
on Water street, in the said town of Boonville, and 150 feet', more
or less in depth, being lot number 43, on the plat of said town
of Boonville, reference being thereunto had, as recorded in the
office of the recorder of Howard county, in the said territory of
Missouri, to have and to hold the said bargained and sold lot or
parcel of ground, together with all and singular, the privileges and
appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Robert Austin and
to his heirs and assigns forever. And they, the said Morgan and
HISTORY OF HOWAED AND COOPER COUNTIES. 645
Lucas, do hereby covenant and agree to warrant and forever defend,
the said sold lot or parcel of ground, together with the privileges and
appurtenances aforesaid, unto the said Eobert Austin and to his heirs
and assigns forever, free and clear from all lawful claims and demands
whatsoever.
In testimony whereof, they, the said Asa Morgan and Charles
Lucas, have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year,
first above written.
Asa Morgan. [seal.]
Charles Lucas, [seal.]
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of H. S. Guyer and
John G. Heath.
marriages.
Below, will be found some of the earliest marriage'certificates on
record in the eounty. We give exact copies : —
Be it known unto all persons whom it may concern, that I,
Benjamin Proctor, a minister of the gospel, on the eleventh day of
February, 1819, solemnized the ceremonies of matrimony, between
John Turner of the one part, and Nancy Campbell of the other.
Given under my hand, this day and date above mentioned.
Benjamin Procter.
ooper County,
C Missouri Territory.
By virtue of the power vested in me by the laws of this territory,
I have this 3d day of May, 1819, joined together in the holy estate
of matrimony, John Smith and Sally McMahan, both of Cooper
county. Certified under my hand, this 3d day of May, 1819.
Peyton Newlin, M. G.
Territory of Missouri, 1
County of Cooper, V
Township of Moreaux. j
1 certify that on the 28th day of June, in the year eighteen
hundred and nineteen, I joined together, in holy state of matrimony,
Jeremiah Meadows and Anne Music of the county aforesaid ; given
under my hand and seal the date aforesaid.
William Weir. [seal. J
I do hereby certify that on the eighth day of July, in the year
of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and nineteen, I joined to-
gether in the holy state of matrimony, Henry Cowin and Honor
Howard of the county of Cooper. Given under my hand, as justice
of the peace, within the township of Moreaux, in the said county of
Cooper, this date aforesaid.
William Weir, [seal.]
646 history of howard and cooper counties.
Township op Lamine, }
County of Cooper, >
Territory of Missouri. )
I do hereby certify that on the 6th day of May, one thousand,
eight hundred and nineteen, I did perform the marriage ceremony be-
tween John Green and Nancy Boyd, both of said township. Given
under my hand, this 16th day of August, 1819.
Benjamin F. Hickcox, J. P.
I certify that on the 12th day of September, 1819, 1 joined together
in the holy state of matrimomy, James Dickard and Christina Craw-
ford, of this county. Given under my hand and seal, this day and
year aforesaid, as a justice of the peace for the county of Cooper, in
Missouri territory. James Bruffee. [seal.]
Territory of Missouri,
County of Cooper.
I, James Bruffee, a justice of the peace within and for the township
of Lamine, in the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that on the 7th
day of September, 1819, I joined together in the holy state of matri-
mony, Charles Force and Betsy Connor, of this county. Given under
my hand and seal, this day and year aforesaid.
James Bruffee. [seal.]
Territory of Missouri, Cooper county, and township of Moroe :
Joined in the holy state of matrimony, David Colter and Eliza Stone,
on the 13th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1820, solemnized
by me. William Weir, J. P.
Cooper County,
Missouri Territory.
I do hereby certify that, on the 17th day of July, 1820, I per-
formed the marriage ceremony between Larkin Dewitt and Hannah
Ewing, both of the county aforesaid. Given under my hand, this
21st of July, 1820. Finis Ewing, M. G.*
In 1819, the first year after the county was organized, there were
seven marriage certificates recorded ; in 1882, there were 200 re-
corded.
FIRST COUNTY COURT.
The first county court within the county of Cooper was held on
the 8th day of January, 1821, at the house of Eobert P. Clark, on
the lot where Adam Eckard now resides, on High street, in the city of
Boonville. This court exercised the powers, and performed the duties
of the present county and probate courts, which had, previous to this
time, been under the jurisdiction of the circuit court. The county
court continued to perform the duties of both county and probate
* Finis Ewing was the father of Cumberland Presbyterianism.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 647
courts, until the year 1847, when, by act of the legislature, the pro-
bate court was separated from the county court, and continues separ-
ate to the present time.
James Bruffee, James Miller and Archibald Kavanaugh, were the
justices of this court, appointed by James McNair, the then governor of
the territory of Missouri. Robert P. Clark was appointed by the
court as its clerk, and William Curtis, sheriff.
And on the 9th day of April, 1821, Robert P. Clark produced his
commission from the governor, as clerk of the county court, during
life or good behavior. George Crawford was appointed assessor, and
Andrew Briscoe, collector of Cooper county.
On the same day, the will of Thomas McMahan, deceased, was
probated, it being the first will proven before this court aud in this
county. Also constables were appointed for the different townships in
the county as follows : Boonville township, John Potter ; Lamine
township, Bryant T. Nolan ; Moniteau township, Martin Jennings,
and Clear Creek township, James C. Berry.
George C. Hart was appointed commissioner to run dividing line
between Cooper and Saline counties; and B. W. Levens, to run di-
viding line between Cooper and Cole counties.
JOHN v. SHARP.
The following facts taken from the records of the county court,
soon after that tribunal was established, will show something of the
meagre resources of the county at that date ; were they not matters of
record they would seem to be too incredible to be believed : —
During the year 1821, John V. Sharp, a soldier who had served
in the revolutionary war, and who was living in Cooper county, be-
came paralyzed and as helpless as a child. He soon, not having any
means of his own, became a charge upon the county. The cost to
the county court was two dollars per day for his board and attention
to him, besides bills for medical attention.
After having endeavored in vain to raise sufiicient funds to take
care of him, the county court, in the year 1822, petitioned the gen-
eral assembly of this state to defray the expenses of his support,
stating, in the petition, that the whole revenue of the county was not
sufficient for his maintenance. This may sound strange to persons
living in a county in which thousands of dollars are levied to defray
its expense. But the whole revenue of the county for 1822, as shown
by the settlement of the collector, was only $718, and the support of
Mr. Sharp, at two dollars per day, cost $730 per year, besides the
648 HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
cost for medical attention, which left the county, at the end of the
year 1822, in debt, without counting in any of the other expenses of
the county.
The petition not having been granted by the general assembly,
the court levied, for his support, during all the years from 1823 to
1828, a special tax of fifty per cent of the state revenue tax, being
an amount equal to the whole of the general county tax ; and in 1828,
ten per cent of the state revenue tax was levied for the same purpose.
He must have died sometime during that year, as no further tax for
his support appears upon the records of the county, thus relieving
the county of a burdensome tax.
FIRST COURT-HOUSE.
The buildings occupied for a court-house prior to 1823 were
mere wooden, temporary structures, not built with any reference orig-
inally to their being occupied by the courts or county officials. The
first court-house was completed in 1823. When Boonville was laid
out by Morgan and Lucas, its founders, they donated fifty acres to
the county on condition that the commissioners would locate the
county seat at Boonville. As soon as the county seat had been
located at Boonville and a part of the land sold by the county,
the erection of a court-house was commenced. This building was
located on the land which had been donated by Morgan and Lucas,
and on land out of which was afterwards laid off the public square.
It was a small two-story brick and resembled the present court-
house in style, but much smaller. The court-house stood for sev-
enteen years, and until the business of the county had increased to
such an extent that the building could not accommodate it.
SECOND AND PRESENT COURT-HOUSE.
In 1838 the county court, at its May term, ordered that the public
square be laid off into lots and sold, to raise money with which to
build a new court-house (present building), and at the same time it
was ordered that the old court-house be sold, which was accordingly
done. The money, however, realized from the sale of the lots and
the sale of the old building was not sufficient to erect the new
building. The first appropriation made in money for this purpose by
the court was the sum of $10,800. Other appropriations were made
from time to time, until the completion of the building in the year
1840, the entire amount approximating about $30,000.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 649
The present court-house, although not centrally located, occupies
a beautiful spot of ground near the corner of High and Main streets,
and fronts the Missouri river. The building is large, two stories in
height, is made of brick and surmounted with a cupola, from which
much of the surrounding country, including a portion of Howard
county, can be seen.
ATTEMPTS TO MOVE THE COUNTY SEAT.
Since the organization of the county there have been four attempts
to change the location of the county seat, each resulting in the crea-
tion of an ill-feeling between the different portions of the county,
which took years to palliate. The first attempt to change the county
seat was made in 1832, the next in 1838, the third in 1842, and the
last in 1844.
The third effort was caused by the excitement which originated
between the militia and an organization known as the '* Fantastic
company," of which we will now speak.
From the organization of the government of the state until the
year 1847, there existed a militia law, requiring all able-bodied male
citizens, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, to organize
into companies and to master on certain days. They had, during the
year, at different times, a company, a battalion, and a general muster.
A company muster was the drilling of the members of one company ;
a battalion muster consisted in drilling the companies of one-half of a
county ; and a general muster was a meeting of all the companies of 'a
county.
Muster day was, for a long time after the commencement of the
custom, a gala day for the citizens, and was looked forward to with
considerable interest, especially by the different officers, who ap-
peared in full military dress, captains and lieutenants with long red
feathers stuck in the fore part of their hats, and epaulettes upon their
shoulders. The field officers mounted on their fine steeds, with con-
tinental cocked hats, epaulettes upon their shoulders and fine cloth
coats ornamented with gold fringe, rode around among the men and
gave orders, making themselves the "observed of all observers."
Also, the venders of whiskey, ginger-cakes, apples and cider took no
small interest in the anticipated muster day, for on that day, every
person being excited, bought more or less of these things. Always
on muster days, after the muster was over, the rival bruisers of a
neighborhood tried their strength upon one another, thus furnishing a
great deal of amusement for those who attended. The little folks
650 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were also happy in the anticipation, if not in the enjoyment, of being
presented with a ginger-cake and an apple upon that day.
But after a lapse of time these musters became tiresome to a por-
tion of the citizens, as they were obliged to lose so much of their
valuable time in order to attend them, or were compelled to pay a
fine of one dollar for each failure to attend on muster day ; besides,
they could see no real use in continuing the organization, as there
seemed no prospect soon of the state requiring any troops, as all was
peaceful and quiet within its borders. Also, at the elections for
officers, many of them were chosen on account of their personal
popularity, instead of their qualifications to fill the office for which
they were elected. Musters, after their novelty had worn off, became
very unpopular, the citizens believing them to be an unnecessary bur-
den upon them.
Therefore, some time before the battalion muster, which was to
take place at Boonville, during the year 1842, a company, the ex-
istence of which was known only to its members, was formed at that
place, among the members of which were some of the best citizens of
the city. This company was styled the "Fantastic company," on
account of the queer costumes, arms, etc., of its members, they being
dressed in all manner of outlandish costumes, carrying every con-
ceivable kind of a weapon, from a broom-stick to a gun, and mounted
upon horses, mules and jacks. The company was intended as a bur-
lesque upon the militia, and to have some fun at their expense.
The regiment of state militia which was to be mustered at the x
above mentioned time was commanded by Colonel Jesse J. Turley
and Major J. Logan Forsythe, and was composed of all the com-
panies in the north half of the county. On the morning of the
muster day Colonel Turley formed his regiment in front of the court
house. After they were organized and ready for muster and drill,
the Fantastic company, which was commanded by John Babbitt, each
member dressed in his peculiar costume and carrying his strange
weap6n, marched up into full view of Colonel Turley's command, and
commenced preparations to drill. Colonel Turley, feeling indignant
that his proceedings should be interrupted by such a " mob," and be-
lieving that it was intended as an insult, ordered his command to sur-
round the Fantastic company.
There was a high fence on the eastern side of the vacant lot on
which they were mustering, and Colonel Turley's company sur-
rounded the "Fantastic company " by approaching on High street,
on the alley between Fifth and Sixth streets, and on Sixth street, thus
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 651
hemming them in on the vacant lot. The latter, being closely pressed,
retreated back across the fence, and then commenced a fight by throw-
ing brickbats. The fight immediately became general and promis-
cuous, and resulted in serious damage to several members of the state
militia. Colonel J. J. Turley was struck in the side by a stone, and
two or three of his ribs broken. Major J. Logan Forsythe was struck
by a brickbat in the face, just below his right eye, and died the next
day of his wounds. The members of the Fantastic company then
dispersed and scattered in every direction. ,
The death of Major Forsythe caused great excitement through-
out the county, and great indignation to be felt against the citizens
of Boonville, so much so, that a petition was immediately circu-
lated, asking that the " county seat of Cooper county be removed
from Boonville " to a more central point of the county. So great was
the- excitement that some persons living within three miles of Boonville
signed this petition. But the county seat, after a severe struggle be-
fore the county court, was retained at Boonville.
The death of Major Forsythe was greatly regretted by all parties,
for he was an excellent citizen and a very popular officer. It pro-
duced an ill-feeling throughout the county, which lasted for many
years. After the fight was over, the militia went through with their
usual exercises, under the command of their subordinate officers, as
Colonel Tux'ley and Major Forsythe were unable, on account of their
wounds, to drill them.
The last effort was made as stated, in 1844, by the people of
Palestine township. The citizens of that township held a meeting in
March of that year, and agreed to submit the question of changing
the county seat to a vote of the people, which was accordingly done
at the succeeding August election. The question was decided ad-
versely to those who favored the change.
CHAPTEK IV.
BOONVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Boonville — Its Location — Its
Pioneer Builders and Business Men — Town Laid Out — Merchants — Franklin —
Boonville Grew Beyond Expectation — The Missouri Overflow of 1826 — New Town
of Franklin Started — Old Business Men and Santa Fe Traders — From 1830 to
1840 — From 1840 to 1850 — Steamboats — Opposition Ferries — Death of William
Henry Harrison — Reception of John J. Crittenden at Boonville — From 1850 to
1860 — Thespian Hall — Commerce and Manufactures — H. B. Benedict's Report
in 1855 — Statement of 1882 — Banks and Bankers — Boonville Water Company —
Kemper Family School — Cooper Institute — History of the Public Schools —
Secret Orders — Odd Fellows Celebration — Mayors and Present Officers of Boon-
ville — Present Business.
BOUNDARY.
Bounded on the north by the Missouri river, on the east by Sa-
line township, on the south by Clark, Palestine and Pilot Grovo town-
ships, and on the west by Pilot Grove and Lamiue townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The water supply is good. The Missouri river on the north,
the Petite Saline creek running through the southern part of the
township, and the Lamine river bordering a portion of the western
part of the township, furnish ample water facilities.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The first settlers of the township were Stephen and Hannah Cole,
who settled there in 1810.
The settlers who arrived previous to the year 1815, were Giliad
Eupe, Muke Box, Delany Bowlin, "William Savage, James Savage,
John Savage and Walter Burress ; and, in 1815, Umphrey and Wil^
liam Gibson.
Those who settled in this township between the years 1815
and 1820, were William McFarland, John S. and Jesse McFarland,
George, Samuel and Alexander McFarland, William Mitchell, James
Bruffee, Kobert P. Clark, Joseph and William Dillard, Littleberry
Hendricks, William BartJett, Jesse Ashcraft, Eussell Edgar, John M.
(652)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 653
Bartlett, Abram Gibson, Thomas Twentyman, James Dillard, Jacob
Newman, William Potter, Frederick Houx, William Poston, George
Potter, Benjamin L. Clark, John J. Clark, Kyra Dunn,K. McKenzie,
Marcus Williams, James, Robert and Alexander Givens, Jacob Chism,
John B. Lucus, Charles B. Mitchell, Nicholas McCarty, Lewis Edgar,
John B. Seat, Jacob McFarland, James McCarty, William Ross,
Abiel Leonard, Joseph W. Bernard, James McFarland, Ephraim Elli-
son, John Roberts, Thomas Mitchell, Reuben George, Fleming G.
Mitchell, Jesse Thomas, Asa Morgan, Peter B. Harris, James Cham-
bers, Benjamin F. Hickox, William H. Curtis, William W. Adams,
John D. Thomas, William Lillard, James H. Anderson, Peyton R.
Hayden, John S. Brickey, Peyton Thomas, David Adams, Luke Wil-
liams, John Potter, Andrew Reavis, David Reavis, Jonathan Reavis,
Jesse Homan, John H. Moore, Green B. Seat, W. D. Wilson, Thomas
Eogers, Mrs. Mary Reavis, William Chambers, James Chambers and
Justinian Williams.
There were, no doubt, many others not mentioned above, who
resided in this township between the above years, but their names are
unknown, and perhaps some few of those mentioned above resided in
some other township. The above list was taken from the poll books
of the township for 1820, and of course those who lived there at that
time, but did not record their votes, are not included in the same.
From the best information that can be obtained, all the persons
mentioned in the foregoing list of early settlers are dead, except John
S. and Jesse McFarland, and Lewis Edgar.
Mr. John Kelly and Mrs. Tibitha Kelly were in the township
frequently between 1818 and 1820. They then resided in Old Frank-
lin, but are now living in Boonville. Of the ladies now living who
resided in Boonville township previous to 1820, are Mrs. Jesse Homan,
Mrs. Frederick Houx, Miss Mary Reavis, Mrs. B. F. Hickox, Mrs.
Jennie Wadley and Mrs. Dikie Dallas, the two last mentioned being
the sisters of Samuel Cole.
Wm. McFarland, the first sheriff of Cooper county, was born in
Buncombe county, North Carolina, in the year 1778. He emigrated to
St. Genevieve, now St. Francois county, Missouri, in 1811, and from
thence to Cooper county, and on the 16th day of October, 1816, he
settled on the north side of Petite Saline creek, where Joseph Byler
now resides. He had two neighbors living on the south side of the
creek whose names were John Glover and Warden. He had no other
neighbors nearer than the immediate neighborhood of Boonville. He
was, in 1818 or 1819, a member of the territorial legislature from the
43
654 history or Howard and coopek counties.
southern district of Howard county, which included that part of the
county lying south of the Missouri river. He was a farmer, a man of
great energy, an affectionate husband and father and a good neighbor.
He died in the year 1834.
Benjamin F. Hickox was born in the state of New York, and
emigrated to this country at an early day. He was elected a member
of the legislature from Cooper county in 1822, 1824 and 1838, and
county court justice from September 24, 1844, to November 2, 1846.
He was also one of the commissioners to superintend the building of
the first court-house at Boonville. He was a successful farmer, an
honest, upright man, an excellent neighbor, and very charitable to
the poor, never turning them away from his door without relieving
their wants. He died nearly thirty years ago, beloved and respected
by all who knew him.
Luke Williams, a Baptist preacher, was a farmer, and resided
about five miles west of Boonville. He is celebrated as being the
first preacher in Cooper county, having located there several years
before the county was organized.
Justinian Williams was born in Bath county, Virginia, and while
young emigrated to Kentucky and there married. He then moved to
Howard county, Missouri, from thence to Cooper county, and settled
at Boonville in the year 1818. In this year he located the first Metho-
dist church in Cooper county. He was a cabinet maker by trade,
and followed that business for several years, preaching and organiz-
ing churches at intervals. He was also the local preacher at Boon-
ville for several years. In the year 1834 he built a steamboat called
the "Far West," about two miles above the mouth of the Bonne
Femme creek, in Howard county, and was the commander of the
same for some time. During that year he emigrated to Tennessee,
where he died.
Marcus Williams, the first mayor of the city of Boonville, was
born in Bath county, Virginia, and when young moved to Kentucky;
from thence to Boonville, Cooper county, Missouri. He was a brick
mason by trade, and manufactured the first bricks ever made in
Cooper county, having opened a lime kiln in the western part of
Boonville. At the " Vollrath " place in 1840, he made the first stone-
ware ever manufactured in western Missouri. He emigrated to Cali-
fornia at the time of the gold excitement in 1849, and settled at San
Jose, where he died about the year 1860.
This township at the time of its first settlement was partly prairie,
in the west and southwest, but after the lapse of many years, the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 655
prairie became timbered land. Great fears were entertained by the
early settlers about the scarcity of timber, but it is believed that
there is at the present time, more timber in the county than there was
fifty years ago.
This was the first township of the county which was settled, and
for many years few ventured outside, or at most, far from its bound-
aries. The early settlers believed that the prairie land was only
suited for grazing and not fit for cultivation. In the year 1830, a few
persons ventured to cultivate prairie land, and finding it so productive,
many other farmers settled on the prairies, and at this time all of the
prairie land is under fence, and now constitutes the most valuable
farms in the county.
Persons in the early history of the township settled near the
river, that affording the only means by which they could ship their
surplus productions to market. But the building of railroads has re-
volutionized everything. Land near the river has become less valu-
able, and that on the prairies, which a few years ago was considered
almost worthless, has now become more valuable. Timbered land is
still preferred by many farmers, for the reason that it is much better
for the growing of wheat, and equally as good, if not better, for
other productions.
The soil of this township is very productive, and is especially
excellent for growing fruit. It has also large quantities of coal of a
good quality, which could be shipped at large profit.
BOONVILLE.
At a spot on the Missouri river a little below the old town site of
Franklin, but on the opposite bank of the river, a little ravine, since
known as " Eoupe's branch," flows into the "Big Muddy" and
mingles its clear waters with that turbid stream. The land at
and near the mouth of this little branch is comparatively low and flat.
To the west and on the river the hills rise abruptly, while towards the
east there is a gradual elevation of the .surface for a distance of
about a quarter of a mile, until the summit of the river bluffs is
attained. Here the country is level for some distance back, and
from the top of the bluffs may be seen not only the broad and
swiftly-rolling river, which sweeps along at their base, but much
of Howard county upon the opposite shore. The landscape is a
beautiful one, being varied as it is by winding river, broad-reaching'
forests, hills, farm houses and green fields.
Crowning the summit above mentioned is a handsome little city
which was christened Boonville by its founders, in honor of Daniel
656 HISTORY OF HOWAED AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Boone, the crack of whose unerring rifle doubtless resounded within
its present limits, when the red man and the wild beasts were the sole
occupants of the territory now known as Cooper county.
The original proprietor of a portion of the present town site of
Boonville was Mrs. Hannah Cole, who is mentioned in a preceding
chapter of this history. She located and took a pre-emption in 1810,
which she afterwards sold to Bird Lockhart and Henry Carroll, Jan-
uary 25, 1819, for a mere trifle.
The first settler in the limits of old Boonville was Gilliard Roupe,
who built his residence on the lot now owned by Captain James
Thompson, on the south side of Spring street, near the old cement
factory. The next building was a ferry-house, erected also by Eoupe
at the mouth of Roupe's branch. The first ferry was operated by the
sons of Mrs. Cole prior to 1816, and a license was granted to her for
that purpose after the organization of Howard county. There were
several houses — log cabins — built on the bottom land below
the branch, extending south as far as the corner of Morgan and
Second streets, before the town was located or laid off.
The pioneer business house was kept by a Frenchman named A.
Robidoux, which was located in the flat below Roupe's branch. Eo-
bidoux came from St. Louis and was doubtless an Indian trader be-
fore coming to Boonville. Soon after Robidoux commenced business
a man named Nolin opened a grocery near the mouth of the branch,
his stock in trade consisting mostly of whiskey and tobacco. These
improvements of log and pole cabins were made in 1816 and 1817.
During the same period Mrs. Reavisand William Bartlett kept board-
ing houses in the same locality, and Thomas Rogers built a house oil
the corner of High and Second streets and used it as a residence,
hotel and store.
TOWN LAID OUT.
The town was laid out by Asa Morgan and Charles Lucus, and
the plat filed on the 1st day of August, 1817. It was surveyed by
William Ross. The first lots were sold in 1819. A donation of fifty
acres was made by Morgan and Lucus to Cooper county, was accepted
by the commissioners, and the county seat located thereon. The first
donation lots were sold in 1821.
From the best evidence that can be had from old citizens, the first
houses built after the town was laid off were two brick houses still
standing on Morgan street — one east of the jail, and the other east
of and near the Central National bank, built by Asa Morgan. Some
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 657
other old houses, now standing, are Dr. Trigg's, on Morgan street,
and a log house on the north side of High street, on the corner of
Seventh street, occupied by a colored woman by the name of Carter ;
also a brick house on High street, northeast of the court-house, built by
Hon. E. P. Clark, and now owned by Joseph and William Williams.
The next merchants after Robidoux were Jacob Wyan and Archie
Kavanaugh, who had a store and residence north of the court-house
square. The other early merchants were McKenzie, Bousfield,
Colonel Thornton, Mrs. Dobbins, Thomas M. Campbell and Judge
C. H. Smith. The next hotel was built by Justinian Williams, after-
wards sold to John Dade. It is still standing, and used as a hotel,
Mrs. Helfrich being the present proprietor. There was also a hotel
on the lot north of the jail, now occupied by the residence of C. W.
Sombart.
FRANKLIN.
It must not be forgotten, when Boonville was laid out, that on
the opposite side of the river stood the town of Franklin, which had
been previously settled and had just been made the county seat of
Howard county. Franklin was springing right up, as if by magic,
and was already the centre of a large trade, reaching out for many
miles in every direction. Beside this, Franklin numbered among its
citizens many of the most wealthy, enterprising and talented men,
who had emigrated to the country, from Virginia and Kentucky —
men who were doing all they could to build up the town which they
had helped to locate and to which they had given a name. It was, of
course, not expected by those who laid out Boonville that it would
increase as rapidly in influence and population as its neighbor had
done, on the opposite bank of the river. It had not the prestige,
nor did it have surrounding it a country so populous as that which
paid tribute to Franklin. The little town, however, grew from
the beginning ; and soon after the first sale of lots, which oc-
curred in 1819, a number of houses were immediately erected, thus
giving promise of a much brighter future than its founders had ex-
pected. They knew, in reason, that the geographical location was
not only a good one, but a healthful one, and that, as the county in-
creased in population, the town would increase in proportion, pro-
vided it remained the county seat, notwithstanding the near proximity
of its thrifty rival. The little village maintained a slow growth
until the summer and fall of 1826, when it entered upon an era of
prosperity never before known in its brief history. In the spring of
that year the Missouri river overflowed its banks, and Franklin,
658 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
because of its low and flat location, suffered greatly from the high
water and the malaria which followed. The town site was built
largely upon soil, the chief component of which was sand. The
consequence was, the constant falling in and washing away of the
river bank. This occurred to a very great extent, in 1826, many
houses going into the river. The citizens of the town, which had
at that time a population of between 1,800 and 3,000 people, be-
came satisfied that all future efforts to prevent the gradual caving
in of the banks would be futile upon their part ; and so believing,
many of the residents and business men left the place, some of them
settling in the town of New Franklin, two and a half miles back from
the river, in Howard county, just in the edge of the hills, some in
Fayette, the county seat of Howard, and some came to Booriville, a
few of the latter bringing not only their goods and chattels, but their
houses.
From this time Boonville grew more rapidly ; her trade increased,
and the little village which had but a few years before been planted
along the margin of the bluffs began to be l-ecognized as a place of
some commercial importance.
Franklin had been greatly shorn of its influence ; the county seat
had been moved to Fayette, and much of the business which had been
transacted by its merchants and tradesmen had been withdrawn and
turned into other channels. James L. Collins, William Harley, An-
drew Adams, and others, had located at Boonville and were conduct-
ing a successful and extensive trade with the Santa Fe country — a
trade which had theretofore contributed much to the business of
Franklin and the wealth of those who were thus engaged.
from 1830 to 1840.
Between the two dates above mentioned a number of enterprising
men settled in Boonville and engaged extensively in the mercantile
business, their stocks consisting of a general assortment of dry goods,
groceries, etc. Among these were A. L. & C. D. W. Johnson, who,
in addition to their store, operated a large grist mill, which was per-
haps the first flouring mill erected in the town. There were also J.
Mansker & Co., N. W. Mack, Thomas M. Campbell, Judge Charles W.
Smith, Caleb Jones, Walter & H. B. Benedict, who were engaged in the
sale of dry goods, groceries, etc. Allen Porter was the druggist ; H.
& J. Rea were tobacconists ; H. W. Crowther was the rope-maker;
Jeremiah Rice was the tanner ; W. P. Roper was the saddler ; Hook
was the gunsmith, David Andrews the tinner, George W. Caton the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 659
tailor ; John Dade and James Patton were the principal hotel-keepers ;
Isaiah Hanna was one of the blacksmiths, and George C. Hart, John
W. Martin and J. McCutchen were the physicians. During the period
mentioned — from 1830 to 1840 — the Methodists erected a house of
worship, the first built in the town. The Boonville Herald, a weekly
newspaper, was also started before the year 1840. Boonville was in-
corporated as a city in 1839.
from 1840 to 1850.
Boonville enjoyed an era of prosperity between the years 1840
andl850 that had not been known in its history. During the former
year the census of the town was taken, and disclosed the fact that
Boonville contained a population of 1,666 persons. Another news-
paper made its appearance, and a number of educational institutions
sprang up in and near the town, among which were the schools of P.
Carroll and John Maguire, the Boonville male institute, Female col-
legiate institute, Female seminary, Boonville boarding school, all
showing that the people were fully alive to the advantages to be de-
rived from these institutions of learning which were located in their
midst, and which were liberally patronized by them. Among the
teachers of these schools were Mrv and Mrs. Bronaugh, T. F. Swim
and J. M. Burns, J. L. Tracy and Wm. G. Bell. The number of,
hotels had increased. The City hotel, Peter Pierce as proprietor,
Union hotel, Louis Bendele as proprietor, Virginia hotel, with John
Dade as proprietor, and Bailey's Mansion house, all came into exist-
ence after 1840. The latter house was the central oflice of the stage
line running from St. Louis to Independence, Missouri.
Wyan's addition to the city was made in 1842. The number of
business men had also, increased, for among the new firms were : E. F.
Gillespie, wholesale and retail dealer in drugs and medicines ; Brem-
erraann & Cuno, forwarding and commission merchants ; William H.
Trigg, forwarding and commission merchant ; Moseley & Stanley, for-
warding and commission merchants ; Hammond & Judd, lumber mer-
chants ; N. Hutchison, wholesale druggist ; S. D. Falls, dry goods ;
Thpmas B. Veazey, hardware ; Aehle & Kueckelhan, wholesale drug-
gists ; Walter & Keill, liquors, dry goods and clothing ; Nelson, Jones
& Co., dry goods, groceries, etc. ; Peters & Hill, forwarding and
commission merchants, and Talbot & Lanny, clothing.
Main street was macadamized in 1840. During the year 1843
Moseley & Stanley operated a brewery. Between 1840 and 1850 real
estate commanded a better price than it has at any time since.
660 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
STEAMBOATS.
In 1840 the first steamboat was built and successfully launched
atBoonville. It was built under the superintendence of Captain
McCourtney, and was intended for the Osage trade. It was called
the "Warsaw." As a port of entry Boonville excelled any other
town on the river above St. Louis. As many as five and six steam-
boats would often land during the day and night, for the purpose of
taking on or discharging freight. In 1840 H. W. Crowther and C. D.
W. Johnson ran opposition ferries.
DEATH OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
The citizens of Boonville, in order to show their sympathy and
respect for the dead president, had a grand procession, consisting of
citizens, Odd Fellows, Free Masons, firemen, pupils from the different
schools and academies, and twenty-six young ladies. The Boonville
Observer, of May, 1841, in speaking of that occasion, says : —
HONORS TO THE DEAD.
In pursuance of arrangements, Friday, last, April 30, 1841, was
observed in this city with proper solemnities in honor of the lately de-
ceased president, William H. Harrison. At 10 o'clock, a procession
was formed at the public square, in beautiful and imposing style.
The Masonic fraternity were placed in the lead, then came the Inde-
pendent order of Odd Fellows, who were followed by the fire companies.
Each of these companies had their appropriate badges and made a
handsome appearance. Next to them were twenty-six young ladies,
representing the several states of the Union, all dressed in white, ex-
cept the representative of Ohio, who was clad in deep mourning.
After these came the teachers and scholars of Mr. Tracy's and Mr.
Bronaugh's schools ; then the members of the bar ; next the medical
faculty, followed by ladies and citizens. At least 1,200 persons, it is
estimated, were in the line. The procession marched to a grove near
the river, where a temporary pulpit and seats had been prepared, and
where a very interesting sermon, suited to the occasion, was preached
by Mr. Jaynes. The business houses of the city were closed through-
out the day, and the deepest solemnity seemed to pervade our whole
population. Everything seemed to tell the nation's loss was deeply felt
among us, and that in acquiescing in the fiat of divine providence, our
citizens bowed with chastened grief to the will of Him who never errs.
The names of the states and of the young ladies representing them
are as follows : Miss Martha M. Goode, Maine ; Miss Ann E. Dow,
New Hampshire ; Miss Frances A. Staley, Vermont ; Miss Elizabeth
Lionberger, Massachusetts; Miss Lucy M. Collins, Connecticut; Miss
Lavinia C. Letton, Rhode Island ; Miss Ann E. January, New York;
Miss Eliza M. Cramner, New Jersey ; Miss Mary E. Thompson, Penn-
sylvania ; Miss Sarah C. Powell, Delaware ; Miss Virginia F. Buck-
ner, Maryland ; Miss Virginia S. Tutt, Virginia ; Miss Mary L. Bailey,
North Carolina; Miss Elizabeth M. Kelly, South Carolina; Miss
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 661
Mary Ormrod, Georgia; Miss Maria S. Richards, Alabama; Miss
Fanny A- Jefferson, Mississippi; Miss Mary Rankin, Louisiana; Miss
Rebecca Bowen, Arkansas ; Miss Ellen R. Rankin, Tennessee ; Miss
Kosalie Thornton, Kentucky ; Miss Louisa Weight, Ohio ; Miss Eliza
J. Mack, Indiana ; Miss Rebecca Hutchison, Illinois ; Miss Virginia
A. Hook, Michigan ; Miss Jerusha A. Leveridge, Missouri.
RECEPTION OF JOHN J. CRITTENDEN IN BOONVILLE.
A rumor having reached Boonville that the Hon. J. J. Crittenden
was on a visit to Missouri, and was about to take Boonville in his
route, a large number of the citizens assembled at the court-house, on
Saturday evening, June 17th, 1843, for the purpose of adopting some
measures to express for him their respect and esteem, as one of the
nation's most distinguished citizens and most efficient representatives
in the American congress, and adopted the following resolutions :
Resolved, That a committee of ten be appointed by the chair to
make suitable arrangements for his reception, and tender him the hos-
pitalities of our city.
Resolved, That said committee make known to the public the ar-
rangements which may be made for his reception.
Boonville, June 19, 1843.
Hon. John J. Crittenden :
Dear Sib : — Having learned that you would probably take Boon-
ville in your route on a visit through our state, a large number of our
fellow-citizens convened at the court-house on Saturday evening, and
appointed the undersigned a committee to tender you, on their behalf,
the hospitalities of our city, and they further instructed us to tender
you a public dinner, to be given at such time as you may appoint, as
a tribute of their high admiration for your talents, and their confidence
in your integrity and patriotism.
They further desire that you will address the citizens of Cooper
county on the condition and prospects of our country.
We discharge the duty assigned us with great pleasure, and, recog-
nizing you as the able and independent advocate of our principles, we
welcome you to our state, and assure you that a compliance with our
request will greatly gratify those whom we represent, and much oblige
your obedient servants.
John G. Miller,
John C. Richardson,
E. Stanley,
George E. Redwood,
T. M. Campbell,
P. R. Hayden, ^-Committee.
Jesse Homan,
H. L. Gardener,
S. Houck,
C. W. Todd,
J. L. Collins,
"662 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Boonvllle, June 19, 1843.
Gentlemen : — I have received and read with grateful sensibility
your kind and flattering letter of invitation to accept of a public din-
ner, and to address the citizens of Cooper county on the condition
and prospects of our country. Appreciating most highly the evidence
it affords me of your respect and esteem, I regret that circumstances
oblige me to decline your invitation. My visit here must necessarily
be so brief and so occupied with the private business, that occasioned
it, Jhat I could not comply with your wishes without great incon-
venience. I hope that my apology may be acceptable to you and those
you represent, and for yourselves and them, I beg leave to offer my
cordial acknowledgments for the honor you have been pleased to
confer on me. Very respectfully, yours, etc.,
J. J. Crittenden.
Messrs. John G. Miller, J. C. Richardson, E. Stanley, George E.
Redwood, T. M. Campbell, P. R. Hayden, Jesse Homan, H. L.
Gardner, S. Houck, C. W. Todd, J. L. Collins, committee.
from 1850 to 1860.
During the year 1850, the whole number of deaths that occurred
in Boonville was forty-five, as shown by the sexton's report (the
sexton of the cemetery), thirty-eight of these were white persons,
and seven were negroes ; eleven of these were strangers who had just
arrived in the city or who were passing through. The population was
estimated to be at that time, about 2,800. It will be seen, therefore,
that Boonville was remarkably healthful.
During the decade above mentioned, many enterprises were in-
augurated and a number abandoned. Several newspapers were es-
tablished and discontinued. Notably among these, were the Central
Missourian and the Boonville Missourian. The Missouri State Agri-
cultural Society was inaugurated and held the first fairs at the fair
grounds near Boonville, in 1853 and 1854. Wm. E. Burr, now presi-
dent of the St. Louis National bank; Joseph L. Stephens, Wm. H.
Trigg, C. H. Brewster and others, formed a building association in
1853, and erected four cottages in Wyans' addition at a cost of $500
each. These were built to accommodate sti'augers, who desired to
locate in Boonville. These houses were, however, afterwards disposed
of at a sacrifice. Messrs. Wm. H. Trigg, Joseph L. Stephens, R. D.
Perry and others, purchased the ferry, but sold again soon to Cap-
tain John Porter, who now operates it.
THESPIAN HALL.
In 1855 the foundations were laid for Thespian hall, which was be-
gun and completed during that year. It was at the time of its com-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 663
pletion one of the largest and one of the most magnificent buildings
to be found west of St. Louis.
It was erected by a number of stockholders, and occupies the north-
east corner of Fifth and Church streets. The building is constructed
of brick, 50x100 feet, with ten feet open space in front, supported by
four brick columns, 4x4 feet square. Thespian hall is four feet above
the ground, 50x90 feet, and twenty feet high in the clear. The second
story is divided into three apartments : two halls, originally for use
of Masonic and Odd Fellows associations, fronting on Fifth street 23£
x40 feet each ; a town hall, fronting Church street, 35x47 feet. The
basement story was designed for a reading room.
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
In 1855|( January) the following was the report of the commerce
and manufactures of Boonville, as published in the Observer of that
date, over the signature of H. B. Benedict, mayor. As the report will
be quite interesting to the old merchants of Boonville, we will repro-
duce it in full : —
To the Editor of the Observer :
Believing the same desire exists with others as myself, in relation
to correct information of the amount of manufacturing and commerce
of our city, I have obtained a statement from every house in every
branch of business, herein reported, taken from the record.
I believe the exhibit may be relied on as substantially correct. Our
present population is about 3,000 ; the value of city property, as as-
sessed by the city in 1854, is $453,000 ; the city revenue for the same
year, from all sources, is about $3,200. This is considerably less than
the preceding year. Our city has no debt, and not an empty treas-
ury. This state of things induced a lower rate of taxation in 1854
than formerly. The rate for 1854 was fixed at three-tenths of one per
cent. In the following exhibit no fictitious figures are used, and
should facts fail to please, it will be a misfortune, not a fault.
We have exported from the city during 1854 the following articles :
EX1,OETS- Barrels.
Flour - - - ..... . 3,200
Lard 1,381
Wax 35
Flax-seed 311
White beans 125
Butter - - 108
Eggs - - 9
Tallow ... - 29
Peach brandy - 7
Green apples .._----- 406
Pork 85
Pecans ___.___.-- 10
664
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Casks.
Bacon - 810
Sacks.
Wheat 4,690
Dry fruit - .... 4,236
Corn 18
Oats 286
Potatoes ---------- 37
Bales.
Hemp --24
Peltries 223
Furs 188
Buffalo robes --------- 61
Wool 96
Eags ------- T 1
Bags.
Feathers 360
Timothy seed --------- 71
Castor beans --------- 6
Sumac 182
Boxes.
Merchandise --.____-- 197
Pig lead 3,682
Dry hides 2,742
Tobacco --_-_--._- 9
Leather rolls ~""~~*4"~"" ^
Hogsheads.
Tobacco ---------- 55
Bushels.
Mustard seed --------- 6
Dozens.
Chickens 143
Turkeys 760
Tons.
Broken glass -- - 1£
SHIPMENT OF LIVE STOCK, HOGS, ETC. TJpad
Cattle by the river 2,300
Hogs by the river -------- 3,000
Sheep by the river _______ 3,200
Cattle by land 3,700
Mules by laud 850
Horses by land ---_-.___ 150
Slaughtered in the City.
Hogs ... 5,000
Beeves -- 498
Mutton --. 700
Valuation of the stock $460,000
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 665
TRADE.
Amount of business in 1854.
We have nine wholesale and retail dry goods houses, including
one hat and cap store -
Ten wholesale and retail grocers -
One dealer in books and stationery
One dealer in iron eastings, smiths' tools, etc.
One dealer in glass and queensware
Three druggists - -
MANUFACTURES AND TRADE.
Seven tailors and merchant tailors and deal-
ers in clothing -
Six boot and shoe manufacturers and dealers
Four watchmakers and jewelers
Three tin and copper-ware manufacturers and
stove dealers - - - -
Four cabinet ware manufacturers and dealers
in Eastern work -
Three saddle and harness manufactories
Three confectioners, manufactured candy -
Four tobacconists, manufactured 400 boxes
tobacco ; 378,000 cigars
One tallow chandler, mf'd 15,000 lbs. candles
One Spanish saddle tree, mf d 400 trees
One carriage manufacturer, with blacksmith
shop annexed -
One stoneware, manufactured 250,000 gal.
One tanner, manufactured leather
One upholster and trimmer
One marble and tombstone manufacturer -
One brewery, five months in operation, 500
bbls. beer 1,800 1,800
One steam flouring mill, manufactured 10,000
bbls. flour - - - 70,000
Ten blacksmith shops, nearly all with plow
or wagon shops attached thereto, manu-
factured 535 2^1ows, 175 wagons; other
shop work in value, $6,300 ; whole value 25,557
Seven cooper shops, manufactured 3,701
flour bbls., 783 pork bbls., 946 whiskey
bbls., 802 bacon casks, 221 slack kegs,
32 scalding tubes and well buckets ; other
work in shop, 575 - - - 5,768
Two lumber yards ; lumber sold - 26,694
Two shops, one turning — one gunsmith - 850
$227,720 $1,177,111
5 "*
$400,703
408,700
12,000
11,538
3,300
37,000
E.
Val. Manfd.
Goods.
Whole Am't
of Business.
$ 12,000
14,755
3,500
$ 74,000
32,661
14,000
18,000
32,000
5,900
17,000
3,150
13,100
22,000
6,500
11,840
2,100
600
11,840
2,100
600
7,000
20,000
3,000
1,500
2,500
7,000
20,000
3,000
1,500
2,500
666 history or HO WARD and cooper counties.
We have in our city —
One banking house, Two resident dentists,
Three large and commodious pub- Two resident daguerreotypists,
lie houses, Two printing offices,
Two livery stables, well supplied One book bindery,
with teams and vehicles, Seven schools,
Three barber shops, Six churches.
Having given above a report of the business of Boonville during
the year 1855, we publish below a statement of the shipping interests
of the city for the year 1882, as furnished the Hon. Jno. L. O'Bryan,
the present mayor, by the depot agent at Boonville :
Wheat ... .
Flour ...
Lumber - - -
Sand - ...
Empty bbls ...
Apples -
Brick - ...
Hogs - ...
Stoneware - ...
Bran - - ...
Cattle ....
Sheep - . . -
Lime - -
BANKS AND BANKERS.
Wm. H. Trigg opened the first bank — a private institution — in
1847, on the corner of Fifth and Spring streets, where the bank of
Elliott, Williams & Co. now stands. During the same year, he
moved near the corner of Fifth and Morgan streets, where he erected
a house for a bank. After continuing the business alone, until 1859,
he organized a company consisting of Wm. H. Trigg, C. W. Som-
bart, A. S. Walker, John Ainslie, Caleb Jones, J. M. Nelson, Jno.
K. French, Isaac Lionberger, J. L. Stephens, H. M. Painter, A. J.
Read, W. G. Bell and J. Sombart, and commenced business with a
paid up capital of $150,000. This company continued to do busi-
ness until 1865. The next banking enterprise was the opening of the
branch of the bank of St. Louis, in the year 1856. With this enter-
prise were connected Wm. E. Burr, Joel Stephens, Jas. M. Nelson,
C. W. and J. Sombart, Wm. Harley, Jno. R. French and others.
911
Ties
-
20
295
236
Household
Ice
goods
16
13
185
179
Agricultural implements - 12
Oats 8
115
Mules
.
7
78
63
Scrap iron
Horses -
-
3
2
62
Saw-dust
-
2
60
59
Hay
Corn
-
2
2
27
Salt
_
2
23
Total
-
2,382
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 667
CENTRAL NATIONAL BANK.
Assets :
Cash on hand, - - .... $ 71,454 06
Treasury U. S., - - ... 7,290 00
Sight Exchange, - - 150,469 33
Total,
$229,213 39
Bonds, ... -
Bills Receivable, ...
- $597,550 00
- 253,944 53
Total,
$851,494 53
Expenses, -
Taxes, - - -
- $ 4,943 25
4,702 42
Total,
$9,645 67
Total assets, *•
$1,090,353 59
Liabilities :
Capital paid in, -
Surplus, - -
Undivided profits, - * -
- $200,000 00
- 100,000 00
- 127,023 37
Total,
$427,023 37
Circulation, - - ...
Deposits (subject to check), -
- $145,800 00
- 517,530 22
Total,
$663,330 22
Total liabilities, - - - $1,090,353 59
James M. Nelson, president; Harvey Bunce, vice-president;
Speed Stephens, cashier ; Lon V. Stephens, assistant cashier. Di-
rectors— J. M. Nelson, Harvey Bunce, C. W. Sombart, Julius Som-
bart, William Harley, Speed Stephens, Lon V. Stephens. Capital,
$200,000; surplus, $225,000; total assets, over $1,000,000.
The next bank was opened by Aehle, Dunnica &Co.
This was succeeded by Aehle & Dunnica.
Aehle, Lee & Dunnica succeeded Aehle & Dunnica.
John Lee & Son followed Aehle, Lee & Dunnica.
John Lee & Son were succeeded in 1881, by
668 HISTORY OF HOWARD and cooper counties.
ELLIOTT, WILLIAMS & CO., BANKERS.
Official statement of the financial condition of Elliott, Williams
&Co., bankers, at Boonville, state of Missouri, at the close of busi-
ness on the 14th day of April, 1883.
Resources: *
Loans undoubtedly good on personal or collateral se-
curity - " - - $101,992 16
Overdrafts by solvent customers - - - 2,215 53
United States bonds on hand - 2,200 00
Other bonds and stocks at their present cash market
price - ..... 14,50000
Due from other banks, good on sight draft - 43,835 32
Bills of national banks and legal tender United States
notes - - - 11,000 00
Gold coin - - - .... 2,600 00
Silver coin - - - - - 1,557 05
Total - ' - - - - $179,900 06
Liabilities :
Capital stock paid in - .... $ 20,000 00
Surplus funds on hand - - - - 5,027 07
Deposits subject to draft — at sight ... - 154,29434
Due other banks and bankers - - - 578 65
Total - - - - $179,900 06
State of Missouri, >
County of Cooper. \
We, John S. Elliott and John Cosgrove, two of the partners in
or owners of said banking business, and each of us, do solemnly swear
that the above statement is true to the best of our knowledge and
belief. John S. Elliott,
John Cosgrove.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of April, A. D.
1883. Witness my hand and notarial seal hereto affixed, at office, in
Boonville, Missouri, the date last aforesaid.
/-^-^-v Ed. W. Chilton,
I Notary Public.
■ .- -^ ^ (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring
May 6th, 1886.)
BOONVILLE WATER COMPANY.
During the month of May, 1883, the Boonville water company
was organized with the following stockholders : John Elliott, John
Cosgrove, Speed Stephens, Lon Stephens, Henry McPherson, W.
SEAL
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 669
Whitlow, T. B. Perkins, W. C. Oulverham and J. H. Johnston, with
a capital of $100,000.
P. B. Perkins took the contract for building the water works,
which will cost $54,000. They are to be completed by the first day
of August, 1883. Mr. Perkins receives as compensation a certain
per cent of the stock, for which he transfers his franchise to the water
company. The plan pursued in the construction of this important
enterprise, is known as the "Perkins System." The reservoir will
be located west of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, on a hill,
which reaches an altitude greater than that of any other elevation
surrounding the city, and will contain three million gallons of water,
which will be pumped from the Missouri river.
Thus, it will be seen, that Boonville is gradually growing into the
importance of a young and promising city, and that slowly but surely
those things are being added which tend most to the convenience,
comfort and material prosperity of its citizens. The city was lighted
by gas as early as 187-.
KEMPER FAMILY SCHOOL.
For thirty-nine years this school has been established in Boon-
ville, and has steadily advanced in usefulness and in the estimation of
the public. In the year 1844, F. T. Kemper arrived in Boonville
from the town of Philadelphia, Missouri, where for one year he had
taught a private school, after spending the years from 1836 to 1843
as student and tutor in Marion college, near Palmyra. This college
was the creation of some of the Presbyterian divines of the west, par-
ticularly Dr. David Nelson, a man of wide fame as a pulpit orator
and writer. It was an attempt to materialize a plan by which log
huts, raw land and the muscles of the students were to take the place
of money endowments, and build up an institution of learning of the
highest order. Although it failed to attract to it that support which
it needed for success, it afforded an excellent training to those who
came under its influence. There, at the age of twenty, young Kem-
per entered and finished the education which had been begun in his
native state, Virginia ; and for two years and a half, as tutor, prac-
tised the work to which he devoted his life. Becoming fired with am-
bition to elevate the dignity, enlarge the scope and increase the
independence of the educator's profession, he withdrew from all con.
nection with Marion college and resolved to put himself into a posi-
tion where he could develop his ideal without interference from any
one. After a trial year at Philadelphia, in the same county, he chose
U
670 ♦ HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Boonville as the scene of his labors, and in June, 1844, the school
was started.
The opening occurred in a little frame building, standing on the
site of Elliott, Williams & Co.'s bank. But five students were
present, of whom only one, D. C. Mack, was a Boonville boy — the
others coming with Mr. K. from his former school at Philadelphia.
The little frame house, still standing a little further west, was the
residence of the school family, of which, as the principal was unmar-
ried, his aunt, Mrs. Mary Allison, was matron. Another small house,
on the site of Weber's agricultural works, was used as an office to
piece out the scanty accommodations. In the course of a few weeks
there was much improvement in prospects and arrangements. The
enrollment of students increased to thirty-three ; the ready furnished
school-room of Mr. Jaffray, in the second story of the building now
known as the Mahan house, was secured, and the family was removed
to a brick building still standing on the old fair ground.
Though the principal did all the work, both of teaching and gov-
erning, the course of study was very full, embracing the full college
course of mathematics and languages. As experience and educa-
tional progress demanded it, there was contraction of these parts
of the curriculum and exhaustion in the department of natural
sciences.
Before one year had elapsed, the school was well enough estab-
lished to enable the principal to begin to prepare for it a permanent
home, the one in which it has ever since remained. Money was
raisedby means of a company, who subscribed for stock, which was
to be redeemed by Mr. K. as he became able. By this means the
right front of the present building was erected in the summer of 1845.
By the same means an addition was erected in 1851, nearly doubling
its capacity. The school-room, a detached building, was erected in
1866, and the main front in 1872.
Mr. Kemper began his work without any assistance in the labor
of the school-room. In his view a thorough educational system, such
as he aimed to practice, required much more of the teacher than mere
class work, and hence, only those were fitted to engage in it who had
received previous careful training under his own eye, and demonstrated
their fitness for what was required. With but two or three excep-
tions, his assistants, during his whole professional life, caught the de-
tails and the inspiration of his methods by first experimenting them
as students.
Soon after the founding of the school, he associated with himself
HISTORY OV HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 671
the brothers, Tyre C. and James B. Harris. This partnership did not
continue long. Other assistants, in the early history of the school,
were James and John Chandler, William and Koberdeau Allison, and
J. A. Quarles.
During two or three years of the civil war, the school was under
the joint management of Mr. Kemper and Mr. Edwin Taylor, brother
of Mrs. Kemper. During one year, 1867-68, Mr. E. Allison was as-
sociated in the management.
During the year 1867, Mr. T. A. Johnston, the present princi-
pal, entered the school as a student. He is a native of this county ;
his family is of Scotch-Irish stock, and one of the pioneer families of
the county, having become established here from Tennessee in 1817.
After attending the school one year as student he became tutor,
though at the same time continuing his studies. In this capacity he
continued till September, 1871, when he entered the State university
of Missouri, and received the degree of bachelor of arts in 1872.
He at once returned to this school and became associate principal.
From this period till the death of Mr. Kemper, in 1881, the man-
agement was unchanged. The principal assistant teachers during this
period, were W. M. Hoge and G. W. Johnston, from 1875 to 1878,
and E. L. Yager and J. H. Gauss, 1878 to 1880. After graduating
at the State university, in 1880, W. M. Hoge and G. W. Johnston
again accepted positions in the school and have remained connected
with it ever since. Miss H. C. Hunt, a lady of high culture and
large experience in teaching the modern languages, has charge of that
branch.
Upon the death of Mr. Kemper, in 1881, the school passed ac-
cording to previous arrangements, under the control of T. A. John-
ston. There was no break of any kind or halt in the prosperity of the
school by this change. Its patronage has widened and increased
rather than diminished, so that now (1883) the full extent of its ac-
commodations is reached, and students are in attendance from nine
different states and territories.
In many respects the arrangements of this school are peculiar.
All of its students are members of the school family and subjected to
family authority and discipline. For this purpose all, whether they
live far or near, board with the principal. Its primary object is train-
ing rather than mere instruction — the making of men rather than
encyclopedias of knowledge. The eating, sleeping, exercise, dress,
recreation, shopping, church-going and other details of ordinary con-
duct are elevated to the rank of duties, having a right and wrong
672 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
way of performance, and their culture is promoted by careful training
in proper methods of action in these respects.
The students are exclusively boys.
In grade, it is a school of secondary instruction. Its aim is to
fit students for college ; or if, as is too often the case, the college
course is not contemplated, to furnish the best possible substitute for
it, preparatory to business life.
COOPER INSTITUTE.
This institution was founded in the year 1863 by Rev. X. X. Buck-
ner, a prominent minister in the Baptist church. Finding his limited
salary in the ministry being insufficient to support his growing family,
he conceived the idea of teaching, and at first taught a small private
school in the country, at the residence of William Eliott. Being suc-
cessful as a teacher, he resolved to extend his field of labor, and hence
removed his school to Boonville, where he bought school property,
and, in September, 1863, started an institution which ranked among
the best in the state. There being no other seminary in the city, Mr.
Buckner being a man of popular address, and also a practical business
man, the school at once became one of the largest in the state, at one
time having twenty-five boarders in his family.
At the zenith of success Mr. Buckner resolved to again give his en-
tire time to the ministry, and hence, in February, 1865, he sold his pro-
perty to Rev. S. W. Marston, who succeeded as principal of the school.
Mr. Marston continued in the school for three years, which, from
various causes, d*id not succeed as under its former principal. Mr. •
Marston did a good work, but at the end of three years gave up the
school.
Then, from September, 1868, to September, J870, the Cooper In-
stitute ceased its labors.
In the summer of 1870, Anthony Haynes, for many years president
of the Elizabeth Aull female seminary, at Lexington, Missouri,
moved to Boonville, for the purpose of establishing a first-class semin-
ary. He leased the building formerly occupied for the purpose, and
in September, 1870, again opened Cooper Institute, which has been in
successful operation ever since, a period of thirteen years.
After the first year the school was removed to the large Thespian
hall building, where the distinguished Colonel Joseph L. Stephens,
with marked liberality, had arranged a splendid suite of rooms for the
uses of the school. During that year the boarding department was
HISTOET OF HOWAKD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 673
kept by the accomplished Mrs. Warfield, and twenty-five boarders at-
tended the school.
Miss Lou Atwood presided over the music department, at the
head of a very large class.
At the close of the year 1871, the school was again removed to the
building formerly occupied as the Missouri female college. During
that year the principal, Mr. Haynes, purchased a lot on Sixth street
and built a handsome seminary building of his own, to which he moved
the school in September, 1873, and the school has continued in this
building since its erection. Since that time the building has been
much enlarged, which, combined with Mr. Haynes' family residence,
makes one of the most desirable school buildings in the state. The
schftol has had as many as thirty-two boarders during a session.
This school has continued a successful career of thirteen years,
even amid the severest competition and opposition, and now stands
upon a permanent basis, more prosperous than ever, with an atten-
dence of eighty students.
During Mr. Haynes' administration, one thousand pupils have
attended the school, and its students are found all over the west,
many of whom are settled and at the head of families, in the town
where they were educated. Many of the students return each year
to visit their alma mater.
Till 1877, Mr. Haynes turned out graduating classes, which
passed through the course, which was, at that time, generally
adopted in most of western female colleges. At that time he ad-
vanced his course of study. Incorporated in the course is an extended
course of the higher mathematics, and a course of Latin and Greek.
The object of the institution under its present administration, is not
to make a second rate college, but a first class high school, to pre-
pare students for the higher classes in the university. Students have
gone from this school, and entered the best eastern colleges, also our
state university.
The school is not denominational, but is an enterprise inaugu-
rated and sustained by the private means and life energies of its
principal. Its aim it to prepare its students for the practical walks
of life, and hence the aim has always been to be practical in the
course of instruction.
The people of Boonville and central Missouri have appreciated
the work of this school, and have accorded to it a most cordial sup-
port.
674 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
HISTORY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BOONVILLE.
[Prepared by Prof. H. T. Morton.]
Directors. — J. L. Stephens, John Bernard, C. W. Sombart, J.
A. Eppstein, H. A. Hutchison, J. L. 0'Bryan,Dr. J. B. Holman, J.
F. Gmelich, Dr. John Fetzer, George Salvin, E. Koeschel, Dr. D.
D. Miles, L. C. Brewster, J. N. Gott, John Cosgrove, W. W.
Taliaferro, Samuel Acton.
Principals.— J. C. Mason, 1867-69; E. A. Angell, 1869-70; J.
C. Mason, 1870-71 ; R. P. Rider, 1871-73 ; W. A. Smiley, 1873-74;
S. H. Blewett, 1374-75 ; D. A. McMillan, 1875-82 ; H. T. Morton,
1882 .
During the winter of 1866-67 the legislature passed an act
authorizing cities, towns and villages to organize for school purposes.
This act became a law March 12, 1867, and on the 29th of the same
month, Messrs. C. W. Sombart, H. L. Wallace, John Bernard,
Thomas Plant, J. L. Stephens, N. Walz, Stephen Weber, J. P. Neef,
Jacob Zimmer, E. Roeschel, J. F. Gmelich and John Fetzer signed
a call for an election to decide whether the citizens of Boonville
would avail themselves of the privilege granted by the recent legisla-
tive enactmeut.
The election was held April 9, 1867, at which thirty votes were
cast, twenty-nine for and one against organization for school purposes.
On the 23d of the same month Messrs. John Bernard, J. L. Stephens,
C. W. Sombart, J. A. Eppstein, H. A. Hutchison and F. Swap
were elected to constitute the board of education. On the 29th of
April these gentlemen met and were organized by the election of
John Bernard, president, J. L. Stephens, treasurer, and F. Swap,
secretary.
The schools were opened September 23, 1867, with Joseph C.
Mason, principal, and Mrs. Clara Atkinson, Mrs. MaryE. Schaefer,
and Miss M. E. McKee, assistants in the school for white children,
and S. G. Bundy and wife, Mrs. C. M. Bundy, teachers in that for
colored pupils.
A building twenty-two feet by sixty, having two stories, and
located on Sixth street, was bought of C. H. Allison, for $5,250, for
the use of the schools for white children.
The enrollment for the year ending June 19, 1868, was 567, dis-
tributed as follows : —
White males .... 239
White females .... . 138
Whites, total, - - - 377
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 675
Colored males _._-._ . 104
Colored females - - - 95
Colored, total, - 199
Average Attendance :
Whites -.--.___ 207
Colored - - - 77
Total, - - 284
The average attendance for the first year was fifty per cent of the
enrollment.
For the second year, ending June 3, 1869, the enumeration for
the town was 951 whites and 351 colored, with an average attendance
of 350 white and 150 colored pupils. Six grades were opened during
this year.
In 1870-71, 514 white pupils were enrolled ; the average attend-
ance reached 346. In the colored school 233 were enrolled, and the
average attendance was 115.
The wings of the school building were finished during the year 1870,
affording excellent accommodations for the schools. The eight rooms
thus added are well lighted and ventilated, and furnished with im-
proved desks.
The prejudice against public schools that for the past four years
had seriously impeded their progress, was rapidly superseded by a
high degree of public confidence and favor. The public school system
has too often been condemned on account of defective administration,
or the attempt to accomplish too much in a short time.
Prominent among the directors of the Boonville city schools was
Colonel J. L. Stephens, who served as treasurer from the organiza-
tion in 1867 till his death in August, 1881. Doctor F. Swap was sec-
retary during the same time. Judge C. W. Sombart has been a di-
rector from the organization to this date. Mr. John Bernard was
president of the Board from the organization until April 7, 1882.
Of the teachers only one has remained in the schools during a
long period. Mrs. Mary E. Schaefer has taught from the fall of 1867
to the present time. On May 25, 1883, she completed her sixteenth
year in the Boonville schools. Of the principals, Dr. A. McMillan
served seven years, no other having remained more thau two.
Seven grades seems to have been the maximum until 1882, when
the eighth was added, embracing geometry, chemistry, analysis and
composition of English history, physiology and elocution.
676 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
For some years there has been a growing demand for a higher course
in our public Schools, that those paying large taxes may not find it
necessary to send their children to private schools in order to prepare
them for college or business. There is need for a more thorough
training of our youth in language, mathematics, philosophy and
physics — that our schools may be supplied with competent teachers.
Pupils trained in ungraded private schools cannot be expected to be
qualified to supply the demand of public graded schools. Yet, until
the present time, this fact does not seem to have been appreciated by
the patrons of our schools.
The board of education have not been fully sustained by a vigorous
public sentiment, demanding a progressive system. It is hoped that
they will take the lead in this direction, and they will find the intel-
ligent portion of the community co-operating most cordially with
them.
Unfortunately our elections are so far under the control of dema-
gogues, that men are not elected with reference to their qualifications
for office. In this place, however, the school directors seem to have
been wisely ehoseu. The excellent buildings provided exhibit a pro
gressive and liberal spirit. There is a determination to put our schools
in the front rank, and make it unnecessary to send our sons and
daughters elsewhere for instruction. Boonville cannot afford to pay
large amounts annually to other towns for the education of her youth.
This view of public economy is entertained by a majority of the pres-
ent board, and may be regarded as a pledge of decided progress for
the future.
REPORT OF BOONVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Male. Female. Total.
Number of white persons in the district between
6 and 20 years of age, ... 493 502 995
Number of colored persons in the district be-
6 and 20 years of age,- ... 80 100 180
Total enumeration white and colored, 573 602 1,175
Total enrollment of white pupils, - - 247 239 486
Total enrollment of colored pupils, - 83 100 183
Total enrollment of white and colored, 330 339 669
Number of pupils enrolled between 6 and 16
years of age, 326 334 660
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES . 677
Number of pupils enrolled between 16 and 20 years of age,
Increase in enrollment over last year, -
Average number of days' attendance by each pupil enrolled,
Number of days school has been taught, -
Total number of days' attendance by all pupils,
Average number of pupils attending each day,
Increase over last year, ------
Number of teachers employed in the district during the
year, -- ______
Average salaries of teachers per mouth, -
Highest salary paid teachers, -
Lowest salary paid teachers, ------
Total salaries paid district officers, teachers and janitors
per month, --------
Number of school houses in the district, - - - -
Number of pupils that may be seated in the various schools,
Number of white schools, ------
Number of colored schools, ------
Average cost per day for tuition on enrollment,
Average cost per day on average number belonging.
Average cost per day on daily attendance,
Value of school property in the district, -
Average rate per $100 levied for school purposes in the
district, -------
Eate per cent levied for building purposes, for payment
of debt and interest, ------
Amount on hand at beginning of school year,
Amount received for tuition fees, - - - - -
Amount received from public funds (state, county and
township), --------
Amount realized from taxation, _ - - - -
Amount paid for teachers' wages in the district during the
year,
Amount paid for fuel in the district during the year,
Amount paid for repairs or rent of school houses during
year, -
Amount paid for apparatus and incidental expenses in the
district for the year, ------
Amount expended in defraying past indebtedness, -
Balance in hands of treasurer at close of year,
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Far West lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., organized September 29,
1840. Charter members — William Childs, James G. Martin, Noble
C. Cunningham, Edward Grey, Hamilton Finney.
First officers — William Childs, N. G. ; N. C. Cunningham, V.
G. ; J. G. Martin, secretary ; Edward Grey, treasurer.
9
46
134
180
89,280
496
91
9
$42 78
100 00
35 00
415 83|
2
540
1
1
$ .029
.038
.039
30,000 00
.40
.20
1,242 61
20 75
1,429 60
8,935 59
3,780 00
147 69
94 16
175 85
4,843 45
806 40
678 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Present officers — Johu Waterman, N. G. ; C. F. Arpe, V. G. ;
Charles L. Vollrath, recording secretary ; C. Stommerjohn, presid-
ing secretary; J. S. Barth, treasurer.
This lodge celebrated the first anniversary of the order in 1843.
We clip the following from the Boonville Observer of September 20,
1843 : —
ODD FELLOWS' CELEBRATION.
We witnessed the anniversary celebration of the Odd Fellows'
lodge in this city, on Friday last, with more than usual interest. The
day was most propitious for such an occasion. It was as calm and
clear as ever the bright sun of heaven favored with its autumnual
beams, which lent splendor and solemnity to the beautiful appearance
of the procession as it marched from the Odd Fellows' hall, accom-
panied by an excellent band of music. The procession marched
through several streets of the city, thence to the Methodist church,
where the ceremonies were truly interesting. The oration of the Eev.
Mr. Linn, of St. Louis, was one of the best we have ever heard on
such an occasion ; and the music most creditable to the band, which
came up from Jeffei'son Barracks in the same company with the rev-
erend gentleman.
Olive Branch lodge, No. 36, I. 0. G. F. Chartered September
16, 1848. Officers — Joseph Megquire, N. G. ; Andrew Gibson, V.
G. ; N. C. Peters, treasurer; W. W. Norris, secretary.
Charter members — Joseph Megquire, J. L. Tracy, Andrew Gib-
son, William Henning, J. L. O' Bryan, W. W- Norris, N.C.Peters,
H. M. Clark and Allen Hammond.
Present officers — J. B. Holland, N. G. ; F. W. Smith, V. G. ;
J. S. Nicholson, secretary; L. H. Stahl, permanent secretary.
Cooper lodge, No. 36, A. F. and A. M, obtained its charter
October 9, 1841. Names of charter members — C. W.D.Johnson,
Andrew Gibson, William Harley, B. C. Clark, G. W. Caton, G. C.
Hartt, John Kelly, John Dade, Joseph N. Laurie, John Lynch, A. H.
Neal, Reuben Leveridge, R. D. Shackleford, Thompson Moore,
John Sites.
Present officers — John F. Rogers, W. M. ; William R. Baker,
S. W. ; M. W. Hall, J. W. ; W. F. Howard, S. D. ; C. L. Glasscock,
J. D. ; W. R. Hutchison, treasurer; A. Mars, secretary; O. D.
Edwards, tyler.
Number of members, 80.
Boonville Royal Arch Chapter No. 60. — The charter was granted
October 6, 1870, to George R. Keill, H. P. ; M. J. Wertheimer, king;
and William Harley, scribe.
HISTORY OF HOWAKD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 679
Present officers — W. F. Howard, H. P. ; A. D. Howard, king;
John L. O'Bryan, scribe ; M. W. Hall, C. H. ; S. W. Ravenel, R. A.
C. ; D. W. Shackelford, P. S. ; W. S. Stephens, M. 3d V. ; J. F.
Rogers, M. 2d V. ; Henry Woolfort, M. 1st V. ; O. D. Edwards, G.
Boonville Encampment, No. 7, I. O. O. F, organized June 16,
1848, by P. C. P., S. H. Allen, with the following charter members:
William Childs, A. H. Thompson, John R. Bagwell, A. Kueckelhan,
H. L. Wallace, Jacob Harger, and J. M. Edgar.
First officers — William Childs, C. P. ; A. H. Thompson, H. P. ;
John R. Bagwell, S. W. ; H. L. Wallace, J. W. ; J. M. Edgar,
scribe ; Jacob Harger, treasurer.
Present officers — Joseph L. Hasel, C. P. ; John Waterman, H.
P. ; John Cosgrove, S. W. ; W. Speed Stephens, J. W. ; August
Schaefer, scribe ; Nicholas Walz, treasurer.
Boonville Uniform Degree Camp. — Instituted January 18, 1883,
by grand patriarch, Charles Vogel, with the following charter mem-
bers: J. T. Gmelich, John P. Neef, Samuel Acton, C. J. Walden,
James H. Johnston, Robert Mai-ks, Herman Cohn, John C. Gross,
John S. Dauwalter, Joseph Barth, W. C. Culverhouse.
Present officers — J. T. Gmelich, commander ; James H. John-
ston, vice-commander ; Robert Marks, picket ; Samuel Acton, O. G. ;
Herman Cohn, secretary ; N. Walz, treasurer.
Vine Clad Lodge, No. 136, A. O. U. W., organized June 5,
1879. Charter members — F. Sauter, W. R. Hutchison, A. P.
Speed, C. W. Hazel, H. R. Edgar, G. B. Stoner, R. L. Moore, Theo.
Broesele, Gustave Lang, Benj. Beha, W. E. Evans, J. C. Phelps, C.
F. Wagner, A. M. Koontz, S. E. Phelps, C. J. Burger, W. L. Mar-
shall, F. C. Weinig, George W. Sahm, C. L. Brenizen.
Present members — C. W. Hazel, past master workman; W.
R. Hutchison, master workman; J. C. Phelps, general foreman;
F. Sauter, overseer ; Theo. Broesele, recorder ; R. L. Moore, finan-
cier; C. L. Brenizen, receiver ; G. B. Stoner, guide ; Benjamin Beha,
inside watchman ; Gustave Lang, outside watchman ; W. E. Evans,
medical examiner; W. R. Hutchisou, F. Sauter, G. B. Stoner, ex-
amining committee; A. P. Speed, C. W. Hazel, Gustave Lang,
trustees.
Boonville Turn and Gesang society, is a consolidation of the
Boonville Turn Verein and the Boonville Maennerchor, reorganized
and incorporated in January, 1869. This society meets at Thespian
hall, and numbers 115 members, who meet to sing, to exercise in
gymnastics, and to enjoy themselves generally.
680 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Present officers are : John P. Neef, first speaker ; Carl C. Bell,
second speaker ; Fred Tanter, first secretary ; Emil Huber, second
secretary ; William , financier ; John Durr, treasurer.
MAYORS OF BOONVILLE FROM 1840 TO 1883.
Marcus Williams, 1840 ; William Childs, 1842 ; John S. Mc-
Farland, 1844; William Childs, 1846; David Andrews, 1847;
C. H. Smith, 1848 ; J. Eice, 1849 ; E. B. McPherson, 1850-51 ;
John Andrews, 1852 ; H. B. Benedict, 1853-54-55 ; H. B. Brant,
1856; H. E. W. McDearman, from 1857 to 1864; Jesse H. Pavey,
1865-66 ; H. L. Wallace, 1867-68 ; Milo Blair, 1869-70 ; H. B.
Benedict, 1871 ; Milo Blair, 1872 ; R. B. Newman, 1873 ; Milo Blair,
1874 ; T. B. Wright, 1875 ; J. F. Gmelich, from 1876 to 1880.
PRESENT CITY OFFICERS, (1883).
•J. L. O'Bryan, mayor ; Franklin Swap, register ; Louis Stahl
treasurer; W. G. Pentelton, attorney; W.W. Trent, assessor; Wil-
liam H. Harrison, street commissioner; H. B. Holland, marshal.
council, 1883.
J. C. Gross, at large ; James Mitchell, First ward ; C. C. Bell,
Second ward ; A. P. Speed, Third ward ; Marcus Lohse, Fourth
ward ; Samuel H. Johnson, Fifth ward ; J. C. Wells, Sixth ward.
APPOINTED OFFICERS, 1883.
Dr. Cooper, health officer ; Joseph Meyer, sexton ; J. H.
Stephens, weigh master ; B. F. Goodman, police ; John Street, police.
BUSINESS OF BOONVILLE, (1883).
Three ( exclusively ) dry goods Nine dry goods and groceries.
stores. Three groceries (exclusively).
Six confectioneries and restau- Two banks.
rants. Four newspapers.
Four boot and shoe stqires (exclu- Five drug stores.
sively). Two jewelers.
Four merchant tailors. Three tailors.
Four farm machinery and imple- Three furniture stores.
ment stores. One hardware (exclusively).
One book store (exclusively). Four carriage manufactories.
Four millinery stores. One cigar and tobacco store.
Three tin and stove stores. Two cooper shops.
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
681
Two saddlers and harness makers.
Two shoemakers.
Two undertakers.
Six blacksmiths.
Three mills.
One crockery establishment.
Two boarding houses.
Two dentists.
Four printing offices.
Ten churches ; nine Protestant.
Three lumber yards.
Four butchers.
Five carpenters and builders.
One marble works.
Two brass and one string band.
One large (Thespian) hall.
Two depots.
Telephonic and telegraphic facili-
ties.
It will be seen that Boonville
of business interests, representing
sions of this part of Missouri.
One news stand.
Four sewing machine agents.
Three photographers.
Ten saloons.
One tan yard.
Five hotels.
Five barbers.
Ten physicians.
One machine shop.
Ten lawyers.
Five secret orders.
Two gunsmiths.
Three painters.
Three livery stables.
Six schools.
Three wine cellars.
One express company.
One gas works.
contains nearly 200 different kinds
about all the industries and profes-
CHAPTEE V.
BLACKWATER, CLARK'S FORK AND CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIPS.
Blackwater Township — Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Clark's
Fork Township — Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Clear Creek
Township — Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers.
BLACKWATER BOUNDARY.
This township is a peninsula, being almost entirely surrounded
by the Lamine and Blackwater rivers. It is bounded on the north by
Lamine township, from which it is separated by the Blackwater river;
on the east and south by Pilot Grove and Clear Creek townships,
from which it is separated by the Lamine river, and on the west by
Saline and Pettis counties.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Besides the two streams mentioned (Lamine and Blackwater),
there are a number of smaller water courses among which is Heath's
creek, all of which water the township in many different localities.
The soil is rich and exceedingly productive. The bottom land is
low and swampy, and the ridge land fertile and susceptible of early
cultivation. In the bottom, corn and timothy are grown in large
quantities ; on the ridge land, corn, wheat, oats, tobafcco, potatoes
and all kinds of garden vegetables are produced in great abundance.
The different kinds of wood are ash, beach, black oak, black walnut,
cherry, cottonwood, elm, maple, hickory, redbud, sugar tree, white
oak and white walnut.
The minerals which are found in this township are iron, which
appears in large deposits, and lead, which crops out on every hillside.
There are, in this township, six salt and a great number of fresh
water springs. Salt was successfully manufactured at these springs
as early as 1808, and from that time till 1836 the manufacture of it
was carried on pretty extensively by Heath, Bailey, Christie, Allison
and others.
(682)
F'/
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 683
EARLY SETTLERS.
William Christie and John G. Heath temporarily settled in this
township in 1808, but only remained long enough to manufacture a
small quantity of salt, when they returned down the river. James
Broch, the first permanent settler, arrived in 1816 ; Enoch Hambrich
came in 1817 ; David Shellcraw, in 1818, and planted an acre of cot-
ton which yielded very well. George Chapman, the father of Mrs.
Caleb Jones, came in 1818; Nathaniel T.Allison, Sr., in 1831;
Fleming Marshall and Robert Clark, in 1832 ; Nathaniel Bridgewater,
in 1835, and Edmund M. Cobb and Larkin T. Dix, in 1838.
clark's fork township — boundary.
Bounded on the north by Boonville township ; on the east by
Prairie Home and Saline ; on the south by Moniteau and Kelly, and
on the west by Palestine township.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The township is watered by Clark's Fork, with its tributaries,
and the tributaries of the Petite Saline creek. There is possibly
more prairie in this township, than in any other township in the county.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Prom the best information that can be obtained, John Glover was
the first settler of this township, he having located there in the year
1813. He built a log cabin on the south bank of the Petite Saline
creek, and cleared a few acres of ground near where Rankin's mill
now stands, but nothing is known of his history.
The next settlers were Zepheniah Bell and John C. Rochester.
The last named gentleman was a grandson of the founder of the city
of Rochester, New York, who, having lost a princely fortune by hav-
ing to pay a large security debt, sought seclusion by emigrating to
this country and the society of the people who required nothing save
honesty and industry to admit a person into their social circles. He
married Miss Sallie Kelly, a beautiful and accomplished lady, the
daughter of James Kelly, who was an honored soldier of the revolu-
tion. He was well educated considering the times, and his occupa-
tion was that of a farmer. He died in the township many years ago.
Mr. Bell was also a farmer, a good citizen and an bonest man. He
has been dead many years.
Some of the other old citizens were Joshua H. Berry, William
Bead, William and Reuben George, Clayton Hurt, Samuel Carpenter,
684 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Edward, Andrew and Charles Robertson, James, Robert and Joh
Johnston, Samuel, Robert and William Drinkwater, Gabriel Tits-
worth, William Shipley, Acrey Hurt, Peter Carpenter, George Craw-
ford, George W. Weight and Martin Jennings.
George Crawford was the first assessor of Cooper county, which
office he filled for many years. He was also a member of the legis-
lature from this county. Judge George W. Weight was born in
Dutchess county, New York, on the 22d day of February, 1784.
When quite young, having been, by the death of his parents, left
alone in the world, he emigrated to West Virginia, and from thence
to Ross county, Ohio, where he married Miss Elizabeth Williams. In
1820 he, with his family, moved to Howard county, Missouri. In
1822 he settled in Clark's Fork township, Cooper county, and lived
there until his death, which occurred on the 29th day of January,
1857. He taught school in West Virginia, Ohio and Cooper county.
He was a good violinist, and in his early days taught dancing school,
He was judge of the county court and county surveyor of Cooper
county for many years. He also represented the county in the state
legislature.
It will be observed that some of the old settlers mentioned above
really lived in that part of Clark's Fork township which was lately
annexed to Boonville township. The Petite Saline creek was formerly
the dividing line between the townships above mentioned, and but
little information as to the location of the old settlers in respect to
this dividing line could be obtained.
It may be safely stated that the average farming land within this
township is equally as productive as that of any other in the county.
There is a little poor land in the township, but the farmers are gen-
erally prosperous. There is no town located within its limits.
CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP BOUNDARY.
Clear Creek township is bounded on the north by the Lamine river
or Blackwater township ; on the east by Pilot Grove and Palestine
townships, and on the south by Lebanon and Otterville townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of this township is exceedingly rough in the northern
and western portions of the same, but in the southern and eastern
portions there are some fine farms, embracing some of the richest
lands in the county. The township is still well timbered, and is pene-
trated by the Lamine river and numerous smaller streams.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 685
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Among the early settlers of this township was James Taylor, who
had three sons, William, John and James. He emigrated from the
state of Georgia to New Madrid, Missouri, where he witnessed the long
series of earthquakes which oocurred in 1811 ; from thence he moved
to Cooper county in the year 1817. He had a large plantation, raised
and always had on hand large quantities of corn, upon which, when
cribbed, he placed a certain price, and would not dispose of it until
he could get for it what he asked. He was a very eccentric, plain,
matter of fact kind of man, and was charitable to such as would work,
but he had no patience with a lazy, trifling or profligate person. He
was also a good judge of human nature.
At one time when corn was very scarce throughout the county, and
very little could be had for love or money, two men came to Mr. Tay-
lor's house asking to purchase some corn, of which he had a large
quantity, on credit, as neither of them had any money with which to
pay. One was very poorly dressed, with his pants torn off below his
knees, and what there was remaining of them patched all over.
The other was almost elegantly dressed. Mr. Taylor sold the poorly
dressed man, on credit, all the corn he wished. He told the other one
that " he could get no corn there, unless he paid the money for it,
and that if he had saved the money which he had squandered for his
fine clothes he would have had sufficient to pay cash for the corn."
He had a large number of negroes, and required them during the
day to perforin a great deal of work. Shovel plows were mostly used
in his day, and the wooden mole board just coming into use. It is
related that the shovels of Mr. Taylor's plows had, at one time, worn
off very blunt, and he was averse to buying new ones, so that one
negro man plowed once around a field before he discovered that he had
lost the dull shovel to his plow, the plow running just as well without
as with it. He was a leader in the Baptist church, and was a devoted
member, a kind neighbor and a strictly honest man.
Jordan O'Bryan, a son-in-law of James Taylor, was also one of the
early settlers of this township. He was born in North Carolina,
moved to Kentucky when young, andto Cooper county in 1817. As
will be seen, he was elected to the state legislature in 1822, 1826, 1834
and 1840, eight years in all ; in 1844 he was elected state senator for
four years. He was a fluent speaker, a man of no ordinary talents,
and an uncompromising whig. In about 1830 he removed to Saline
township, where he remained until his death.
45
.686
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Charles E.Berry, the father of Finis E. Berry, Isaac Ellis and Hugh
and Alexander Brown, are among the oldest citizens ; others of a later
date were Herman Bailey, William Ellis, Samuel "Walker, A. S.
Walker, H. K. Walker, Finis E. Berry, James and Samuel Mahan,
the Rubeys, Jeremiah, William G. and Martin G. Phillips, Samuel
Forbes, Ragan Berry, Hiram Dial, Samuel and Bice Hughes and
Willis Ellis.
Lamine river, the bottom lands of which are very fertile, forms the
boundary line between this and Black water townships. The greater
part of the population arc Germans, who have proved themselves to
be a very industrious and thrifty people. They have mostly settled on
the hills which the Americans thought too poor to cultivate, and have
made them " bud and blossom as the rose." They have succeeded in
raising good crops, made good livings and have been generally pros-
perous and happy. In the hills they cultivate the grape very success-
fully, and a large amount of wine is manufactured here every year.
The Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad runs about five miles through
this township, furnishing the inhabitants transportation for their sur-
plus productions.
CHAPTER VI.
KELLY TOWNSHIP.
Boundary— Physical Features— Early Settlers — Churches — Schools — Mills — The
Township Democratic — Bunceton — Its History — Secret Orders.
BOUNDARY.
This township is bounded on the north by Palestine and Clark's
Fork townships, on the east by Moniteau township, on the south by
Moniteau county and on the west by Lebanon township.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the township, as compared to Lamine, Blackwater,
Otterville and Lebanon townships, is quite regular and consists, in the
main, of prairie, diversified with timbered portions of small area.
Moniteau creek with its many tributaries, extends through two-thirds
of the township from east to west, and Petite Saline creek, waters a
portion of the western part of the same. The township was named
iu honor of John Kelly, one of* its old and most respected pioneers.
EARLY SETTLERS.
This township, from the best information which can be obtained,
was settled early in the spring of 1818. The first settlers were John
Kelly, William Stephens, James D. Campbell, James Kelly, William
J. Kelly, Caperton Kelly, William Jennings, General Charles Woods,
Philip E. Davis, Kice Challis, Hugh Morris, Jesse White, Hartley
White, Jeptha Billingsley, Joshua Dellis and William Swearingen.
James Kelly, who was one of the first settlers in this township,
and the father of the other Kellys mentioned above, was a revolution-
ary soldier, and died in 1840, at an advanced age. John Kelly,
Charles Woods and James D. Campbell, served as soldiers in the war
of 1812. The Kellys came from Tennessee, and James D. Campbell
from Kentucky.
William Jennings, who was the first preacher in the township,
emigrated from Georgia to Cooper county in 1819. He had a large
(687)
688 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
number of slaves, owned a large tract of land and was quite wealthy.
He was for many years pastor of " Old Nebo " church, and was an
honest man in his dealings with his neighbors.
James D. Campbell was an early justice of the county court and
acted in the capacity of justice of the peace for many years. He
was a prominent politician, always voting the democratic ticket.
General Charles Woods was for many years the leading democrat
in his neighborhood. He was a man of no ordinary ability, of pleas-
ing address, and a liberal, high-toned gentleman. He died in 1874,
at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.
Joseph Reavis settled in this township iu the year 1823. He,
together with his sons, Lewis, "William T., Jackson and Johnston,
for many years carried on the business of manufacturing wagons.
They turned out excellent work, and their trade extended for many
miles around, their wagons even being purchased by the Santa Fe
traders. James L. Collins, who fitted out ten wagons in 1834, for
Santa Fe, bought his wagons of Joseph Reavis.
Of the persons mentioned above, all are now numbered with the
dead, except Johnston and William T. Reavis, and they were quite
young when their father settled in this township.
There was no church within the limits of this township for many
years, and the settlers attended the services at Pisgah and " Old
Nebo."
The first school within this township of which there is any knowl-
edge, was taught by Joseph S. Anderson, who came here about 1824.
He was a young man with more than ordinary education, whose only
earthly possessions were a horse, saddle and bridle, and a moderately
good suit of clothes. A good school teacher being very much needed,
he soon succeeded in making up a large school, and taught with,great
success until 1828, when he was elected sheriff of Cooper county.
In 1830 he was re-elected sheriff, and in 1832, he was elected to the
legislature from Cooper county. Previous to his death, he became a
large land holder and quite a wealthy man. His residence was on
the hill north of Bunceton. The place at which he taught school was
near the ground on which Hopewell church is located.
For many years afterwards a school was taught at the same
place, by Mr. William Robertson, who was a most successful teacher.
He has been for many years a very zealous minister of the Baptist
church.
The first mill in this township was built by Robert McCulloch,
the father of Judge Robert A. McCulloch.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 689
Rice Challis was a prominent whig, and in respect to his politics
stood almost alone in his neighborhood. He was a carpenter by
trade, and resided near the present residence of Joseph Eeavis. He
died a few years ago.
The soil of this township is very productive, and the farmers are
generally in good condition, many of them being wealthy. The
Pacific railroad is a short distance south of the township, and the
Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad runs eight miles directly
through its centre, affording the inhabitants easy facilities for the
shipping of their products.
Corn, grasses and oats, are the principal productions, the farmers
being generally engaged in raising stock, which affords them lucrative
profits. It has, within its limits, several good public schools, which
are taught from four to ten months in each year.
Kelly township always was and is now strongly democratic, never
having voted any other ticket from the time that party was headed
by General Jackson to the present day. This township was formed
from Moniteau and Palestine townships in 1848.
BUNCETON.
Bunceton is situated on sections 4 and 5, township 46, range 17,
and on the east side of the Missouri Pacific railroad.
It was laid out in 1868, by Harvey Bunce, Esq., one of the di-
rectors (at present) of the Central National bank of Boonville. He
laid out ten acres of land lying in Kelly township, and the first build-
ing was erected by E. B. Bunce. In 1869, Mr. Thomas J. Parrish
added ten acres from Palestine township, making twenty acres in the
town site. Lots so.ld rapidly, and soon after the depot of the Mis-
souri Pacific railroad was located here, with E. B. Bunce as agent.
In 1871, the county court set all of the town in Kelly township. The
first business house was erected by J. E. Stephens and E. B. Bunce.
Sheriff Eogers and J. M. Stephens soon afterwards built several
stores, and in 1869 a handsome and commodious depot was erected by
the railroad company.
The Bunceton mill (flouring) was built in 1874, by Miller, Eog-
ers & Co., at a cost of $15,000. It is now in successful operation,
having a capacity of about 200 barrels every twenty-four hours.
The town has a population of about 250 persons, and is sur-
rounded by excellent farming lands, and favored with a class of people
noted for their wealth and general intelligence.
The business of the town is as follows : Two drug stores, two
general stores, four grocei'ies, one millinery store, two blacksmith
690 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
shops, two physicians, one lumber yard, one livery stable, one car-
penter's shop, one public school, and one flouring mill.
The first postmaster was Henry Withers ; the present postmaster
is G. L. Stephens. There are two churches and two secret orders.
Wallace lodge No. 456, A. F. and A. M., was organized October,
1872, with the following charter members : Wesley J. Wyan, W. M. ;
William V. Van Ostern, S. W. ; J. W. Kankin, J. W. ; Joshua E.
Stephens, secretary, and Thomas J. Wallace, treasurer.
Present officers — K. F. Wyan, W. M. ; C. P. Tutt, S. W. ;
Peter Keyset-, J. W- ; W. B. Kerns, S. D. ; O. F. Ewing, J. D. ;
Thomas J. Wallace, treasurer ; N. Phillips, secretary.
The Eastern Star lodge was organized in July, 1875 (Olive
Chapter No. 107), by H. G. Reynolds. The officers were: S. H.
Stephens, W. P. ; A. D. Nelson, W. M. ; M. S. Wallace, A. M. ; M.
E. Stephens, A. C. ; Wyan Nelson, treasurer ; J. A. Ramsey, secre-
tary. This organization has at this time (1883) no existence.
CHAPTER VII.
L AMINE AND MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Churches— Schools — Mills.
LAMINE TOWNSHIP BOUNDARY.
This township is situated in the northeastern part of Cooper
county, and is separated from Howard county by the Missouri river. It
is bounded on the north by the Missouri river, on the east by Boon-
ville township, on the south by Pilot Grove and Blackwater town-
ships and on the west by Saline county.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the township is rolling and originally covered
with a heavy growth of timber. The soil is comparatively rich, and in
some localities is very productive. The most substantial farmers are
found in the eastern and southern portions. Three sides of the town-
ship are surrounded by water.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The township was settled first in 1812, by a few pioneers. The
very first settlers were David Jones, a revolutionary soldier, Thomas
and James McMahan, Stephen, Samuel and Jesse Turley, Saundera
Townsend and some others, who came soon afterwards.
Those who arrived later were John Cramer, Bradford Lawless,
John M., David and William Keid, Hezekiah Harris, Elijah Taylor,
John, Peter, Samuel and Joseph Fisher, William and Jesse Moon,
Rudolph Haupe, Isaac Hedrick, John Smelser, William McDaniel,
Wyant Parm, Harmon Smelser, Samuel Larnd, Pethnel Foster, Julius
Burton, Ezekiel Williams, and some others at present unknown.
In the year 1812 or 1813 there was a fort, called " Fort Mc-
Mahan," built somewhere in this township, but the exact location
could not be ascertained.
The township is noted for being one of the most wealthy town-
ships in the county. It is noted also for voting always almost unani-
mously one way ; it was anti-democratic until 1864, since which time it
has been almost as strongly democratic as it was whig in days gone by.
(691)
692 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Lead has been found and worked in paying quantities in this
township. It has an abundance of timber of the very best quality, and
a large quantity of lumber and cord-wood is shipped every year by
means of the Blackwater and Lam ine rivers. These streams abound
with fish of very fine quality, and the Boonville market is principally
supplied by them.
LAMINE.
The first business house was erected in the village of Lamiue in
1869, by Samuel Walton ; the next house was built by A. J. Fisher.
The present store was opened in November, 1871, by Redd & Gib-
son. J. J. Simms, is the blacksmith, and Dr. E. Davidson operates
the drug store. Redd & Gibson's store was broken into in February,
1881, the safe blown open and about $700 in money taken. The
town contains a Christian and Baptist church. Mr. Redd is the pres-
ent postmaster.
MONITEAU TOWNSHIP. BOUNDARY.
Moniteau township lies in the eastern part of the county, and is
bounded as follows : On the north, by Clark's Fork and Prairie Home >
townships, on the east and south by Moniteau county, and on the
west by Kelly township. This township first embraced what is now
Prairie Home township, and assumed its present form in 1872.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface is divided into three portions, viz. : A comparatively
level portion in the north, being widest at the western side ; a tim-
bered, rough country in the centre, and a level district in the south,
being the widest at the eastern side. Moniteau creek, from which
the township derived its name, passes through the central portion of
the same from east to west.
EARLY SETTLERS.
About the first settler was one Mr. Shelton, a blacksmith, who
settled in 1818, where the town of Pisgah now stands. He could re-
pair guns, as well as do the heavier work demanded of him, and though
his tools were rude in structure and few in number, his work is highly
spoken of, and drew to his shop a custom which extended far and
near, as he was the only blacksmith in the county, outside of Boon-
ville. Among other early settlers were Thomas B. Smiley, Seth
Joseph, Waid and Stephen Howard, William Coal, James Stiuson,
Hawking Burress, David Burress, Charles Hickox, Samuel McFarland,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 693
Carrol George, James Suodgrass, Martin George, Mathew Burress,
Jesse Martin, Alexander Woods, William Landers, Jesse Bowles,
James Donelson, William A. Stillson, Samuel Snodgrass, James W.
Maxey, Job Martin, James Jones, David Jones, Augustus K. Lono-an,
Patrick Mahan, Valentine Martin, John Jones and John B. Lono-an.
Thomas B. Smiley was elected to the legislature from Cooper
county in 1820, with Thomas Rogers and William Lillard. He was a
man of considerable information, a good historian, and possessed
with more than ordinary education. He raised a large family of chil-
dren, and died about the year 1836. He was honest and industrious,
a strong friend to education, and an uncompromising democrat.
David Jones settled at Pisgah at an early date, but the precise
time is not known. Yet it was previous to, the year 1820, as his vote
was recorded in that year. He, with Archibald Kavanaugh, was
elected to the state legislature in 1828. He was re-elected representa-
tive in 1830, 1832 and 1834 ; in 1836 he was elected state senator for
four years. He was defeated for this office by Reuben A. Ewing in
1840 ; but in 1848 he was again elected to the state senate, this makino-
him a member of the general assembly during a period of sixteen
years. He was a Democrat, a prominent member of the Baptist
church, a good citizen, and noted for his hospitality. He died about
the year 1859, loved and respected by all who knew him.
Pisgah and Mount Pleasant churches were built by the Baptists
at an early day, and were presided over by John B. Longan and
Kemp Scott, who were both able preachers.
Augustus K. Longan moved to Cooper county in the year 1818,
and was elected to the state legislature in 1822. He was re-elected
in 1844 and 1852, and served in that capacity for six years. He was
the father of George Longan, the talented and distinguished minister
of the Christian church.
The first school in this township, as far as can be ascertained,
was taught by James Donelson. He only professed to teach arithme-
tic as far as the " double rule of three."
The first mill was erected by a man named Howard, at what was
afterwards known as " Old Round hill." Judge C. H. Smith and an
Englishman named Summers also kept a store at that place.
At a later day, Patrick Mahan built a tread-mill, which was a
great improvement on the old style " horse mill." Mr. Richard D.
Bonsfield kept a store at Pisgah at an early date. He first engaged in
mercantile pursuits at Old Franklin, then at Boonville, and finally at
Pisgah. He was still living at an advanced age a few years ago.
CHAPTEK VIII.
LEBANON TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Settlement of Lebanon Township — New Lebanon —
Early Settlers — Where They Were Prom — Where They Located.
BOUNDARY.
Lebanon township is bounded on the north by Clear Creek and
Palestine townships, on the east by Kelly township, on the south by
Morgan county, and on the west by Otterville township. This town-
ship was organized about the year 1826, but afterwards — in fact, a
few years ago — all that portion of the same lying west of the La-
mine river was formed into a township and called Otterville.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
In the western part of the township the surface is rough and
heavily timbered, but fine stretches of prairie and rolling land exist
in the southern and eastern part. It is fairly watered.
SETTLEMENT OF LEBANON TOWNSHIP.
The following interesting history of the townships of Lebanon
and Otterville was written by Mr. Thomas J. Starke, of Otterville, and
was read by him on the 4th day of July, 1876, at a meeting of the
citizens of that town. As it embraces the history of the two town-
ships, we will here insert it in full.
"At the solicitation of a few leading citizens of Otterville, I have
prepared the following brief history of this place and vicinity since its
first settlement up to the present time ; embracing short biographical
sketches of the lives and characters of some of the older citizens, to-
gether with facts and incidents of interest which have transpired in
this county during the first period of its existence.
" It is not pretended by the author that the production possesses
any peculiar methods of its own as affording information other than
of a strictly local character. Nor is it designed otherwise than for
the entertainment and amusement of those who are more or less fa-
miliar with the history of the people and incidents pertaining to this
(694)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 695
immediate neighborhood, and who, with many others of our inhabi-
tants of a later period, meet with us to-day on this joyful and happy
occasion — the one hundredth anniversary of the independence of our
common country.
"The writer does not lay claim to entire originality in the pro-
duction of these brief sketches, although he has been an eye-witness
to most of the occurrences presented, and personally acquainted with
nearly all of the characters mentioned.
" He takes pleasure in acknowledging- himself indebted to
Messrs. Samuel Wear, George W. Smith, James H. Cline, John W.
Parsons, Thomas C. Cranmer and other old settlers who are here
among us to-day, for much of the subject matter embraced in these
pages of local history, and he refers to them for its authenticity.
" While it is apparent to all who may read this manuscript that
this is only an obscure and insignificant village, situated in a remote
corner of old Cooper, whose very existence is scarcely known beyond
our own immediate neighborhood, yet to many of us who meet here
to-day, some of whom are descending the western slope of human
life, Ofcterville does possess a name and a history, dear to us, though
unknown and unnoticed by others.
" In presenting these sketches, it will perhaps be necessary to
glance back at the first settlement of New Lebanon, six miles north of
Otterville, as this neighborhood was peopled some time anterior to the
settlements south and west of the Lamine.
"About the fall of 1819 and the spring of 1820, the following
named persons moved to New Lebanon, and into that neighborhood
embracing a portion of the territory now known as Lebanon town-
ship, in Cooper county.
" Eev. Finis Ewing, Rev. James L. Wear, John Wear, James H.
Wear, who was the father of William Gr. Wear, of Warsaw, and
Samuel Wear, now of Otterville ; Alexander Sloan, Eobert Kirk-
patrick, Colin C. Stoneman, William Stone, Frederick Casteel, Reu-
ben A. Ewing, Jas. Berry, Thomas Rubey, Elizabeth Steele, sister of
Alexander Sloan's wife, a man aamed Smiley, Rev. Laird Burns and
his father, John Burns, John Reed, Silas Thomas, Jas. Taylor, Hugh
Wear, who was brother to James L. and John Wear, James Mc-
Farland and Rev. William Kavanaugh. This county then extended
south to the Osage river.
"The Rev. Finis Ewing was a distinguished minister of the gos-
pel, and one of the original founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church. He was from Kentucky ; was ordained a minister in the year
696 t HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1803, and in conjunction with Samuel McAdam and Samuel King,
founded that church in 1810.
" The cause which gave rise to the establishment of this branch
of the Presbyterian church was, that the mother church required her
ministers to possess a classical education before ordination, which was
by the new church not regarded as absolutely indispensable, though
its ministers were required to cultivate a knowledge of the elementary
branches of the English language.
"At New Lebanon these early pioneers pitched their tents, and
soon began the erection of a rude building as a sanctuary, which,
when completed, they called 'New Lebanon,' in contradistinction to
the house in which they had sung and worshipped in the state from
which they had formerly emigrated.
" It was built of hewed logs, and the settlers of this little colony
united in the project of building, each furnishing his proportionate
quota of the logs requisite to complete the building.
" These logs were double ; that is, each log was twenty-four feet
in length, being joined hi the middle of the house by means of an up-
right post, into which the ends were mortised, thus making the entire
length of the church forty-eight feet, by thirty feet in width.
" This building served as a place of worship for many years,
until about the time of the war, when the new and neat brick church
of the present day, was erected on the site of the old one which was
torn away.
" The members of this church constituted the prevailing religion
of the neighborhood for many years, and most of the characters por-
trayed herein were connected with this denomination.
" The Rev. James L. Wear was also for many years a Cumber-
and Presbyterian preacher. He was a good man, and lived close to-
New Lebanon, where Frank Asberry now lives. He died at the old
mansion about 1868. He was a brother of John Wear, who first lived
at New Lebanon at the place now owned by Mr. Majors, and after-
wards at Otterville where Mr. Anson Hemenway now lives. The first
school taught in Otterville, or in Otterville township, was taught by
his son, known by the sobriquet of ' Long George.' They were
originally from Kentucky, moved to Howard county in 1817, and af-
terwards to New Lebanon at the date above indicated.
" Samuel Wear, Sr. , and James H. Wear were brothers, and came
from Tennessee, the latter being the father of William G. and Samuel
Wear, Jr., as before stated, and lived at the place now occupied by
William Walker. He was a successful farmer, and died in good cir-
cumstances.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 697
'* Samuel Wear, Si'., lived where Wesley Cook now lives, and
sold a large farm there to Samuel Burke, late of this county.
" Alexander Sloan was from Kentucky, and settled the place now
owned hy Peter Spillers. He was the father of William Sloan, who
died at Otterville several years ago, and also of the Rev. Robert
Sloan, who was an eminent minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church, and who married a daughter of the Rev. Finis Ewing.
" Robert Kirkpatrick was a Kentuckian, and lived near the new
Lebanon graveyard. He died many years ago. He was a revolution-
ary soldier, and had a son named David, who was an able minister of
the Cumberland church. David met his death by accident ; he was
thrown from a carriage, severely wounded, and afterwards died from
the amputation of his leg.
"Colin C. Stoneman was from Kentucky, and lived at the old
cabin still to be seen standing near Andrew Foster's place. He was a
practitioner of medicine of the Thomsonian school, and died many
years ago.
" William Stone was a Kentuckian, a plain old farmer, and lived
on the farm now owned by the Rev. Minor Neale. He was a good
man, and died at an advanced age.
"Rev. Frederick Casteel was a minister of the gospel of the
Methodist church, and lived near the place now owned by Mrs. Abram
Amick.
" Reuben A. Ewing and his brother, Irving Ewing, were Kentuck-
ians, and lived east of Lebanon. The former was a successful farmer,
a good man, and died at an advanced age, honored and respected.
" James Berry was also a Kentuckian, and one of the oldest set-
tlers of this new colony. He lived where his son Finis E. Berry now
lives. Thomas Rubey was from Kentucky, and lived at Pleasant Green .
Henry Small lived at the Vincent Walker place.
"Mr. Smiley was also a Kentuckian, and settled where Mr.
Thomas Alexander now lives. Rev. Laird Burns was a Cumberland
Presbyterian preacher, and lived where Mr. John P. Downs now lives,
in what is known as the Ellis neighborhood.
" John Burns was his brother, and lived close to New Lebanon.
He was a soldier in the war with Great Britain, was present at the
battle of New Orleans, aud would often talk with pride about that
great event, of the fearful roaring of the cannon, of the sharp whist-
ling of the bullets and the thrilling echoes of martial music, which
stirred the hearts of the soldiers to deeds of valor, and enabled the
brave army of General Jackson to achieve the glorious victory which
ended the war with ' Old England.'
698 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
"Rev. John Reid was also another minister of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church, a Kentuckian ; he first lived on Honey creek,
and afterwards at so many different places, that for want of space in
this brief sketch I dare not undertake to enumerate them. Suffice it
to say, that he settled more new places in the neighborhood than any
half dozen pioneers of the infant colony. He was a very eccentric
character in his younger days, would fight at the ' drop of a hat,'
and was never known to meet his match in a hand to hand combat.
The writer of this sketch was intimately acquainted with him for
many years, during the latter period of his life, however, and can
truly say he never knew a man of steadier habits, nor one more re-
markable for strict rectitude of conduct, or exemplary piety. An
anecdote is related of him and the Rev. Finis Ewing, which occurred
in his younger days. It was told to me by Mr. Samuel Wear.
" Reid was driving a team for some man who was moving to this
county with Mr. Ewing, who had ear bells on his six horse team.
The young man liked the jingle of these bells so much that he begged
Mr. Ewing to allow his teamster to divide with him, in order that he
might share the music ; but Mr. Ewing * could not see it' and refused
to make the division as requested. Whereupon Reid bought a num-
ber of old cow bells and hung one on each horse in his team, which
soon had the effect of bringing the preacher to terms. He was so
much annoyed with the discord produced by these coarse bells, that
he soon proposed a compromise by giving Reid his sleigh bells, pro-
vided he would stop the cow bell part of the concert.
" Silas Thomas was another Kentuckian, and lived on Honey
creek, near where Lampton's saw mill stood a few years ago.
" James Taylor, better known as ' Old Corn Taylor,' lived in an
old log cabin which may be still seen standing a short distance west
of the Anthony Walker place. He was another remarkably eccentric
character. He had a host of mules and negroes ; always rode with a
rope bridle, and raised more corn, and kept it longer than any half
dozen men in Cooper county. This he hoarded away in pens and
cribs, with as much care as though every ear had been a silverd ollar,
in anticipation of a famine, which, for many years he had predicted,
but which, happily, never came, though the neighborhood was several
times visited with great scarcity of that valuable commodity. Al-
though he was miserly in this respect, yet during these times of
scarcity, he would generally unlock his granaries, and, like Joseph of
old, deal it out to his starving brethern, whether they were able to
pay for it or not ; that is, if he thought a man was industrious, he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 699
would furnish him with what corn he considered necessary ; but tradi-
tion informs us that he invairiably refused the required boon to a man
who was found, on examination, to wear ' patched breeches,' es-
pecially if the patch happened to be in a particular locality, which
indicated laziness.
" Hugh Wear was from Kentucky, and lived in the Ellis neigh-
borhood. -He was the father of the Rev. Wm. Bennett Wear, another
Cumberland Presbyterian of considerable distinction. When his
father, who was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisted, Hugh, although too
young to enter the army, was permitted to accompany his father, and
served, during the war, as a soldier, notwithstanding he was under
the age prescribed for military duty. This was done to prevent his
falling into the hands of the tories.
" Rev. William Kavanaugh was a Kentuckian, and another Cum-
berland Presbyterian minister of considerable note. It was said of
him, that he could preach louder and longer than any of these old
worthies.
"William Bryant was a Kentuckian, aud was with General Jack-
son at the battle of New Orleans. He first settled at New Lebanon,
on the place which he afterwards sold to Finis Ewiug; the old brick
house where Mr. Kemp now lives. He then moved to the farm now
occupied by William B. Harlan.
'« Samuel Miller was from Kentucky, and settled on the place now
owned by Green Walker. He was a farmer, and afterwards moved to
Cold Neck.
" There yet remains but one other man to notice who belonged to
New Lebanon. He was a member of the numerous family of Smith,
whose Christian name I cannot now recall. He settled at a very early
period on what is known as the Cedar Bluff, at a nice, cool, clear
spring, not far from the place where Mrs. John Wilkerson now lives.
Here he erected what was then called a ' band mill,' a species of old
fashioned horse mill, so common in those days. It was connected
with a small distillery at which he manufactured a kind of 'aqua mira-
bilis,' with which the old folks in those days cheered the drooping
spirits in times of great scarcity. But Mr. Smith never ' ran crooked.'
He paid no license, and sold or gave away his delicious beverage with-
out molestation from revenue agents, just as he deemed fit and con-
venient. Revenue stamps and revenue agents were unknown then,
and good whiskey (there was none bad then) was not only considered
harmless, but drinking hot toddies, eggnog and mint julips was re-
garded as a respectable, as well as a pleasant aud innocent kind of
amusement, and quite conducive to good health."
CHAP TEE IX.
OTTERVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Settlement of Otterville Township — Clifton — Its
History and Incidents — Indian Scare — Otterville — Its History — Lodges —
Schools — Churches.
Before proceeding with the remainder of Mr. Starke's article,
which is a history of Otterville township, we will first give the bound-
ary and physical features of the same.
BOUNDARY.
This township is in the southwestern part of the county, and is
bounded on the north by Clear Creek township, on the east by Leb-
anon township, on the south by Morgan county and on the west by
Pettis county. Otterville formerly comprised a portion of Lebanon
township, but has since been formed into a voting precinct and em-
braces all that part of Lebanon township west of the Lamine river.
PHYSICAI, FEATURES.
The township is generally rough and covered with an abundance
of timber. The Lamine river, with its afliuents, furnishes a reasonable
supply of water.
SETTLEMENT OF OTTERVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Starke's history continued:
"I have thus briefly glanced at the early settlement in the vicinity
of New Lebanon, and come now to treat of the colony which was
planted south and west of the Lamine, and which was peopled at a
subsequent period, known as Otterville township, and which will per-
haps embrace a portion of the adjoining territory included within the
limits of Morgan and Pettis counties.
" Thomas Parsons was born in the state of Virginia in the year
1793, moved to Franklin, the county seat of Simpson county, Ken-
tucky, about the year 1819, emigrated to this county in the fall of
(700)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 701
1826, and settled at the place now owned by James H. Cline, north-
west of Otterville. About the last of October of that year Parsons
sold his pre-emption right to Absalom Cline, the father of James H.
Cline. In 1826, at the time Mr. Parsons came to this neighborhood,
there were only three families living west of the Lamine in this
vicinity. These were James G. Wilkerson, William Reed and Wil-
liam Sloan.
"Mr. Parsons established the first hatter's shop south of Boon-
ville, and was an excellent workman in that line. He was an honest,
upright citizen, lived to a ripe old age, and was gathered to his
fathers honored and respected by all who knew him. At the time of
his death, on the 7th day of September, 1768, he was the oldest Free
Mason in Cooper county, having belonged to that institution nearly
three score years.
" William Reed, mentioned above, was, perhaps, the first white
man who settled in this neighborhood. He was a Tennesseean, and
lived near the old camp ground, a little west of what was then known
as the Camp Ground spring, in the old field now owned by George
W. Smith, a short distance southwest of the old graveyard. He was
the grandfather of A. M. Reed, now of Otterville. He was remark-
able for his strict integrity and exemplary piety.
" James G. Wilkerson was from Kentucky, and settled the farm
now owned by George W. Smith, one mile west of Otterville. The
old mansion stands, though almost in a complete state of dilapidation,
to remind the passer by of the perishable character of all humau
labor. He sleeps, with several other members of his once numerous
family, on a gentle eminence a few yards south of the decayed and
tottering tenement in which he spent many years of honest toil.
"William Sloan, the son of Alexander Sloan (mentioned in the
notes pertaining to New Lebanon), was the last of the three men-
tioned above. He first settled the place where Charles £. Rice now
lives, in 1826, but afterwards lived, until his death, at the place now
owned by Joseph Minter. He was always noted for his scrupulous
honesty and piety.
"Elijah Hook was from Tennessee, and settled near where Henry
Bender now lives in 1827. He was a hunter and trapper, and ob-
tained a subsistence for his family after the manner of Nimrod, his
ancient predecessor, mentioned in the Bible as 'the mighty hunter.'
" James Brown was a Kentuckian, a farmer, a hard working
man, and settled where T. C. Cranmer lives in 1827. He also was a
'Nimrod,' and hunted with Daniel Boone.
46
702 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
" James Davis was a Tennesseean, arid settled the place now
known as the McCulloch farm, in 1827. He was an industrious
farmer and a great rail splitter.
" James Birney was a Kentuckian, and married the daughter of
Alexander Sloan, of New Lebanon. He was a farmer, and a man of
some note. He settled, in 1827, the farm where John Harlan now
lives. He had a grandson, Alexander Birney, who was formerly a
lawyer at Otterville.
" Frederick Shurley, the mightiest hunter in all the land round
about Otterville, in 1827, settled the place now owned by his son,
Robert Shurley, southeast of Otterville. He was with General
Jackson in the Creek war, and was present at the memorable battle of
Horse Shoe Bend, where the Indians, by the direction of their
prophets, had made their last stand. He used to recount, with deep
interest, the thrilling incidents connected with this muzzle to muzzle
contest, in which over half a thousand redskins were sent, by Jack-
son and Coffee, to their happy hunting grounds.
" Nathan Neal was a Kentuckian, and settled the old place near
the Lamine, two miles north of Otterville, in 1827. He was an
orderly, upright and industrious citizen.
" George Cranmer was born in the state of Delaware in 1801,
moved to near Paris, Kentucky, while young, and to Boonville,
Missouri, in the year 1828. He was a millwright and a very ingen-
ious and skilful mechanic. He settled at Clifton in about 1832, mid
shortly afterwards he and James H. Glasgow, now living on the
Petite Saline creek, built what was known as Cranmer's, afterwards
Corum'smill, precisely where the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad
now crosses the Lamine. Cranmer named the place Clifton. The prin-
cipal mechanics who helped to build this mill were Benjamin Gilbert,
James Kirkpatrick, Nathan Garten, son-in-law of William Steele,
Esquire, a blacksmith named John Toole, Noah Graham and the
renowned 'Bill' Rubey, known to almost all the old settlers south
of the Missouri river. Cranmer lived first at the mill, and afterwards
at what was long known as the John Caton place, where Thomas C.
Cranmer was born in 1836. The old log cabin is still standing, as one
of the few old land marks yet visible, to remind us of the distant
past. Cranmer died at Michigan Bluffs, California, in 1853.
"Another man will perhaps be remembered by some of our old
citizens. He was crazy, and though harmless, used to wander about
to the great terror of the children of those days. His name was John
Hatwood.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 703
" Clifton was once a place of memorable notoriety. In those
early days it was not unfrequently call the ' Devil's Half Acre.'
There was a grocery kept there, after the people began to manufac-
ture poisoned whiskey, which had the effect very often of producing
little skirmishes among those who congregated there. It was not un-
common for those fracases to end in a bloody nose, a black eye, or a'
broken head. Happily, however, these broils were generally confined
to a few notorious outlaws, whom the order-loving people would have
rejoiced to know had met the fate of the cats of Kilkenny.
"There are many amusing incidents connected with the history
of the place, but space forbids allusion to only one or two. A man
by the name of Cox, who was a celebrated hunter and trapper in this
neighborhood, was known as a dealer in tales, connected with his
avocation,- of a fabulous and Munchausen character. There is a very
high bluff just below the old mill ; perhaps it is nearly five hundred
feet high. During one of his numerous hunting excursions, Matthew
met with a large bear, which, being slightly wounded, became terribly
enraged, and attacked the hunter with his ugly grip before he had
time to reload his rifle. This formidable contest between bruin and
Matthew occurred just on the verge of the fearful precipice above de-
scribed, and every struggle brought them nearer and nearer, until
they both took the awful leap, striking and bounding against the pro-
jecting crags every few feet, until they reached the bottom of the terri-
ble abyss. You will now naturally say, 'Farewell Matthew!' but
strange to relate, he escaped with a few slight scratches. The bear
had, fortunately for Matthew, been on the under side every time they
struck, till they reached the bottom, when he loosed his hold of the
hunter and closed his eyes in death.
"Matthew Cox's tales were generally much like this, almost
always terminating favorably to himself, and fatally to his adver-
saries. This anecdote gave the name of ' Matthew's Bluff,' well-
known to everybody in this neighborhood.
" Some time during the year 1832, the people of this neighbor-
hood became terribly alarmed by the report that the Osage Indians
were about to attack and massacre all the settlers in this vicinity.
This report started first, by some means at old Luke William's on
Cold Camp creek. The people became almost wild with excitement.
They left their plows in the fields, and fled precipitately in the direc-
tion of the other settlements towards Boonville. Some of them took
refuge in a fort at Vincent Walker's, some at Sam Forbes', and
others at Collin Stoneman's and Finis Ewing's. Hats and caps, shoes
704 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and stockings, pillows, baskets and bonnets might have been seen
along the old military road to Boonville, lying scattered about in
beautiful confusion all that day and the next, until the excitement had
ceased. Fortunately the scare did not last long, as it was soon ascer-
tained that the alarm was false, and that the Osage Indians had not
only not contemplated a raid on the white settlements, but that they
had actually become frightened themselves, and fled south of the
Osa^e river. But the panic was complete and exceedingly frightful
while it lasted. A fellow by the name of Mike Chism lived near the
Bidstrup place. Mike had a wife and two children. They were
already preparing for flight. Mike's wife was ou horseback and had
one child in her lap and one behind her, and Mike was on foot.
" At this moment, a horseman came galloping up in great trepi-
dation, and informed the little family that the Indians were coming by
the thousands, and that they were already this side of Flat creek.
On receiving this intelligence, Mike, in great terror, said to his wife,
' My God ! Sallie, I can't wait for you any longer,' and suiting his
actions to his words, he took to his scrapers in such hot haste that at
the first frantic jump he made, he full fell at length, bleeding and
trembling on the rocks. But the poor fellow did not take time to
rise to his feet again. He scrambled off on ' all fours ' into the
brush like some wild animal, leaving his wife and children to take care
of themselves as best they could. He evidently acted upon the princi-
ple, that ' It is better to be a live coward, than a dead hero.'
"Reuben B. Harris was from Kentucky. He was a country
lawyer; had no education, but was a man of good natural ability.
He settled the place where Montraville Ross now lives, on Flat creek.
He settled here in 1827. He was also a great hunter.
"Hugh Morrison was a Kentuckian. In 1827, he settled the
place where the widow of Henderson Fiuley now lives.
" John Gabriel was also from Kentucky, and settled at Richland,
at a place two and a half miles east of Florence. He moved there at a
very early period, in 1819 or 1820. He had a distillery, made whiskey
and sold it to the Indians. He was a rough, miserly character, but
honest in his dealings. He was murdered for his money in his horse
lot, on his own plantation. He was killed by a negro man belonging
to Reuben B. Harris. The negro was condemned and hung at Boon-
ville. Before his execution, this negro confessed that he had killed
Gabriel, but declared that he had been employed to commit the mur-
der by Gabriel's own son-in-law, a man named Abner Weaver. This
villain escaped punishment for the reason that the negro's testimony
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 705
was then, by the laws of the United States, excluded as inadmissible.
Justice, however, overtook him at last. His crime did not stop at the
instigation of Gabriel's murder. He was afterwards found in pos-
session of four stolen horses somewhere in Texas. In endeavorinsr to
make his escape, he was shot from one of these horses, and thus
ended his villainy.
" The first church erected in this neighborhood was built by the
Cumberland Presbyterians. It was of logs, and stood near the old
graveyard. It was built about the year 1835. Here, for many
years, this denomination annually held the old fashioned camp-meet-
ings, at which large numbers of the old citizens were wont to congre-
gate, and here many of them would sometimes remain for days, and
even weeks, on the ground in camps and tents, engaged in earnest de-
votion. But this order of things and this manner of worship have
long since gone into disuse. Not a hawk's eye could now discern a
single mourner's track, and every vestige of the old church and camp
have vanished like the mist before the morning sun, and the primitive
religious customs have been entirely abandoned.
" In the foregoing sketches I have briefly glanced at the lives
and characters of most, in fact, nearly all of the older citizens who
figured in the history of New Lebanon settlement, which then com-
prised our own township, and included the country between the La-
mine and Flat creek. Most of them belonged to a class of men
which have since passed away.
" It is not my purpose to make invidious comparisons between
them and those of the present'day. It is but justice, however, to say,
that with few exceptions, they were men of great moral worth, true
and tried patriotism, and scrupulous integrity."
OTTERVILLE.
"I come now to take a brief survey of matters connec-
ted with a later date. The town of Otterville was first called
Elkton. It was laid out by Gideon R. Thompson, in the
year 1837. The first house built, stood where Judge Butler's
house now stands. The public square occupied the space of
ground now lying between Butler's and Geo. W. Smith's, extending
east to a line running north and south, near the place where Frank
Ami's house formerly stood. William G. Wear entered the forty
acres on which Elktou was built, in the year 1836, and sold it to
Thompson in 1837. About that time Thompson built the first
house as before stated, and he and George Wear built a storehouse
directly east of Thompson's dwelling, and little George Wear built a
706 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
dwelling-house on the present site of Colburn's house. James Al-
corn built on the north side of the square about the same time.
' Long ' George Wear built the first house within the present limits
of Otterville proper, where W. G. Wear's house now stands.
" The town of Otterville was regularly laid out by W. G. Wear
in 1854, though several houses had been built previous to that time
within its present limits.
" There was no post-office at Otterville until about 1848. The
mail for this neighborhood was supplied from A rater post-office, kept
by General Hogan, where Van Tromp Chilton now lives. W. G.
Wear was the first postmaster. He held the office until 1851, when
the writer of these sketches was appointed, who held the office about
ten vears. The mail route was a special one from Arator, and was
carried on horseback. W. R. Butler was the first contractor, and
employed James H. Wear, son of W. G. Wear, to carry the mail
twice a week. The mail carrier — then a small boy — now one of the
leading merchants of St. Louis, made the trip twice a week, riding a
small grey pony called 'Tom,' which had been bought of Tom
Milam, who was then a well known character of the neighborhood.
About the time the town was first established, several houses were
built on or near the public square.
" Among these were the Masonic hall ; the dwelling-house built
by George W. Embree, north of the hall ; one by Samuel Wear, now
occupied by John D. Strain ; one by Harrison Homan, in which he
now lives ; and about this time Robert M. Taylor built an addition to
the Taylor house. The brick store-house known as the Can-
non & Zollinger store-house, was not built until about the year 1856.
" The Masonic lodge, called Pleasant Grove Lodge No. 142, A.
F. and A. M., was established on the 15th day of July* A. D.,
1854, A. L. 5854. The dispensation was granted by the M. W. G.
M., of Missouri, L. S. Cornwell, on the 6th day of November, 1854.
This dispensation was granted to the following named persons : Wm.
E. Combs, Harrison Homan, S. H. Saunders, Wm. Devine, TarletouT.
Cox, Strawther OIRourk, Moses B. Small, Aaron Hupp, Wm. A.
Reed, Wm. R. Butler, Robt. M. Taylor and Geo. W. Embree. The
charter was granted May 31, 1855, and signed by L. S. Cornwell, G.
M. ; Oscar F. Potter, D. G. M. ; J. W. Chenoweth, D. G. W. ;
Henry E. Van Odell, J. G. W. The first officers were as follows :
S. H. Saunders, W. M. ; Aaron Hupp, S.. W. ; H. Homan, J. W. ;
R. M. Taylor, treasurer ; W. R. Butler, secretary ; George W. Em-
bree, S. D. ; Strother O'Rourk, J. W., and R. J. Buchanan, tyler.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 707
" The Odd Fellows' lodge was established in October, 1856, un-
der the name of Otterville Lodge No. 102, I. O. O. F.
The first officers were as follows : W. G. Wear, N. G. ; H. A. B.
Johnston, V. G. ; Samuel M. Homan, secretary, and John S. John-
ston, treasurer.
" The present Cumberland Presbyterian church was built by
Milton Starke, in the year 1857.
" The old Presbyterian church was built by John D. Strain, in
1866, and is now owned by the Baptists.
" The Methodist and Christian churches were built about the
same time, in the year 1872. The former was built by M. C. White,
and the latter by T. C Cranmer and T. M. Travillian. They are
both neat brick buildings, and an ornament to our village.
" The public school building was erected in 1869, costing $6,000.
"The Pacific railroad was completed to Otterville from St. Louis
in 1860, and this place for a short time became the terminus. Whilst
the road remained here, and in fact for a long time previous, Otter-
ville commanded quite a brisk trade, presenting a very active and
business-like appearance, and, indeed, for a time it flourished like a
" green bay tree." But it was not destined to enjoy this prosperity
long. The railroad company soon pulled up stakes and transferred
the terminus to the then insignificant village of Sedalia, which, at that
time, being in its infancy, had scarcely been christened ; but, though
young, it soon rose like magic from the bosom of the beautiful prairie,
and in a few years Sedalia has become the county seat of one of the
richest counties in the State, and a great railroad centre, while truth
compels me to say that Otterville has sunk back into its original ob-
scurity.
" The town of Otterville was incorporated by an act of the Legis-
lature of Missouri, on the sixteenth day of February, 1857.
" About the year 1860, for a short period, a considerable whole-
sale business was done here. Anions the wholesale establishments
were the following: W. G. Wear & Son; Cloney, Crawford & Co.,
from Jefferson City ; Clark & Reed ; Concannon ; the Eobert Brothers ;
Lohman & Co., etc., etc.
"About this time the Mansion house was built by a man
named Pork, the Embree house by George W. Embree and Chris.
Harlan. The latter was quite a large hotel near the depot, and was
afterwards moved to Sedalia by George R. Smith, and about the same
time several other houses were moved by different parties to that
place. There was, after this time, a considerable business done in a
708 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
\
retail way around the old public square. Among the most prominent
merchants here were W. G. Wear & Son, and Cannon & Zollinger,
who carried on a large and profitable trade for many years.
" But having already extended these notes far beyond what I had
at first anticipated, I am admonished to close them rather abruptly,
lest they become wearisome. They were prepared at a very short
notice, and might have been made much more interesting, had suffic-
ient time been given the writer to arrange them with some regard to
order.
" I hope that due allowance will be made by an appreciative
public for this defect in this hastly- written memorandum.
" In conclusion, I will take occasion to say, that one hundred
years ago, where we meet now to rejoice together at the happy com-
ing of our first centennial, this part of Cooper county, nay, even Coop-
er county itself, was a howling wilderness. The hungry wolf and
bear ; the elk and the antelope ; the wild deer and the buffalo
roamed about undisturbed, save by the feeble arrows of the red man.
"To-day, through the little village of Otterville, within a very
few yards oftho spot, a double band of iron, stretching from the At-
lantic to the Pacific, connects San Francisco with the city of New
York. Over these lines of metal rails ponderous trains are almost
continually passing to and fro, freighted with innumerable articles of
the rich merchandise of the east ; the varied productions of the west ;
the teas and silks of China ; the silver of Arizona, and the gold of
California."
Otterville contains at this time about four hundred population.
It has three general stores, one hardware and grocery store, two drug
stores, one confectionery, one furniture store, two blacksmith shops,
one saloon, two hotels, four churches, one school.
CHAPTER X.
PALESTINE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Samuel Peters killed a Hog — Marriages —
First Cistern — Education — Dancing School — Banner — School Exhibition — Excite-
ment over Examinations.
BOUNDARY.
Palestine township is bounded on the north by Pilot Grove and
Boonville townships, on the east by Clark's Fork township, on the
south by Kelly and Lebanon townships, and on the west by Clear
Creek and Pilot Grove townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The surface of the township is generally level, with the exception
of a strip of rough land extending near the eastern side, and also an-
other strip near the western side. The township is well supplied with
timber and water; much of the soil is of excellent quality. The re-
gions of cultivation may be said to exist in a portion along the eastern
side, extending north and south, a portion in the centre of the town-
ship, and a tract in the southwestern part.
EARLY SETTLERS.
William Moore and Joseph Stevens were the first settlers of Pal-
estine township. William Moore emigrated from North Carolina, and
settled about eight miles south of Boonville, in the timber close by a
good spring, north of and adjoining the farm where Jenus White,
Esq., now resides. His family consisted of George W., William H.,
James, Andrew, John, Thomas, Eobert and Joseph H. Moore, and
Margaret, Sallie and Mary Moore ; seven sons and three daughters.
Margaret married Judge Lawrence C. Stephens, in 1818. Sallie mar-
ried Colonel John H. Hutchison, and Mary married Harvey Bunce.
Colonel Hutchison was sheriff of this county for four years, and rep^
resentative for two years. Judge Stephens was representative for
four years, and county judge for one term, and Harvey Bunce was
sheriff for eight years, representative for two years, and a member of
the state convention in 1865. There are only two of the Moore chil
(709)
710 H1STOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
dien now living, viz. : Joseph H. Moore, and Margaret Stephens, widow
of the late Judge L. C. Stephens.
Mrs. Margaret Stephens says that in the fall of 1816, after her father
settled in this county, she went to Boonville with her uncle, a Mr.
McFarlancl, and on their arrival she asked her uncle where Boonville
was, thinking she was coming to something of a town. Her uncle pointed
toRobidoux's store, a round log cabin, with the bark on the logs, and
said : " There's Boonville." They then dismounted, and, after mak-
ing some purchases, returned home. That store-house was the only
building which she then saw at Boonville. It is also certain, from
other good evidence, that the place on which Boonville now stands was
called " Boonville " before any town was built or located here.
Mrs. Stephens also tells of the first church she atteuded in the
neighborhood, which was held at the house of one of the settlers.
Luke Williams, the preacher, was dressed in a complete suit of buck-
skin, and a great many of his audience were dressed in the
same style. She was so dissatisfied with the appearance of
things in this county that she cried daring the whole of the
services, but soon became accustomed to the new order Of
things, and was well contented. At that meeting grease from
the bear meat, stored in the loft above the congregation, drop-
ped down and spoiled her nice Sunday shawl, which was a fine one,
brought from North Carolina, and which could not be replaced in this
backwoods country.
Joseph Stephens, Sr., was the next settler of what is now called
Palestine township. He emigrated from Kentucky, and stopped a
year and a half near Winchester, East Tennessee. In the fall of 1817
he, in company with several others, started for Cooper county, and
landed at Boonville on the 15th day of November, 1817.
Before they arrived they had bought land in what is now Pales-
tine township. They remained at the place called "Boonville," and
were piloted to their new home by Major Stephen Cole. They crossed
the Petite Saline creek at the McFarland ford, at the place where
Rankin's mill is now situated. The only persons at that time living
in that part of the county were William and Jacob McFarland on the
north, and John Glover on the south side of the creek. After cross-
ing the creek they soon entered the Lone Elm prairie, and on the
evening of the same day they arrived at their new home, where they
camped for the night.
A hunter by the name of Landers had made his camp in the bot-
tom, near the present residence of Joseph Stephens, Jr., and had an
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 711
acre of growing corn and fifteen hogs, which were purchased by Jo-
seph Stephens, Sr. Mr. Landers then "pulled up stakes" and
moved farther west. The next spring James D. Campbell settled on
the hill south of Bunceton, Peter Stephens one-half of a mile north
of Old Palestine, and William Stephens and John Kelly three and
one-half miles southeast of Joseph Stephens, near the Moniteau
creek. These men were the sons and sons-in-law of Joseph Stephens,
Sr., and emigrated to Cooper county with him.
The next year (1818) Samuel Peters settled about two miles north
of Joseph Stephens, at a place now called Petersburg, on the Osage
Valley and Southern Kansas railroad. He also had a large family of
hoys and girls ; Samuel and Newton C. Peters were his sons. One
of his daughters married Mr. McFarland ; one James Hill, who was
sheriff of this county for eight years ; one Harvey Parker ; Katie
Peters married Thomas Patrick, and afterwards Samuel Cole ; and
Sallie, the younger, married James Gallagher.
When Samuel Peters raised his dwelling he invited his neighbors
to come and help him, stating that he would, on that occasion, kill a
hbg and have it for dinner. As this was the first hog ever butchered
in this part of the state, and as very few of the settlers had ever
tasted pork, it was no little inducement to them to be present and as-
sist in disposing of such rare and delicious food ; for the settlers, pre-
vious to that time, had subsisted entirely upon wild game. Always,
on such occasions, they had a little " fire-water " to give life to the
occasion.
In the winter of 1818, Miss Rhoda, the daughter of Joseph
Stephens, Sr., was married to Dr. B. W. Levens, the ceremony being
performed by the Rev. Luke Williams. On the same evening Miss
Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Peters, and James Hill were
united in marriage by the same minister. The two last mentioned
had been engaged for some time, yet did not expect to be married so
soon. But Mr. Peters declared that if they intended to marry, they
must do so that night or never. So the parson immediately went
down to Mr. Peter's house, and in accordance with the statutes in
such cases made and provided, pronounced them husband and wife.
Colonel Andrew and Judge John Briscoe settled in the same
township in 1818. They were both very prominent men, and promi-
nent leaders in their respective parties, Andrew being a whig, and
John a democrat.
Some of the other early settlers were Henry, Hiram, Heli and
Harden Corum, Mr. Tevis, the father of Captain Simeon Tevis,
712 HISTORY Or HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Thomas Collins, Jacob Summers, Michael, James and William Son,
John and Joseph Cathey, James, David and John H. Hutchison,
Nathaniel Leonard,' John and Andrew Wallace, Henry Woolery, Hol-
bert and Samuel Cole, James Bridges, James Simms, Eussell Small-
wood, Thomas Best, Greenberry Allison, Wm. C. Lowery, Anthpuy
F. Read, and others. No better citizens than those mentioned above
ever settled in any community.
Mr. Greenberry Allison dug the first cistern in the county, which
proved to be a great success, and caused many of his neighbors to
imitate his example, as they had, previous to that time, been com-
pelled to depend for water upon springs and wells.
Palestine township, from the beginning, took the lead in educa.-
tion. The first schools were taught by Lawrence C. Stephens, Dr.
William H. Moore, and a young man from Virginia by the name, also,
of William H. Moore, who was considered the best scholar in his day
in this part of the country. The teachers of a later day were Mr.
Huff, Green White, Josiah Adams, now residing in California, Mis-
souri, and Philip A. Tutt. The first-grammar school was kept bv a
Mr. Bodgers, at the residence of- John Wallace.
The first dancing school was opened in 1832, at the residence of
B. W. Levens, about a quarter of a mile east of the present site of
Bunceton, by a man named Gibson. He was a polished gentleman,
and an excellent teacher, and was the first to introduce *' cotillions,"
which were, until that time, unknown in this part of the country.
Mr. Gibson at that time had two other schools ; one at Boonville,
and the other at Arrow Bock, and he taught, during the week, two
days at each place.
The names of a few of the dancers who attended the school at
B. W. Levens' residence, who are at present remembered, are as fol-
lows : Newton C. Peters, David Hutchison, Andrew B. Moore, John
M. Briscoe, Mr. Huff, Daniel Ogle, Thomas and Bonaparte Patrick,
Thomas and Luther Smith, James Coram, Joseph S. Anderson, Green
White, Andrew Collins and Tobe Briscoe. Misses Margaret and
Elizabeth Hutchison, daughters of James Hutchison ; Elmina Ann
and Sarah Ardell Hutchison, daughters of John H. Hutchison;,
Zerilda and Emarine Levens, Mary and Patsy Briscoe, Katie and
Sallie Peters, Susan and Rhoda Campbell, Parthena Kelly, Jaily
Collins, Annie Best, and a Miss Ramsey.
Most of the persons mentioned above have been dead many
years. Among the gentlemen, Mr. Huff was alive a few years ago,
although he has not been heard from for some time. So far as is
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 713
known none of the other gentlemen are alive. Of the ladies, Mar-
garet, Elmina Ann and Sarah Ardell Hutchison, Margaret Stephens,
Zerilda Levens, Patsy Briscoe, Katie and Sallie Peters, and Rhoda
Campbell, were alive in 1876 — the others are all dead.
On the first day of January, 1845, Henry C. Levens was em-
ployed at Lone Elm, John D. Stevens in Palestine district, Joseph L.
Stephens in the Harrison district, in the Bunceton neighborhood, and
George H. Stephens in the Round Grove district, to teach the re-
spective schools for three months. All these districts are now in
school township 47, range 17. These teachers found that the people
were not sufficiently aroused to the great importance of giving their
children a good education, and for some time had been studying to
discover some plan by which to bring the patrons of the school to a
full knowledge of their responsibility.
They knew that the parents could not be forced to perceive the
vast importance of education by merely telling them of its benefits ;
but in order to produce this change inducements must be placed
directly before both parents and pupils — something tangible and
sufficiently inviting to awaken them from their lethargy. They
thought that they must determine upon some plan to create and keep
up an excitement, so as to induce the patrons to continue their schools
for a longer period than three months, thereby benefiting both
teachers and pupils.
They finally agreed upon the plan of offering a banner to the
school, which, taking all the classes into consideration, had made the
most progress at the close of the school. The examination for the
awarding of the banner was to take place at Old Palestine. On the
first day the classes in arithmetic, geography and grammar were to be
examined, and on the second day the four schools were to have a joint
exhibition, consisting of speeches and dialogues.
The above named teachers, in accordance with an agreement
among themselves, on the opening day of their schools placed the
whole subject before the pupils, and gave them until the next day to
decide whether they were willing to enter the contest or not, and the
members of each school unanimously voted in favor of their teacher's
proposition.
This produced a greater excitement than was contemplated or
wished for by the teachers — an excitement that was more difficult to
control than to create. All classes of the people took a deep interest
in the progress of the schools, and they received frequent visits from
trustees, parents and others.
714 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
On the days of the examination at Old Palestine the pupils of
the different schools marched in double file to the place of examina-
tion, with music and banners, with appropriate mottoes in advance.
The girls of each school were dressed in the same colored dresses,
and the boys wore badges of the same color as the dresses of the
girls of the school to which they belonged. On each day there was a
very large attendance to witness the examination and exhibition.
The excitement became so great that the teachers instructed the
judges not to make any award, particularly as the pupils of all four
schools had acquitted themselves so well that it would have been al-
most impossible to decide between them. After it became known
that, because of the general excellence of the schools no award would
be made, the excitement attending the contest soon quieted down.
The examination and exhibition gave universal satisfaction, and al-
though when the schools closed it was spring, and the busiest time of
the year, all four of the teachers were offered schools again at the
same places. After this schools were well attended and supported in
Palestine township, and has continued so even to the present day.
Although the object of these teachers was partly selfish, in that
they wished to procure constant employment, they conferred innumer-
able blessings upon that and following generations, by creating among
the settlers a desire to give their children every opportunity of ac-
quiring a good education.
CHAPTEE XI.
PILOT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Camp-meetings — Schools and
Mills — Pilot Grove — Bill Anderson — First Business Houses of Pilot Grove —
Newspaper — Secret Orders — Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute — Shipments for
1882 — Incidents of the War.
BOUNDARY.
Pilot Grove township is bounded on the north by Lamine town-
ship, on the east by Boonville and Palestine townships, on the south
by Palestine and Clear Creek townships, and on the west by Clear
Creek and Blackwater townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This is a very irregular township in shape. In the northwestern
and southeastern parts the land is rough, yet admitting of cultivation.
The eastern and southwestern portions are comparatively free from
roughness and admit of the highest cultivation. The township de-
rived its name from the following fact : When travellers were passing
on the route from Boonville to Independence, or in the neighborhood
of this route, as it led through the township, they were enabled at
once to determine their position by the small grove of trees which
was plainly visible for miles around. Very little of the present tim-
ber was in existence except as low brush, so that the group of trees
standing prominently above all the rest proved a pilot to the traveller
in his journey across the then extensive prairie. Hence the name
"Pilot Grove."
EARLY SETTLERS.
The township was settled about 1820, though the exact time is
not known. Among the early settlers we may mention the names of
John McCutchen, John Houx, Jacob Houx, L. A. Summers, James
McElroy, Samuel Roe, Sr., Samuel Woolridge, Enoch Mass, Absalom
Meredith, Azariah Bone, who was a Methodist minister; John Eice,
a blacksmith ; a Mr. Magee, after whom " Magee Grove " was named,
and Samuel Gilbert, whose success in after life as a cancer doctor was
(715)
716 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a surprise to all and a familiar theme of conversation among the old
settlers. There were also William and James Taylor, Jr., who were
among the pioneers.
CAMP-MEETINGS.
This township in early times was celebrated for its camp-meetings,
there being two camp grounds within its limits ; one held by the Pres-
byterians and the other by the Methodists. These camp-meetings,
which were held by each denomination once a year, were largely at-
tended, many persons coming from great distances. Many camped
on the grounds, entertaining. " without money and without price"
the people who attended, and were particularly hospitable to strangers
from abroad. Among the early ministers who attended the meetings
at this camp ground were Jesse Green, Azariah Bone, and Samuel
Gilbert. The latter afterwards became noted as a cancer doctor, and
opened an infirmary in Memphis, Tennessee, and at one time resided
in New York.
SCHOOLS AND MILLS.
Among the earliest school teachers to exercise his calling in
Pilot Grove township was Thomas P. Cropper, who taught in the
township in 1828—29, and, being quite an original genius, his name
should be preserved.
"The people all declared how much he knew;
'Twas certain he could write and cipher, too.
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage,
And even the story ran that he could gauge."
The first mill was erected by a man named Hughes. It was a
horse mill, and stood on one of the branches of the Petite Saline.
PILOT GROVE.
Pilot Grove is located on the northeast quarter of section 5, town-
ship 47, range 18, in Pilot Grove township, and is surrounded by a
beautiful and most excellent farming country. The farmers are gener-
ally thrifty and are year by year bettering their condition and availing
themselves of the latest inventions in farming implements and ma-
chinery. The town was laid off in 1873 by Sand Roe, and is situated
on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, twelve miles southwest
of Boonville. As early as 1836, the government located a post-oflice
about one mile from the present town site and called it Pilot Grove,
appointing John McCutchen postmaster. He continued to hold the
office at his home for many years and was finally succeeded by Samuel
Roe, Si'., who now lives in Pilot Grove. Mr. Roe held the office
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 717
until after the war of 1861, and was succeeded by Mr. E. H. Harris.
The present postmaster is Dr. A. H. Thornton.
Pilot Grove, as a post-office and place of rendezvous for the sur-
rounding inhabitants, is one of the oldest in the county, and takes its
name from an ancient grove of hickory trees, located upon the high
prairie in the immediate vicinity.
BILL ANDERSON.
'Twas while Mr. Roe was acting as postmaster at his residence,
where the neighbors had gathered upon a bright afternoon in the
spring of 1864, awaiting the arrival of the mail, that the dreaded
" Bill Anderson " suddenly appeared with his guerrillas, and forming
the trembling citizens into line, proceeded to divest them of their
personal valuables.
Mr. William Mayo, one of the citizens, refused to deliver up his
elegant gold watch, and started to flee ; passing the house he was
joined by Mr. Thomas Brownfield, who had kept himself concealed.
The guerrillas, of course, gave pursuit, and overtaking Mr. Mayo,
who had become separated from Mr. Brownfield, they killed him by a
pistol shot in the face.
One guerrilla had pursued Mr. Brownfield, who was endeavoring to
reach a thicket of brush some rods distant. The guerrilla fired
repeatedly upon Mr. Brownfield, wounding him in the hand, when,
upon a near approach, Brownfield, who was armed, and a man of
nerve, suddenly turned, and covering him with his revolver, compelled
the guerrilla to retreat. This act doubtless saved his life, since it en-
abled him to reach the coveted thicket, from which concealment he
defied his foes, who dared not penetrate his retreat, and who, after
surrounding the thicket, and being several times fired upon by the
desperate man within, sought less dangerous fields of conquest.
The first business house in the town was moved to Pilot Grove
from Dr. W. P. Harriman's mill, about the year 186-. It is the
building now occupied by Mr. Ellis, merchant. The first dwelling-
house was erected by a Mr. Hayner, who was a harness maker and
saddler. Dr. J. W. H. Ross was the first physician in the place.
Peter Beach was the first shoemaker. The town is now improving,
not only rapidly but substantially. It contains four general stores,
one drug store, one hardware store, two tin shops, one furniture store,
one saddle and harness shop, two restaurants, two millinery stores,
one lumberyard, three blacksmith and wagon shops, two hotels, one
barber shop, one shoemaker shop and two livery stables. In the edge
47
718 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of the town there is a good public school, while near the centre of the
town is located the Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute, a popular and
nourishing school. There are also two secret orders, two churches
and a printing office, from which is issued a weekly paper, called the
Pilot Grove Bee. The paper was established the first week in Sep-
tember, 1882, by James Barton. It is a seven column folio, and
democratic in politics. There is also a commodious depot and two or
three grain warehouses.
During the coming fall (1883) it is expected upon the part of the
merchants and business men of the town, that a bank will be opened
by parties who have fhe matter under consideration.
Pilot Grove Lodge No. 334, I. O. O. F. Charter members —
W. B. Jernijan, Preston Phillips, Joseph Murphy, J. W. Nixon, T. D.
Smith. The lodge was organized April 9, 1875.
Present officers— I. W- Martin, N. G. ; E. C. Moore, V. G; W.
R. Annan, secretary ; N. W. Williams, treasurer. The lodge has
forty-five members.
Charter members of William D. Muir Lodge No. 277 A. F. and
A. M.— C. C. Woods, W. M. ; R. W. Masten, S. W. ; A.J. Harrison,
J. W. : George B. Judy, treasurer ; N. T. Allison, secretary ; H. Arm-
strong, S. D. ; Charles Long, J. D. ; J. H. Younger, tyler, and
G. T. Paxton.
Present officers — H. W. Harris, W. M. ; J. L. Judd, S. W. ;
George Judy, J. W. ; N. R. Harris, treasurer ; W. F. Johnson, secre-
tary ; M. Rust, S. D. ; J. I. Burges, J. D. ; Charles Long, tyler.
PILOT GROVE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
was founded in 1878, and chartered in 1881. It was under control of
N. C. Johnson, who was educated at Fulton, Annapolis naval aca-
demy and Chicago college of music. At his death the school fell into
the hands of C. B. and W. T. Johnson, the former educated at St.
Mary's college and Kentucky military institute (both in Kentcky),
the latter educated under tuition of C. B. and C. N. Johnson, and
at the Brandenburg seminary, Kentucky, and Shelbina college, Mo.
Growth — 1878-79, 68 pupils ; from a distance, 15. 1879-80,
90 pupils ; from a distance, 23. 1880-81, 101 pupils; from a dis-
tance, 35. 1881-82, 107 pupils ; from a distance, 36, 1882=-83, 123
pupils ; from a distance, 58.
Building consists of seven rooms ; three large study halls — one
for ladies, one for gentlemen, and one for primary pupils ; a library
well furnished and fitted for reading room, in which are over one
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 719
thousand books — open every Saturday night for pupils ; three other
good-sized rooms, two of which are furnished with beautiful upright
grand pianos, metronomes, charts, musical blackboards, etc.
All the rooms throughout the building are furnished to suit pur-
poses for which they are intended.
Geological and zoological cabinets, philosophical apparatus, etc.,
necessary to illustrate the physical sciences, are supplied to the
school.
FACULTY FOR 1883-84.
C. B. Johnson and W. F. Johnson, principals ; Mrs. B. Johnson,
preceptress ; Miss Lizzie Pendleton, directress of conservatory of
music ; principal of primary, to be supplied ; voice culture, to be sup-
plied. Chartered in six courses.
SHIPMENTS FOR 1882.
The shipments made from this point for 1882, by the railroad, will
be found below :
Wheat ■ , - - 317 car loads.
Hogs - 28
Cord wood --------20
Oats 8
Sheep - - 5
Cattle ... - - 4
Logs ____.. _4
Mixed stock - - - 2
Potatoes -_____-- 1
Emigrant outfits - - - 2
The above shows an increase of about 125 cars over the preceding
year.
INCIDENTS OF THE WAR.
[Furnished by W. G. Pendleton.]
The following narration of the killing, during the late war, of
citizens of our community, by lawless bands, upon either side, is doubt-
less correct in the main, yet in view of the considerable lapse of time
since the occurrence of these events, the falibility of the human
memory, and many other circumstances which would have their effect,
it would not be strange should error exist in some of the more
minute details.
Considering in the order of time in which it occurred, I mention
first the killing of Joseph Sifers, two miles north of Pilot Grove,
which took place about the beginning of the war. He was a Union
man, whose house was surrounded at night by unknown men, who
demanded of him his fire-arms. Purporting to have them hidden up-
720 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
on the outside of his dwelling, he went out intending to discover who
-they were ; when, doubtless, under the belief that his life was in dan-
ger, he ran, endeavoring to reach a cornfield adjacent, but in the at-
tempt was shot down by a sentinel of the party. It was never known
who perpetrated this outrage.
In the summer of 1864, during a revival meeting in the southern
Methodist Episcopal church at Pilot Grove, Capt. Todd, one day dur-
ing the hour of service, surrounded the building with a company of
about sixty savage looking bushwhackers, who rudely entered the
sacred house, stopped the services, and uncermoniously ejected the
worshippers. After refreshing themselves with the eatables prepared
for the occasion, and selecting such horses as they desired, from the
many secured to the trees near by, they departed, taking with them
two citizens, Peter Mitzell and Otho Zeller as hostages, as they called
them, whose safety would depend on the good conduct of the citizens,
in not pursuing, intercepting or informing on them, there being, at
that time, state militia stationed at various places around.
These two unfortunate men were that night barbarously butch-
ered some miles east of here, near Lone Elm Pairie, and their bodies
found a day or two later. Zeller had belonged to the state militia,
which fact, to those who knew the character of the guerrillas, accounts
for the reason of his being killed. Mitzell was loyal, though a very
quiet and inoffensive man ; he had, a short time previous, met a squad
of guerrillas, and mistaking them for militia, had, doubtless, iudis-
cretely expressed his sentiments, for which offence, in a time when
men were killed for opinion's sake, he paid the forfeit with his life.
The same party of bushwhackers, returning a day or two later,
passed through the German settlement three miles west of here, and
killed two citizens, John Diehl and Vollmer, who, it seems, un-
fortunately fell into the same error as Mitzell, of mistaking them for
Federal troops, a number of them being dressed in blue.
A Mr. Nichols was killed near Bell Air, in this county, during
the same summer of 1864. This act was committed by a band of
Hall's state militia. Mr. Nichols was a Kentuckian, a conservative
Union man, and very quiet and peaceable. The provocation of this
crime, if any, was never known.
Thomas Cooper, of this vicinity, was arrested in the fall of 1864,
in James Thompson's store, in Boonville, by militia, taken to a se-
cluded spot near the fair grounds, and brutally murdered and his
body mutilated. Cooper was a southern man, and known to his
neighbors as quiet, tolerant and inoffensive.
CHAPTEE XII.
PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlements — Prairie Home— Prairie Home
Lodge A. F. and A. M., No. 503 — Prairie Home Institute — Its History.
BOUNDARY.
Prairie Home township is bounded on the north by Saline town-
ship, on the east by Moniteau county, on the south by Moniteau
township and on the west by Clark's Fork township. Prairie Home
township was taken from the territories of Clark's Fork, Saline and
Moniteau townships, and was organized a few years ago — in 1872.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
This township is generally level and undulating, being mostly
prairie. The soil is good and produces well. The northern portions
of the township are settled by Germans who are thrifty. .
EARLY SETTLERS.
The oldest settlers, according to the best information that can be
obtained, were James McClain, Lacy McClanahan, Adam McClanahan,
Jacob Carpenter, Absalom McClanahan, Michael Hornbeck, Samuel
Carpenter, William N. McClanahan, William G. McClanahaSi, and
Jeremiah Smith.
It appears that these men were located in this township previous
to 1820, as their votes were recorded in that year. Some of them
may not be confined to the limits of the township, but they were not
far distant from the line.
The history of this township is so closely connected with that of
the three townships mentioned above, from which it was taken, that it
will not be repeated at this place. For its history the reader is refer-
red to that of the three named townships above.
(721)
722 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
PRAIRIE HOME.
This little village is located on section 20, township 47, range 15.
The first store was erected by James Boswell. John Zimmerman
beoran business in 1874. The first blacksmith was William Dorder-
man. The present business firms areU. E. & D. L. Davis, hardware
merchants; William Stemmons and A. H. Workman, blacksmiths;
W. S. Gibson, dentist; A. J. Lacy, S. M. Teel, and J. W. Poin-
dexter, physicians. James W. Jones is the present postmaster, and
J. L. Sholl is the proprietor of a drug store and grocery combined.
PRAIRIE HOME LODGE NO. 503, A. F. AND A. M.
Organized July 30, 1881. Number of original members eleven.
C. E. Scott, first and present W. M. Hall erected over Prairie Home
M. E. church in 1881, and cost $1,500. Number of present member-
ship twenty-three.
PRAIRIE HOME INSTITUTE.
This institution is located about fourteen miles south of Boon-
ville, in Cooper county, on a high, rolling prairie, beautifully varie-
gated and interlined with groves of original timber. It is situated in
township No. 47, range No'. 15, section No. 20, and is in the centre of
almost a circle, the radii of which is fourteen miles from Boonville,
Eocheport, Providence, Sandy Hook, California and Bunceton. The
enterprise was projected in 1865 by Eev..A. H. Misseldine, and success-
fully conducted for several years. In 1869 Dr. W. H. Trigg, of
Boonville, purchased the institution under mortgage. A few days
thereafter it was sold to Wash. A. Johnston, and in the fall of 1869,
sold by him to the public school district. Under this manage-
ment the school was conducted by Professor Edgar Dunnaway and
wife ; then by Miss Margaret McPhatridge, now Mrs. William H.
Ellis, Jr. In May, 1871, in convention, the district empowered Mr.
G. G. Wilson to dispose of the buiiding to a teacher who would con-
duct a boarding school for the education of both sexes. Through Mr.
Wilson and the township board, the house was sold to A. Slaughter,
then president of the Texas prairie high school, Lafayette county,
Missouri.
The institute having been thoroughly repaired and remodeled by
Professor Slaughter during the summer of 1871, he formally opened
the institute on the 11th of September with the following corps of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 723
teachers: Miss Mary Jane Lauderdale, Miss Laura A. Slaughter, Mr.
Joel H. Abbott. There was a large attendance of pupils in the various
departments, which continued with a constant increase until October
3, 1874, when the institute with its contents was destroyed by fire,
without insurance. The loss was quite severe on the principal and his
family, but this was partly alleviated by citizens who promptly and
liberally contributed in money, and otherwise, to the wants of the
family. Dr. William H. Ellis, Dr. J. W. Porter, Wash. A. John-
ston, C. M. Carey, Mike Wells, Henry Wells, W. C. P. Taylor,
Colonel Eobert McCulloch, Captain A. Hornbeck, C. E. Scott, Ben-
ton Brosius, Kobert Brosius, Mrs. Keavis, Mrs. Daniel Hunt, Kelly
Eagland, Colonel William Pope, Eev. William M. Tipton, William
M. McClanahan, T. J. Ellis, Captain F. A. Eodgers, Mike Keilly
and brother, William Kirchman, T. Jenkins, Mason Smith, Eev.
G. B. Tutt, Willie L. Stephens, J. E. Taliaferro, James Brosius and
Kobert Bruce, promptly rallied around the principal in a liberal en-
couragement and support of a new and superior edifice, while the
smoke was still ascending from the old.
A committee, consisting of Wash. A. Johnston and' Professor
Slaughter, was appointed to make a contract for rebuilding, which
was let the 31st of October, 1874.
Notwithstanding' the extreme severity of the winter, the building
was completed April 1, 1875. Professor Slaughter opened with a
good school on the 26th of April, which continued with increasing in-
terest to the commencement exercises, on the 14th of June, 1876,
which was witnessed by over two thousand persons. The sixth
annual session opened with increasing patronage on the 4th of
September, 1876. The institution was regularly chartered under the
following regency : Dr. J. W. Porter, president ; Wash. A. John-
ston, treasurer and secretary ; W. C. P. Taylor, Captain A. Horn-
beck and Mike Wells. The building was then presented to Professor
A. Slaughter, under the condition that he or his family shall main-
tain a boarding school for the education of both sexes in the
sciences, during a period of ten years, after which it shall be theirs
in fee.
The discipline is that of a well regulated family. Both sexes are
boarded and taught in the institution. It is not under the control of
any denomination, and all regularly ordained ministers are invited to
preach in the " chapel " when not otherwise occupied, provided abuse
of faith on tenets of other denominations are not practised. It will
be seen the location renders the pupils free from all the temptations,
724 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
which they have to encounter in the large cities and towns, which is
at once apparent to the thoughtful mind.
The session of 1875-76 opened with the following corps of instruc-
tors : Professor A. Slaughter, principal ; Professor E. K. Taylor,
Mrs. Louisa F. Wiatt, Miss Annie R. Pettibone, Mrs. Laura W.
Slaughter, matron. Since 1876, Professor A. Slaughter has had
charge of the institute a portion of the time — up to June, 1880. In
1881 there was no school, but in 1882, and the present year, 1883,
Professor W. H. Rea has been the principal, and has managed the
school ably and successfuly.
The building is capable of accommodating seventy-five pupils as
boarders. We can but admire the energy and enterprise which char-
acterized the efforts of all connected with the [institution in the past ;
and with the same application hereafter upon the part of its friends
and patrons, the school will have a bright and prosperous future.
CHAPTER XIII.
SALINE TOWNSHIP.
Boundary — Physical Features — Early Settlers — Church — School — Washington —
Houstonville — Men Who were Killed During the War.
BOUNDARY.
Saline township lies in the northeastern part of Cooper county,
bounded on the north by the Missouri river, on the east by Moniteau
county, on the south by Prairie Home township, and on the west by
Clark's Fork and Boonville townships.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Lying as it does in close proximity to the Missouri river it is
naturally hilly, save where the bottom lands of the Missouri river and
Petite Saline creek lie.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Saline township was settled as early as 1812, by Joseph Jolly,
who had only two children, John and William. He settled in the up-
per part of what has ever since been known as "Jolly's bottom," which
received its name from him. He remained in this township until
1826, when he removed to the " Stephen's " neighborhood, in Pales-
tine township. He there set out the first apple orchard in that part
of the country, and erected a horse mill which would grind a bushel
of corn an hour, and this was considered by the people of that day as
a great achievement. He peddled apples, cider and ginger cakes at
all the musters and elections.
William Jolly was a gunsmith, a wheelwright, a blacksmith, a
cooper, a miller, a distiller, a preacher, a doctor and a farmer. John
Jolly kept a ferry across the Lamine river, on the lower ferry road,
which is still known as "Jolly's ferry." The next settlers of this
township were William Lamm, James and John Turner, Joseph Purs-
ley, Leviu Cropper, Henry Levins, B. W. Levins (the grandfather,
and father of Henry C. Levens, of Boonville), Josiah Dickson, Charles
Force, John Farris, Thomas Farris, Jesse Wood, David Fine, Joshua
(725)
726 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and Lacy McClanahan, George Dickson, Frederick and James F. Con-
nor, John Calvert, Adam and Absalom McClanahan, Elverton Cald-
well, Noding Caldwell, Joseph Westbrook, Alexander Woods, Robert
Giyens, Leonard Calvert, August McFall, Alexander R. Dickson,
William Calvert, Jr., James Farris and Robert Dickson.
At what time these men settled here is not known to the present
generation, but they certainly arrived between 1816 and 1820, for
they all voted at Boonville at the August election in the latter year.
William Lamm settled in the bottom in 1816, and Henry and B.
W. Levens and Levin Cropper came here in 1817 or 1818, as they
voted in 1819, and the law required that a person should reside in the
county one year before he could vote.
Henry Levens was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1774,
married at Hagerstown, Maryland, and emigrated to Washington
county, Pennsylvania, where all his children were born. He after-
wards emigrated to Randolph county, Illinois, and lived there about
fifteen years. His wife being dead and all his children of age, he
emigrated, with his son, to Cooper county. He died at his old home
in Illinois, in 1838. He was a soldier during the whole of the Revolu-
tion, and received a pension for same till his death.
Big Lick church, belonging to the Baptist denomination, was '
built at a very early time, and is now, and has been for many years
in a flourishing condition. John B. Longdon was the first pastor of
this church.
The first school in the township was taught by John M. Stillman,
an eastern man, at a place now occupied by the Highland school house,
about 1820.
One of the first scho.ols in this township, was taught by a man
named Rollins. He was a very fair scholar for the times, and pleased
his patrons with the advancement which was made by his pupils.
Just before Christmas, in the year 1828, the boys of this school
had determined to " turn the teacher out," and force him to treat the
pupils, by taking him to the creek and ducking him. This proceed-
ing, though showing little respect for the dignity of the teacher,
generally had the desired effect. The fear of it in this case, had the
desired effect, for the teacher, hearing of the plans of the pupils vol-
untarily gave them a week's holiday, and on New Year's day treated
them -to a keg of whiskey. This, no doubt, will sound strange to most
of our citizens at this day, but it is nevertheless true.
It must not be thought from this that that was a terribly demor-
alized community, for it certainly was not, but on the contrary, one
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 727
of the most refined in the county. It was customary at that time to
find whiskey in every house, and the man who did not take his dram
was the exception and not the rule. But drunkenness was then con-
sidered very disgraceful, and on that account was rarely heard of.
People then could drink without taking too much.
It is not to be understood, that even considering the customs of
the settlers at that time, the teacher was justified in treating his
pupils to whiskey, and the people for suffering it t® be done. It was
wrong then, and at the present day would not be tolerated in any
community.
To the credit of the patrons and teachers of the schools of the
past, it may here be said, that there is only one other instance known
of a proceeding of this kind being allowed. It was considered at that
day that it was not so much the use as the abuse, which made whiskey
so objectionable and demoralizing. If at that day, a young gentle-
man the least bit intoxicated attempted to wait upon a respectable
young lady, he was told that his company was not absolutely required
at that house, and that the sooner he left the better it would be for all
concerned. How is it now? Our readers live in the present, and are
capable of passing judgment upon present customs.
There was a town called Washington, laid off by B. W. Levens,
about one mile below Overton, near the Missouri river, on the farm
lately occupied by Timothy Chandler. Several lots were sold, houses
built, and for a while considerable business done. But the site of the
town has long since disappeared, and the spot on which it was located
cannot be designated by any person living. Indeed, but few in that
locality are aware of the fact that such a town was ever located and
inhabited.
Another town called Houstonville, was laid off by B. W.
Levens and John Ward at the ferry landing, opposite to Rocheport,
and some lots were sold, but not much improved. The site of the
town has long since disappeared under the encroaching waters of the
Missouri river.
Another town; the name of which is now unknown, was located
at the "cross-roads," north of Conner's mill, near the late residence
of Judge Jesse Ogden, but was soon abandoned.
Only two of the old pioneers are now living, viz. : Wm. Lamm
and James F. Conner.
Mr. Lamm was born in Eoan county, North Carolina, twelve
miles from Saulsbury, and is eighty-one years of age. His parents
removed to Tennessee in 1796, taking him with them. He came and
728 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
settled iu Saline township in the fall of 1816, and has remained there
ever since.
Mr. James F. Conner was a small boy when he, with his parents,
settled in Saline township. He is the proprietor of Conner's mill,
situated on the Petite Saline creek, about nine miles east of Boon-
ville, which was erected by Charles Force, and until it was pur-
chased by Mr. Conner/who changed it into a steam mill, it was run
entirely by water power. This mill was built at a very early day,
and has proved of great benefit to the inhabitants of this township, as
it gave them a market at home for their surplus products.
This township is one of the best wheat districts in the county,
probably no finer wheat being raised anywhere in the state. It also
produces, with little cultivation, all other kinds of grain, fruits and
garden vegetables.
This township, as well as the rest of the county, had its troubles
in the late civil war. There were nine union and three southern men
killed within its borders. The southern men who were killed were
Benjamin Hill, William Henshaw and Radford Bass. These men
were murdered at or near their homes, about the last of September,
1864, by a scouting party of Union soldiers, being a part of the com-
mand of Colonel Hall, of the Missouri state militia. They were not
belligerents, and the cause of their being slain is unknown.
The Union soldiers who were killed, were slain by bushwhack-
ers from Howard and Boone counties, seven of them on the 7th day
of October, 1864, and two of them on the 27th day of May, 1865.
The following is a list of them : Henry Weber, Franz Haffenburg,
Jacob Eder, David Huth, Bernhard Detrick, Gerhardt Blank, Peter
Diehl, Jacob Good, Sr., Jerry Good, Jr. There was also a bush-
whacker, whose name is unknown, killed on the 27th day of May,
1865.
This township has always been strongly democratic in principle
since the organization of the county, and still remains the same.
CHAPTEK XIV.
THE PRESS AND PUBLIC SOHOOLS.
Boonville Herald — The Western Emigrant — Boonville Observer — Missouri Begister —
The Boonville Argus — The Coon Hunter — Democratic Union — Boonville Bul-
letin — Tri- Weekly Observer — The Iris — Central Missourian — The Boonville Mis-
sourian — The Ladies' Garland — Boonville Patriot — Boonville Advertiser — Boon-
ville Daily Advertiser — Boonville Eagle — Wachter Am Missourier — The Central
Missourier — Boonville News — Boonville Weekly Topic — The Pilot Grove Bee —
Shave Tail Courier — Public Schools, with Facts and Figures Pertaining thereto.
THE PRESS OF COOPER COUNTY.
The first newspaper in Cooper eounty was established at Boon-
ville about the year 1834, and was called the Boonville Herald. It
was owned by James O. Middleton, and edited by Benjamin E. Ferry,
who was afterwards county clerk of Cooper county. In the year
1838, Robert Brent bought one-half interest in the paper from James
Middleton, and on the 8th of April, in that year, they changed the
name of the paper to that of The Western Emigrant. On the 7th of
March, 1839, C. W. Todd purchased Brent's interest in the paper,
and the paper was edited about one year by Messrs. Middleton and
Todd. On the 30th day of April, 1840, C. W. Todd purchased Mid-
dleton's interest in the paper, and changed its name to that of the
Boonville Observer. C. W. Todd continued as sole proprietor of the
paper until the 3d day of February, 1842, when he sold one-half in-
terest in it to T. J. Boggs. On the 29th of March, 1843, F. M. Cald-
well and J. S. Collins purchased the paper from Todd & Boggs. They
continued to edit it in partnership only until June 7, 1843, when F.
M. Caldwell purchased the interest of Collins, and became sole propri-
etor. Caldwell soon sold one-half interest in the paper to Allen
Hammond, and it was edited under the firm name of Caldwell & Ham-
mond until the 9th day of June, 1846, when Caldwell sold out his in-
terest to Allen Hammond, and returned to Virginia on account of the
feeble health of his wife. Hammond continued to edit it alone until
November 7, 1850, when F. M. Caldwell returned from Virginia, and
again purchased a half interest in the paper. They continued to edit
(729)
730 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
it in partnership for several years, when they sold the paper to
Augustus W. Simpson, who remained publisher of it until it ceased pub-
lication in 1861, on account of the excitement incident to the war. In
politics the paper was Whig until the year 1854, when the Whi^
party ceased to exist. It then became Democratic, and remained so
until it ceased publication.
The next newspaper established was the Missouri Register, pub-
lished by William T. Yeoman. The first number of it appeared in July,
1839. It was the first democratic paper published in western Mis-
souri, and was established mainly to aid in the campaign of 1840. On
the 22d day of April, 1841, Yeoman sold one-half interest in the paper
to Edgar A. Robinson, and the paper continued to be published by
Yeoman and Robinson until the 9th day of August, 1843, when Ira
Van Nortwick purchased it from them. It was afterwards success-
ively owned by Quisenberry, Price, Ward & Chilton, the last named
of whom continued to publish it until the great temperance excitement
broke out in 1853. The paper had previous to this time been taken
up almost exclusively by political discussions, but it was then pur-
chased by a man named Benjamin F. Buie, who filled its columns ex-
clusively with discussions in regard to the great question of temper-
ance, which was then agitating the public mind. Buie soon sold out
the paper to Allen Hammond, and soon after this the paper ceased
publication for want of patronage.
During the heat of the campaign of 1840,- the editors of the Mis-
souri Register, Messrs. Ward & Chilton, started a weekly campaign
sheet, which advocated the claims of Van Buren for president ; as
soon as the campaign was over, and Van Buren defeated, the paper
ceased publication. The name of this paper was the Boonville
Argus.
The Coon Hunter was published by Ward & Shelton, in 1840.
The next paper was the Democratic Union, established in the fall of
1844, and run by Blair & Chilton. Following this in succession in
1847, was a whig paper, called the Boonville Bulletin, published by
Caldwell & Hammond. On the 31st of December, 1850, Messrs.
Caldwell & Hammond, proprietors of the Boonville Observer, com-
menced the publication of a sheet, called the Tri- Weekly Observer,
which was printed three times a week. It was continued until March
8th, 1851* The Iris, a college magazine, was published in 1851. In
1852, the Central Missourian was started, but was soon discontinued.
It was succeeded by the Boonville Missourian, in 1853, which occupied
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 731
the same office. The paper was edited by A. C. Speer, who was a
strong advocajte of whig principles, and also a staunch friend of the
temperance cause. The Ladies' Garland was started in 1856. The
next paper was the Boonville Patriot, which was established by a man
named John Gill, in the year 1856. It was afterwards sold to F. M.
Caldwell, who continued to publish it until the year 1861, when the
materials, presses, etc., belonging to the office were seized by Gen-
eral Worthington, in command of some Federal forces at Jefferson
City, and taken by him to the latter place. Soon afterwards, Lewis
H. Stahl went to Jefferson City, and with \,he assistance of some of
the most influential Federals, succeeded in getting possession of the
material belonging to the office, which General Worthington had
seized, and brought them back to Boonville. Immediately upon his
return, Messrs. Caldwell & Stahl commenced the publication of the
Boonville Advertiser, the first number of which appeared on the 15th
day of June, 1862. After publishing it for some time, they sold out
to Messrs. Drury & Selby, who published the paper for a year or
two, when Messrs. F. M. Caldwell & Co., again got possession of it,
and continued proprietors of it until April, 1878. The editors of this
paper, during this period, have been J. G. Pangborn, H. A. Hutch-
ison, George W. Frame, Chas. E. Hasbrook, Judge Benjamin Tomp-
kins and S. W. Ravenel.
On the 25th day of October, 1875, the proprietors of the Boon-
ville Advertiser commenced the publication of a daily edition of the
same, under the name of the Boonville Daily Advertiser. The Daily
Advertiser was discontinued March 7, 1879. Mr. Ravenel took charge
of the Advertiser in March, 1878, as manager and local editor, and
on March 7, 1879, leased the paper, and has since been running it as
manager and editor.
The Boonville Eagle, a weekly paper, was established in Septem-
ber, 1865, by Milo Blair. On the 28th day of September, 1875, he
took Charles H. Allen into partnership with him. In politics it
has always been republican.
The Wackter Am Missouri, a paper published in the German
language, was established in 1867, by L. Joachimi. It was purchased
in 1874 by F. W. Ludwig, who changed its name to the Central
Missourier. Haller is the present proprietor. In politics it is
republican.
The Boonville News was started October 1, 1880, by A. B. Thorn-
ton, who was afterwards killed. The paper has been continued by
732 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
his wife, Mrs. M. O. Thornton, and her daughters. It is politically
a greenback paper.
George W. Ferrell started the Boonville Weekly Topic, August
18, 1877, and after running it about eight months, F. M. Caldwell
became owner. Caldwell published the paper alone till February 8,
1880, when A. B. Thornton purchased an interest. September 18,
1880, Colonel H. A. Hutchison bought Thornton's interest, the
paper now being edited by Hutchison, and published by Caldwell &
Hutchison — Caldwell as business manager. It is democratic in pol-
itics.
The Pilot Grrove Bee was established in 1882, the first number
being issued the first week in September, by James Barton,, who is
now the editor and proprietor. It is a seven-column folio, and demo-
cratic in politics.
In this history of the newspapers of Cooper county, we should
not omit from the list the Shave Tail Courier, which deserves honor-
able mention, because it was much esteemed by the old settlers of
that day.
At an early day, Napoleon Beatty, quite an original character,
lived eighteen miles west of Boonville, in Cooper county, on what
was called Shave Tail creek. In that vicinity a store was located, the
predominating articles of trade being tobacco and whiskey, the latter
the matutinal drink of the 'old pioneer. Beatty was noted for his
bonhommie, and was not only the recognized fiddler of the neighbor-
hood where he resided, but was intensely fond of and well posted in
all the rural games and sports of that day. During his early man-
hood he was
" In wrestling nimble, in running swift;
In shooting steady, in swimming strong.
Well made to strike, to leap, to throw or lift,
And all the sports that shepherds are among."
His fiddle was his inseparable companion, and when spending an
evening with friends, he had the happy faculty of discoursing to them
the most delightful music, always accompanying his instrument with
a unique and improvised song, which was replete with wise and startr
ling hits and felicitous inuendoes, touching the vulnerability of some
one or more of his entranced and rustic auditors.
Beatty was the sole editor and proprietor ot the /Shave Tail Cour-
ier, which appeared, at regular intervals, in manuscript form. The
happenings, the sayings and the doings of the neighborhood were
faithfully gathered and garnered by this original chronicler, who read
' HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 733
aloud his paper to his admirers, in his own inimitable style. If there
occurred a dance in the locality, a record of it was made in the Courier.
If a quilting party or a shooting match came off, the particulars were
given in the Courier. If a wedding took place, the event was men-
tioned in a recherche manner in the Courier. The bride was the spe-
cial theme for highest eulogium, and the wedded pair elicited the
warmest wishes for their future happiness. In fact, the Courier, like
the good mirror, reflected not only the redoubtable editor's views of
matters and things, but reflected as well, on popular subjects, the
will of the people.
The following comprises the list of post-offices in Cooper
county : —
POST-OEFICES.
Bell Air, Lone Elm ,
Blackwater, New Palestine,
Boonville, Otterville,
Bunceton, Overton,
Clark's Fork, Pilot Grove,
Clifton City, Pisgah,
Gooch's Mill, Pleasant Green,
Harriston, Prairie Home,
Lamine, Vermont.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools were properly organized after the war of 1861,
and have been gradually growing in favor, as their utility has been
demonstrated year after year.
There are now (1883) no less than one hundred and two public
school buildings in Cooper county, eighty-five of these for white
children and sixteen for colored children. These schools are in charge
of 100 white teachers and twenty colored teachers. The num-
ber of white persons of school age, that is to say between six and
twenty years — male, 3,256; female, 2,932; total, 6,188. Colored
persons — male, 475 ; female, 454 ; total, 929 ; making a grand
total of 7,117. The male teachers receive, on an average, about
$40 per month, and the female teachers about $29 per month. The
average number of pupils attending each day during the summer term
was twenty-eight, the number attending the winter term was forty-
two, the general average was thirty-five. The cost per day for tuition
of each pupil is seven cents. The school property in the county is
now valued at $75,000; the rate of tax levy per $100 is thirty-nine
cents.
48
734 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Paid teachers, $21,685; for fuel, $768.63; for repairs and rent,
$1,760.66; incidental expenses, $849.63; erection of houses and pur-
chase of sites, $538 ; past indebtedness paid, $5,550.33 ; salary of
district clerks, $557.50; unexpended funds, $7,958.18; tuition fees
l-eceived, $47. In 1881 one teachers' institute was held at Pilot Grove,
which continued in session two weeks. This institnte was attended by
forty teachers.
Township school fund ------- $25,515 73
County school funds - - - - 5,751 86
Other special funds - - - 14,069 42
Total county, township and special funds - $45,337 01
Yearly receipts of fines, etc., $183, which amount has been trans-
ferred to county fund.
The above is a precise and concise statement of the present con-
dition of the public schools and of the funds pertaining thereto.
APPORTIONMENTS TO COOPER COUNTY FROM THE DIFFERENT SCHOOL
FUNDS.
State Appor- Township Ap- County Appor- Total Appor-
tionment, portionment. tionment. tionment.
$3,722 58 $1,154 14 $ 729 80 $5,606 52
2,737 04 2,882 58 699 16 6,318 78
3,246 70 699 46 264 80 4,210 96
3,508 44 2,057 30 1,089 76 6,655 50
3,350 90 2,450 47 1,214 50 7,015 87
3,494 85 2,356 60 506 50 6,037 95
3,461 88 2,740 21 362 01 6,564 10
1,164 73 467 20 1,63193
2,992 27 52136 3,513 83
2,240 13 1,966 41 531 55 4,738 09
2,816 26 1,165 58 3,98184
594 44 2,679 82 495 99 3,770 25
2,416 81 1,002 90 3,419 71
3,720 78 17,550 35 844 47 22,105 60
4,148 31 1,876 21 1,066 14 7,090 63
3,758 00 2,592 30 2,144 63 8,494 93
4,747 03 3,113 48 2,385 10 9,245 61
3,961 97 3,482 46 1,599 13 8,043 56
3,901 19 2,428 76 2,407 58 8,737 53
4,477 89 2,684 64 3,633 95 10,796 48
5,154 93 2,462 29 731 62 8,348 84
4,796 52 2,421 69 638 40 7,856 11
5,326 28 19,976 00 553 87 9,766 16
Year.
Children in
County.
1854 -
- 3,850
1855 -
- 4,085
1856 -
- 4,185
1857 -
- 4,498
1858 -
- 4,787
1859
- 5,065
1860 -
- 5,068
1861 -
- 5,104
1863 -
- 3,698
1864 -
5,635
1865
- 3,971
1866 -
- 4,599
1867
- 5,024
1868 -
- 7,028
1869 -
7,177
1870 -
- 6,940
1871 -
- 7,198
1872 -
- 7,436
1873 -
1874 -
-
1875 -
-
1876 -
- 6,211
1882 -
- 7,004
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 735
In the above abstracts, from 1866 to 1882, both years inclusive,
the number of colored children and the apportionment of the above
funds to them, is included in that of the white children.
To the above may be added the railroad apportionment, $1, 976.25,
forthe year 1882 ; for 1883, the amount is $2,203.41.
ABSTRACT OF THE SCHOOL TAX BOOKS.
Tear.
1870 -
1871 - - -
1872 --- -
1873 -
1874 --- -
1875 -
1876 -
Previous to the year 1870, the school taxes were levied and col-
lected by the different township clerks, so that the aggregate for years
previous to 1870 cannot be given.
District Tax.
Township Tax.
Total Taxes.
$39,343 89
$2,687 51
$42,031 40
36,984 67
690 38
37,615 05
56,313 25
56,313 25
32,186 72
1,021 55
33,208 27
29,155 19
410 55
29,565 74
26,787 75
2,162 31
28,950 06
25,406 34
470 85
25,877 19
CHAPTER XT.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
First Elections — Names of Voters — Result of Election — Elections of May and August,
1820 — Election of August, 1822, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1828 — Change in the Political Aspect
of Cooper County in 1840 — Whig Convention held at Eocheport — Henry Clay and
James K. Polk Campaign Song — Whig Convention at Boonville in 1844 — Organiza-
tion of Know-Nothing Party — Conventions of 1881-64 — Politics not entirely consid-
ered at Elections during the first Thirty Years — Pro-Slavery Convention.
" Then none was for a party;
Then all were for the state ;
Then the great man helped the poor,
And the poor man loved the great."
The first election after Cooper county was organized was held on
the second day of August, 1819, to elect a delegate to congress from
the territory of Missouri. John Scott and Samuel Hammond were
the candidates. John Scott had 117 votes and Samuel Hammond
21 votes, making the total vote of the county 138.
The townships which voted at said election were Arrow Kock,
Miami, Tabeaux and Lamine, which included the town of Boonville ; but
the votes cast in Tabeaux township were thrown out, because the poll
book of said township did not state for whom the votes were cast, and
this poll book was not put on file with the others. Therefore, the
only votes counted were those cast in the other three townships.
Eobert P. Clark, county clerk, called to his aid James Bruifee
and Benjamin F. Hickox, two justices of the peace, to assist him in
counting the votes. As our readers may have some curiosity to know
the names of those who voted at this first election, we give them as
follows : —
ARROW ROCK TOWNSHIP.
William Jobe, Samuel Clevenger,
William Hays, James Wilhite,
Simon Odle, Jesse Voves,
Phavess Clevenger, John Chapman,
Jack Clevenger, William Cooper,
Baker Martin, William Jobe,
William White, James Anderson,
Jacob Catoon,
John Ingram, vote rejected.
(736)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
737
Judges of election were, James Anderson, William Cooper and
William Jobe ; and clerks, John Ingram and James Wilhite.
MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
Andy Russell,
Daniel McDowell,
John D. Thomas,
William Shaw,
Joel Nowlin,
Christopher Martin,
Henry Estus,
The judges of election were,
"William Estes,
Charles English,
Henry Hide,
William Warden,
William Gladin,
John Evans,
Jesse Gilliam.
John D. Thomas, John Evans and
Jesse Gilliam ; and clerks, Charles English and William Gladin,
LAMINE TOWNSHIP.
John H. Moore,
Joseph Smith,
Frederick Connor,
William Gibson,
Humphrey Gibson,
Stephen Cole, Jr.,
Muke Box,
Jacob Eller,
William H. Curtis,
William Moore,
James Turner, Jr.,
Robert P. Clark,
Joseph Dillard.
John J. Clark,
John Hiburn,
David Burress, Jr.,
Robert Boyd,
Robert Wallace,
Dedrick Ewes,
Samuel Smith,
Jordan O'Bryan,
Abraham Jobe,
Lewis Letney,
Ephraim Marsh,
Eli N. Henry,
James Reid,
James Hill,
David Ward,
Samuel Peters,
Littleton Seat,
James Scott,
Drury Wallace,
Job Self,
William Bartlett,
Jacob McFarland,
Andrew A. Reavis,
William Savage,
James McCarty, Jr.,
Luke Williams,
Frederick Thomas,
John Roberts,
Geo. Cathey, Sr.,
Asa Morgan,
William George, Sr.
David Fine,
George Fennile,
James Snodgrass,
Joseph Byler,
Frederick Shirley,
Joseph Westbrook,
John Grover,
Edward Carter,
Abraham Shelly,
Wm. Burk,
Wm. Snodgrass,
Peter Carpenter,
Thomas Butcher,
David McFarland,
Alexander Brown,
Jesse F. Roiston,
Nicholas McCarty,
John Swearingen,
George Potter,
John Potter,
738
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
David Burress, Sr.,
Joseph Scott,
Mansfield Hatfield,
John Eoss,
Wm. Deakitis,
John Nunu,
Wm. H. Anderson,
James Bruffee,
Eli Roberts,
Charles Force,
John Miller,
Larkin Dewitt,
Peter Stephens,
Joseph M. Bernard,
Samuel D. Eeavis,
James A. Reavis,
Wm. Warden,
Samuel Snodgraas,
Delany Bowlin,
Jacob Thomas, Sr.,
Wm. Bowlin,
Ephraim Ellison,
Benj.F. Hickox,
William McFarland,
George Crawford, .
William Ross,
John Savage.
Hiram Musich, vote rejected,
William Mitchell, vote rejected.
Joseph Cathey,
George Cathey, Jr.,
Levi Odeneal,
John Cathey,
Gabriel Titts worth,
Stephen Cole, Sr.,
Charles B. Mitchell,
James Long,
George Houx,
Fleming F. Mitchell,
John McClure,
•David Trotter,
Mathias Houx,
William Chambers,
David McGee,
Thomas Rogers,
James McCarty, Sr.,
William Dillard,
Lawrence C. Stephens,
William D. Wilson,
Nicholas M. Fain,
Frederick Houx,
Jacob Thomas, Jr.,
William Fraser,
Nicholas Houx,
Anderson Demesters,
Peyton Hurt,
Zepheniah Bell,
John Green, vote rejected,
Thomas Brown, vote rejected,
The judges of election were, James Bruffee, Benjamin F. Hickox
and William McFarland ; and clerks, George Crawford and Wil-
liam Ross.
It will be observed, that the first vote cast within the present
limits of Cooper county, was cast by John H. Moore, who died many
years ago ; and the fourth vote by William Gibson, who is the only
one who voted at that election who is still alive, that is, so far as is
known to the author. Yet this may be a mistake, as many of them,
years ago, moved from this county, and have not been heard from
since then, although they may still be alive. That election took place
sixty-four years ago, therefore, a man would have to be, at the pres-
ent day, eight-five years of age to have cast a legal vote then. The
wives of but two of them are still living, viz. : Mrs. L. C. Stephens
and Mrs. Frederick Houx.
The next election for delegates to the state convention, to frame
a constitution for the state of Missouri, was held on the 1st, 2d, and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 739
3d days of May, 1820. The following was the result in this county :
Robert P. Clark received 557 votes ; Kobert Wallace, 395 ; William
Lillard, 400; Charles Woods, 295; Richard W. Cummins, 359;
Kobert Johnson 106 ; Eobert Fristoe, 97 ; Henry Rennick, 91 ;
George Sibley, 45 ; Peyton Nowlin, 31 ; Julius Emmons, 2 ; William
Ross, 11.
Robert P. Clark, William Lillard, and Robert Wallace, as shovvn
by the vote, were elected. The townships in which this election was
held, were as follows :
Townships. Votes Cast.
Arrow Rock - - - 120
Lamine __-_____. 408
Tabeaux 150
Moreau - -- _____ 101
Miami - 40
Total vote of Cooper county - _ _ _ 819
At the time of this election, Cooper county was bounded on the
east and south by the Osage river, on the west by the Iudian territory,
and on the north oy the Missouri river. Lamine township then in-
cluded about all within the present limits of Cooper county, and some
territory not now included in its limits.
The next election was held on the 28th day of August, 1820, to
elect a member of congress, and the state and county officers. The
following townships voted at this election :
Townships. Votes Oast.
Arrow Rock -___-____ 57
Lamine __-__-____ 503
Jefferson _______ _ no
Osage ____ _____ 78
Miami - - - 28
Moreau ___ _ ____7i
Tabeaux -____-_-_- 125
Total vote of Cooper county - - - 972
The following shows the result of this election :
For Congress. Votes Received.
John Scott -762
For Governor.
Alex. McNair - - 766
Win. Clark 196
For Lieut. Governor.
Nathaniel Cook 573
Win. H. Ashley - - 295
740 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
For Representatives. Votes Beceived.
James Edgar ___ _____ 139
Thos. Rogers - - _____ elected, 549
Wm. McFarland - - - - - 4.5
Thos. Smiley - - elected, 528
Abram Jobe ___--_-__ 5
John Dickson ___- ____ 155
Abel Owens - 310
Sam. D. Reavis - _______ 157
David Jones -- ______ 380
William Lillard - elected, 532
Jason Harrison ---- ---94
John Corum ___ _____30
John D. Thomas,! - - 121
William Wier j_- 8
For Sheriff.
Wm. H. Curtis ______ elected, 549
Wm. H. Moore ------- - 102
Jas. Alexander - -- ---134
B. W. Levens -- ______ 45
Wm. Kelly - 67
John Briscoe __. _ _ _ 59
For Ooronor.
Bryant Sanders ------- elected, 332
J. C. Rochester --------- 132
Edward Bradley 165
Of the above list of candidates all have gone to their long homes,
not one being left alive. And of the 503 voters, then voting in La-
mine township, which included all of the present territory of Cooper
county, there are only four known to be alive, viz. : —
William Gibson, Samuel Cole, Henry Corum and Lewis Edgar,
all still living within the limits of this county.
The result of the election which took place in the year 1822, was
as follows : —
For Congress. Votes Beceived.
John Scott ---__.-__- 316
Alex. Stewart ----- _ 132
J. B. C. Lucas 72
For Representatives.
Benj. F. Hickox - - elected, 364
Jordan O'Bryan ------- elected, 380
Austin K. Longan ------- elected, 229
Jas. McFarland 211
Thos. Rogers 119
William Ross --_____-- 73
Samuel D. Reavis ---------65
William Bryant 44
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 741
For Sheriff. Votes Received.
Sylvester Hall elected, 328
David P. Maban 174
For Coroner.
Thomas Riggs __._ 174
William Poor was the first constable elected for Lamine town-
ship, that officer having been, prior to that time, appointed by the
courts.
It will be observed that the vote was much smaller in 1822 than
it had been in 1820. This was caused by the territory of the county
being much diminished, by the formation of Cole and Saline counties
from it.
ELECTIONS IN 1824.
Cooper county voted for Henry Clay for president, in 1824.
Only four poll books of this election could be found, which show
that Henry Clay had 136 votes, and Andrew Jackson 53 votes. It
was done as a debt of gratitude to Clay, for his great services, as a
member of congress, in the struggle of the state of Missouri for ad-
mission into the Union.
She was admitted under certain conditions, viz. : —
That the fourth clause of the twenty-sixth section of the third
article of the constitution of the state, shall never be construed to
authorize the passage of any law, and no law shall be passed in con-
formity thereto, by which any citizen of the United States shall be
excluded from the enjoyment of any of the privileges and immunities
of citizens, to which such citizens are entitled under the constitution
of the United States.
The legislature of Missouri assented to the conditions on the
twenty-sixth day of June, 1821, and by proclamation of the presi-
dent, James Monroe, the state was admitted on the tenth day of
August, 1821.
The constitution of the state of Missouri was adopted on the
nineteenth day of July, 1820, without submitting it to the people.
David Barton was president of the convention. He died at the house
of William Gibson, about one mile east of the city of Boonville, in
the month of September, 1837, and was buried in Walnut Grove
cemetery, at Boonville.
The question of the admission of Missouri into the Union
created great excitement in Congress and .all over the United States,
the main point of difference, between the opposing factions, being
the slavery question, which gave rise to what was called " The Mis-
souri Compromise."
742 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
The following is the result of the election held in August,
1824: —
For Congress. , Votes Received.
John Scott ---- 507
G. F. Strother - 81
Robert Wash _.___---- 5
For Governor.
Frederick Bates ---_ 249
William H. Ashley - - 347
For Lieutenant-Governor.
Benjamin F. Reavis - - - 501
Nathaniel Cook ---38
William C. Carr - - - - ... 9
James Evans __-_-----3
For State Senator.
George Crawford --------- 513
James Miller ---------78
James McCampbell ____-_-- 24
For 'Representative.
Benjamin F. Hickox - - elected, 473
George W. Weight ------ elected, 404
Jordan O'Bryan --------- 333
Joseph Billingsley _____--. 289
For Sheriff.
Marcus Williams - - ■ - - - - - elected, 389
J. H. Hutchison - - 222
For Coroner.
Hugh Allison 204
Constable Boonville Township.
William R. Paine - - - 87
William C. Porter -------- 80
Hugh Allison - - 23
Owen Ruble ---- 14
William W. Adams 4
1825.
On the eighth day of December, 1825, there was held a special
election for governor, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Fred-
erick Bates. David Todd, John Miller, William C. Carr and Rufus
Easton were the candidates. David Todd received a large majority in
Cooper county.
1826.
At the election on the first Monday in August, 1826, John Scott
and Edward Bates were candidates for congress. Scott had a majority
of 124 iu the county.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 743
Michael Dunn, Jordan O'Bryan, James L. Collins and John H.
Hutchison were candidates for representatives. Michael Dunn and
Jordan O'Bryan were elected. W- H. Anderson and David P.
Mahan were candidates for sheriff. Anderson was elected by fifty-
three majority, and Hugh Allison was elected coroner.
1828.
This was the first election in which party lines were closely drawn ,
for before that men had voted for the man whom they considered best
qualified, and not because he belonged to any party. The poll books
of the presidential election could not be found, but the August election
for representative in congress and county officers, having the same
principles at issue, will show pretty clearly how the presidential elec-
tion went. There were two tickets, viz. : Adams and Jackson, and
the tickets on which the men were who were elected, is marked oppo-
site to their names.
The following is the result of the August election : —
For Congress. Votes Received.
Edward Bates (Adams) - - .... 258
Spencer Pettis (Jackson) ------- 492
For Governor.
John Miller (Jackson) - 662
For Lieutenant Governor.
Samuel Perry (Adams) _.____- 201
Daniel Durklin (Jackson ) ___.--- 381
Alex. Stuart - ___. _ . 7
Alex. Buckner --------- 87
Felix Leatt 42
For State Senator.
Jordan O'Bryan (Adams) - 292
John Miller (Jackson) ------- 455
For Representative.
Archie Kavanaugh (Jackson) - - - - 499
David Jones (Jackson) - 508
Michael Dunn (Adams) - - - 240
George W. Weight (Adams) ... - 263
For Sheriff.
David P. Mahan (Adams) ------- 326
Joseph S. Anderson (Jackson) - - - - 435
For Coroner.
Hugh Allison ----- - 122
At the election in November, 1828, the county voted for Jackson
over Adams by a majority of about two hundred and thirty votes ; and
also in 1832 Jackson was re-elected, and received a large majority in
this county.
744 HISTORY or HOWARD and cooper counties.
The county also gave a small majority to Martin Van Buren in
1836. The county remained democratic until 1840, when the whigs
made a clean sweep, electing their full ticket. Reuben A. Ewing, a
whig, was elected state senator over David Jones, democrat ; and John
Gr. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan and Lawrence C. Stephens, whigs, over
John Miller, B. F. Hickox and Henry Crowther, democrats, by an
average majority of about seventy-five votes. There was great ex-
citement during this election, and politics ran very high. The whigs
held public meetings in regular order on each succeeding Saturday in
each township, until the full rounds were made. They had a band of
music, flags and banners, with mottoes ; they had also songs appro-
priate for the occasion, and eloquent speakers, promineut among
whom were John G. Miller, Jordan O'Bryan, John C. Richardson,
Robert C. Harrison and others.
The democrats did not make much display, but condemned the
same as humbuggery, and as an effort to win votes by exciting the
people. They held their meetings and had frequent public speakings
without any display or show. Their candidates for the legislature
were John Miller, Benjamin F. Hickox and Henry Crowther.
The state convention for Harrison and Tyler, was held at Roche-
port in June, 1840, which lasted three days. Seven steamboats were
chartered by the delegates for the occasion, each of which had its
band of music, two cannons, a log cabin and hard cider, and made a
fine display of flags and banners with mottoes inscribed thereon.
The most distinguished whigs of the state were there, and many noted
speakers from other states, among whom was the son of Daniel Web-
ster.
Their line of march was the grandest ever witnessed in Missouri.
They had in the procession long canoes on wheels, and in them some
of those who were engaged in the battle of Tippecanoe, in the act of
paddling the canoes as they marched along. Every delegation had a
large flag or banner, and many similar ones bearing thereon suitable
inscriptions.
The cause of this extraordinary campaign was, that times were
and had been very hard for several years past, and as people are
prone to lay their ills and misfortunes to the charge of somebody or
party other than themselves, they then charged that Martin Van Buren
and the Democratic party were the authors of their misfortunes.
The cry was reform, a national bank with a branch in every state,
and a protective tariff. The result was that Harrison and Tyler were elec-
ted by a large majority. Harrison died within one month after his inau-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 745
guration, and John Tyler became president. Several national bank
charters were passed by congress, but the president vetoed them all.
Times continued hard until the Mexican war ; from that time till 1857
they gradually improved, and from 1861 to 1873, times were good
and money plenty. But since 1873, history has repeated itself, times
have been very hard, and money of any kind difficult to get, and still
more difficult to keep. 'Tis a repetition of the old saying, " money
close, but not close enough to get hold of."
The county remained whig as long as the party lived. The last
candidate on the whig ticket was General Scott, who was defeated
by Franklin Pierce.
The campaign of 1844 was lively, with more parade and osten-
tation on the part of the whigs than was exhibited in 1840. For
president, Henry Clay was the nominee of the whig party, and James
K. Polk of the democratic party.
.HENRY CLAY AND JAMES K. POLK CAMPAIGN SONG.
During the canvass of 1843 between Henry Clay, of Kentucky,
and James K. Polk, of Tennessee, for president, many campaign
songs were written, but none was more popular than the following,
which was the effusion of some Boonville poet. The writer heard it
sung quite often when he was a boy. It was written for the Boonville
Register, during the campaign of 1843 : —
HENRY CLAY AND JAMBS K. POLK.
" The whigs call Henry Clay a coon,
And say he'll be elected soon;
But James K. Polk will go it alone,
And make old Henry walk jaw-bone.
So get out of the way, old Kentucky,
And clear the track for one more lucky.
" The whigs cried out for ' home pertection,'
And think to gain old Clay's election.
They hold conventions, shout and sing,
' Huzza for Clay ! ' he is our king.
But get out of the way, old Kentucky, etc.
" The whigs of '40 did invent
All schemes to elect their president,
And were successful, it is true,
Bufnow ' humbuggery ' will not do.
So get out of the way, etc.
" Their coon-skin shows and barrels of cider
Have opened the people's eyes some wider;
They cannot now be gulled so soon
By this very same old coon.
So get out of the way, etc.
746 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
" The squatters on the public land
Will all unite into one band;
Then will the ' lawless rabble ' say,
You cannot come it, Henry Clay.
So get out of the way, etc.
" The people of this mighty nation
Will not submit to coon dictation ;
So Mr. Clay may rest content,
He never can be president.
So get out of the way," etc.
WHIG CONVENTION, 1844.
The largest political convention that was ever held in Boonville,
and possibly the largest ever held in the state prior to that time, oc-
curred during the year 1844, and continued for two days, during the
10th and 11th of October. At sunrise on the morning of the 10th a
national salute was fired, and quite early in the day the people were
formed into a procession and passed to the southern skirts of the
city, in the following order : —
First, the splendid band from Jefferson barracks.
Next the Pilot Grove and Pisgah rangers, an independent cavalry
company.
Then the delegation from Howard county, with banner with por-
trait of Henry Clay, represented as advocating the "American
system."
Next came the Washington county delegation, bearing a banner
with motto : " The Union, first, last and forever."
Then the Benton county delegation, vvith a humorous banner. A
coon was represented as seated on a limb of a sturdy old ash tree,
while a crowd of men were trying to beat him off with poke stalks.
Another banner bore the inscription : " Protection to American
industry."
The inscription of the Monroe county delegation was: "The
dying request of the lamented Harrison will be carried out by Henry
Clay."
On one side of the Linn county banner were the words : " Soli-
tary and alone, 350 miles from home. Keep the ball in motion.
From the ladies of St. Louis." On the reverse side :
" To Dryden, of Linn, we ladies send ou"t
A banner unfurled, with our wishes devout,
That you be not alone in your efforts to save
The land of the free and the home of the brave."
The Boone county delegation carried a banner with the following
device on one side. A large fat coon rolling u ball over a cluster of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 747
poke stolks ; on the reverse side a wagon driven by Polk, containing
three individuals including the driver, and drawn by a poor old horse
that was just ready to break down, over which was inscribed " Bound
for Texas."
The Callaway county banner bore the inscription : —
Henry Clay : — Star of the West, we hail thy rays,
The brighter beams of brighter days.
The banner of the Rocheport Clay club, was made of domestic,
suspended in a rudely constructed ash frame trimmed off with tobacco.
The staves by which it was carried, were made of hemp stalks,
bound together; inscription "Our next president — Henry Clay;
Texas without dishonor." Then came the St. Louis delegation with
a banner bearing the words : " A Nation's gratitude, the Patriot's re-
ward."
The inscription on the silken banner ef the Cooper county dele-
gation was : —
Our cause is good, our cause is just,
Triumph we can, triumph we must.
Presented by the whig ladies of Moniteau.
Finally came the Ashland club, with a magnificient banner. On
one side of it was the picture of Henry Clay ; on the other was the
picture of an eagle perched high on a firm, immovable rock. Some
of these banners were painted by Mr. Bingham, who at one time
resided in Old Franklin, and who has since become famous for his
paintings, representing scenes and incidents of the war of 1861.
The number of people present was estimated to be 8,000, fully
2,000 of whom were ladies.
The following were the officers of the convention : —
President — Thomas J. Boggs. Vice-presidents — James H.
Lucas, St. Louis county ; R. R. Rees, Jackson county ; T. M. Ewing,
Lafayette county ; Samuel Garth, Henry county; Robert Ferguson,
Benton county ; J. L. Young, Polk county ; Caleb Edmonson, Pettis
county; A. Nifong, Madison county ; J. B. Duncan, Callaway county ;
James Harrison, Audrain county ; George H. Sexton, Boone county ;
Thomas C. Johnson, Washington county ; Samuel C. Major, Howard
county; Gihnore Hays, Saline county; Thomas G. Davis, Morgan
county ; Henry Bell, Clay county ; Robert Wilson, Randolph county ;
John Howell, Carroll county ; R. P. Price, Chariton county ; W. B.
Woodruff, Linn county ; Elias Barcroff, Cole county ; Hugh L. Arm-
strong, Newton county ; Benjamin Cummings, Miller county ; Calvin
748 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Waldo, St. Clair county; T. G. Noel, Platte county; C. Brown,
Monroe county ; G. Hornbeck, Jasper county ; James McFarland,
Camden county ; D. Hilbert, Franklin county.
Speeches were made by General John B. Clarkson, Sr., Mr.
Bidgeley of LaFayette, Colonel Tutt of Henry, Colonel Joe Davis of
Howard, Hon. C. Allen of Kentucky, B. B. Bees of Jackson, and
others. Among the letters read upon that occasion from distinguished
whigs who were absent, were those of Governor Jones, of Tennes-
see ; Hon. George Eobertson, of Kentucky ; S. S. Prentiss, of Missis-
sippi; Louis V. Bogy and others. Clay, in 1844, Taylor, in 1848,
and Scott, in 1852, received a majority of the votes cast in this
county. Taylor was elected in 1848, but he died in about one year
after his inauguration, and Millard Fillmore, vice-president, be-
came the president.
About 1854, the American or know nothing party sprang into
existence. This party was short-lived, being first defeated at a state
election in Virginia, and its members deserted it as rats do a sinking
ship. Many old line whigs joined the democratic party, and the
democrats, who were quite numerous in the know nothing party,
returned to their first love, and some aspiring ones denied that they
had " ever been there."
A large majority of the old line whigs formed an opposition
party, and voted for Millard Fillmore for president, in 1856. At that
time there were three candidates for president in th,e field, viz. :
James Buchanan, democrat, Millard Fillmore, American, and John
C. Fremont, republican. There was no ticket in Cooper county for
Fremont. Millard Fillmore carried Cooper county over James Buch-
anan by about eight votes, so nearly even were the two parties.
At the next presidential election in 1860, the candidates were
Stephen A. Douglas, union democrat, John C. Breckenridge, southern
democrat, Abraham Lincoln, republican, John Bell, union. Douglas
carried Cooper county by a small majority, Bell running him close.
Breckenridge had a small vote, and Lincoln but twenty votes. The
names of those who voted for Lincoln were afterwards published in
the newspapers, as an item of curiosity.
Abraham Lincoln, republican, and George B. McClellan, demo-
""at, were the candidates for president in 1864. Lincoln carried
Cooper county by a large majority. No great interest was taken in
the election in this county. There was no restriction as to the voters
at that time, but many democrats did not vote, and the republicans
generally turned out in full force. The republicans carried the county
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 749
at every election until 1872 ; the restrictions and the " test oath "
having been almost unanimously abolished in 1870, by a vote of the
people. The democrats have been ever since in the majority in the
county, their majority being about 800.
There was a state convention called in 1845, for the purpose or
framing a new constitution, and Dr. F. W. G. Thomas was elected a
delegate from this county. In 1846, the convention submitted the
constitution which they had framed to the people of the state, and it
was voted down by a large majority.
In 1861, a convention was called to consider the relations of this
state to the Federal Union, and to take such action in regard to the
existing troubles (the late war of the union having then commenced),
as they should deem best for the interests of the state. The candi-
dates for delegates to the state convention were William Douglas and
Benjamin Tompkins, of Cooper county; Charles Drake, of Moniteau
county, and J. P. Ross and William Tutt, of Morgan county, — these
three counties then comprising the twenty-eighth senatorial district.
William Douglas, Charles Drake and J. P. Ross were elected. The
history of the action of this convention having been incorporated in
other general histories, and so widely circulated, it is unnecessary to
repeat it here.
Another convention was called in 1864. Two delegates were
allowed to each senatorial district. Harvey Buuce, of Cooper county,
and Joel F. Humes, of Moniteau county, were elected delegates for
the twenty-eighth senatorial district. The delegates met at St. Louis,
and on the eleventh day of January, 1865, declared " that slavery or
involuntary servitude shall no longer exist in Missouri." They
framed a new constitution which has always been known as the " Drake
constitution," submitted the same to the voters of the state, and it
was adopted by a small majority.
It is a well-known fact that from 1853 to 1860, party spirit did
not prevail in elections, except as to state, congressional, and legisla-
tive candidates. In the elections in 1853 and in 1859, for the elec-
tion of judges and clerks and other officers, party was scarcely
mentioned. Every candidate had to stand upon his own merits ; and
that was generally the case as to county officers from the organization
of this county to the election in 1860. It is true, local questions
would sometimes interfere and govern the votes of some, yet they
seldom nominated party candidates for county officers, partisanship
being confined almost exclusively to the nomination of national and
state tickets.
49
750 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
At a whig convention in 1840 at Old Palestine, after nomi-
nating candidates for the legislature, it was proposed to make a nom-
ination for sheriff. After considerable debate this proposition was
voted down, for the reason that the office was not considered a political
one. This statement may sound strange to some, considering the
way nominations and elections are governed at the present day, but
it is nevertheless true ; and in proof of this the records show that
while the democrats were in power, John H. Hutchison was twice
elected sheriff, James Hill, sheriff once, John Crawford, assessor for
several years, and Robert P. Clark, circuit clerk. All of these men
were uncompromising whigs. And, while the whigs were in power,
Isaac Lionberger and B. E. Ferry were each elected sheriff two
terms, making eight years ; B. E. Ferry was also twice elected county
clerk, Robert Turner, assessor, and William Shields, a member of the
state legislature ; and all of these men were strong democrats. It is
true, the citizens would vote for the candidate of their own party, if
they deemed his qualifications for filling the office equal to those of
his opponent, and some, though the number was small, always
" stuck to " the nominee of their own party when opposite partisans
were running.
Great interest was generally taken in elections. There was much
more interest in and excitement over elections just before than after
the war. But, previous to the war, elections did not partake of that
bitter personal feeling which has characterized them since. Those in
opposition could be political enemies and personal friends. The
people of this section of the country are proud to say that animosities,
which were naturally engendered during the war, are gradually dying
away, and, if left undisturbed for a few years, will only be things of
the past, and have no real existence except upon the pages of history.
INCIDENT OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1844.
[From Boonville Observer.]
One of the most shameful acts that we have ever known perpe-
trated in any community or on any occasion, was committed in this city
on last Friday night, at the Whig gathering in the court-house, where
a part of the convention had assembled to hear speaking. Some de-
based wretch during the evening, cut the Howard and Lafayette ban-
ners which had the portraits of Mr. Clay on them. They were cut
about the throat of the picture, and also in other places. If a democrat
used the hand and knife that slit those banners, we do not know that
it would be much too severe a punishment upon him to be served like-
wise. No prudent democrat can object to the whig party's emblems
or banners. It is the privilege of all parties in this country to have
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 751
them, and an uplifted voice of indignation should chase the wretch
who will molest the banner of his opponent when exercising only the
same privilege that our institutions guarantee to him. As a democrat,
we sincerely regret that so mean an act could have been committed
here on that occasion. The C. club here, we understand, has offered
a reward of $100 for the detection of the man who committed
this foul staiu upon our community ; and the democrats will do
their utmost also, to detect him. In a political point of view
it will do no harm, but good citizens want no man who is capable of
such a deed among them.
COOPER COUNTY PRO— SLAVERY MEETING.
At a meeting of the citizens of Cooper county, held at Bell Air,
on Saturday, June 30,1855, for the purpose of appointing delegates
to attend the pro-slavery convention to be held at Lexington,
Missouri, on the 12th day of July, 1855, the following delegates were
appointed : —
Boonville township — J. L. Stephens, W. Douglass, A. W. Simp-
son, J. M. Nelson, J. W. Torbert, W. N. Ragland, Isaac Lionber-
ger, Jno. Combs, T. V. Hickox, Benj. Tompkins.
Lamine township — Freeman Wing, Jesse B. Turley, S. W. Mc-
Mahan.
Saline township — John L. O' Bryan, W. T. Thornton, J. K.
Eaglaud, A. W. Lucky.
Clark's Fork township — Robert McCulloch, Henry Mills, A.
Greenhalgh, Chas. Q. Lewis.
Moniteau township — A. K. Longan, D. Jones, D. P. Swearingen,
J. Baughman, Dr. Win. H. Ellis.
Kelly township — W. McCurdy, A. Nelson, Dr. E. Chilton.
Palestine township — Wm. Bradley, R. L. Bradley, B. C. Clark,
R. H. Menefee, James L. Bell, L. C. Stephens, R. A. Ewing.
Clear Creek township — James B. Harris, Geo. S. Cockrill, H.
R. Walker, Thos. Cockrill, Samuel B. Mahan.
Pilot Grove township — Dr. W. W. Harriman, Dr. J. K. McCabe,
W. M. Taylor, Jno. Miller.
Blackwater township — N. Sutherlin, Thos L. Williams, Richard
Marshall, John A. Trigg.
Lebanon township — Richard Ellis, Thos. McCulloch, Dr.
Samuel H. Saunders, H. W. Ferguson, Geo. Harland.
L. C. Stephens, president,
William Bradley,
J. M. Nelson, vice-presidents.
Bennett C. Clark, secretary.
CHAPTER XYI.
WAR HISTORY.
Indian Scare on Flat Creek, in Pettis County, in the Year 1832, and the Part the Citizens
of Cooper County took in Same — Mormon "War, in 'the Year 1838, and Companies
Raised' in Cooper County, at Call of Governor, to Assist in the Same — Company Raised
in Cooper County to Take Part in the Mexican War of 1846, and the Actions of Same,
Names of Officers, Privates, etc. — The late War of the Rebellion in Cooper County —
Battle Below Boonville — Movements of the "Home Guards" in Cooper County —
Defeat of Captain Parks by William Anderson — Shelby's Raid into Cooper County,
and his Engagements with the Federal Troops — Price's Raid into Cooper County, and|
the Battles Fought near Boonville — Bitter Partisan Feeling Engendered During the
War, etc.
Some time during the year 1832, a report became circulated that
the Indians had assumed a hostile attitude, and were attacking the
settlers living within the present limits of Pettis county, then part of
Cooper and Saline counties. The report that they were slaying men,
women and children as they went, spread like "wild fire," and men
hurriedly repaired to that part of the county to aid in the defense of
the homes of their neighbors. The place of rendezvous for those who
went from Cooper county was Wooley's Mill, on the Petite Saline
creek, where they organized by electing officers. After they had or-
ganized they marched to the supposed seat of war ; and on their ar-
rival they found that no Indians had been there, and that it had been
entirely a false alarm. These valiant soldiers then returned to their
homes, and for a long time it was impossible to find any one who
would acknowledge that he had been on that expedition.
The origin of this report was as follows: Some men, for their
own amusement, dressed themselves and painted their faces, so as to
resemble Indians, went to a corn field where a few men were at work
plowing, and, giving the Indian yell, shot off their guns, pointed in
the direction of the settlers. They, supposing that the disguised men
were hostile Indians endeavoring to slay them, took to their heels and
spread the alarm, which, with almost lightning rapidity, travelled from
neighborhood to neighborhood, and increasing in horror as it went
from lip to lip.
This originated several anecdotes, among which is the following:
A wealthy farmer of Cooper county catching the alarm, buried his
(752)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 753
bacon to save it from the blood-thirsty savages ; then going to a field
in which a large number of his negroes were at work, waved his hand
and hallooed at the top of his voice, " Put out ! Put out ! The Indians
will be upon you ! The Indians will be upon you!" The Africans,
taking the alarm, stampeded and scattered in every direction, as
though the savages with their tomahawks and scalping-knives were
already close upon their heels, when in reality there was not, at that
time, an Indian within 100 miles of the place.
THE MORMON WAR.
The Mormon war took place in the year 1838. The Mormons,
when they first arrived in Missouri, located in Jackson county, and
the citizens not looking with favor on their customs, and being in-
censed at the many crimes which they committed under the guise of
their religious views, soon drove them from that place, and they lo-
cated in Caldwell county, Missouri.
The citizens of that part of the state being determined to drive
them entirely from the state, but not having sufficient force to accom-
plish the desired end, called upon the governor to send them troops
sufficient to expel these false teachers. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs
issued a call for 7,000 volunteers to assist in driving the Mormons
from the territory over which he had control.
In response to this call, three companies were raised in Cooper
county. One, called the Boonville guards, composed entirely of
citizens of Boonville ; this, under the existing laws of the state, was a
standing company, and equipped at the expense of the state govern-
ment. The second, a volunteer company raised at Boonville, com-
posed of citizens of Boonville and the surrounding neighborhood. Of
this company, Jesse J. Turley was captain, Marcus Williams, Jr.,
first lieutenant, and J. Logan Forsythe, second lieutenant. The third
was raised at Palestine, the officers of which are not known. Of the
forces raised in Cooper county, Joel E. Woodward was brigadier-gen-
eral, Joseph Megguire, inspector-general, and Benjamin E. Ferry,
aid-de-camp to General Henry W. Crowther.
These companies marched twice towards the Mormon settlement
and the seat of war. The first time they marched as far as Jones-
borough, Saline county, where the commanders, supposing from re-
ports which reached them that there were sufficient troops already at
the scene of war to conquer the Mormons, ordered them to return.
They were shortly afterwards again ordered to the seat of war, and
marched to Lexington, where they crossed the Missouri river. They
754 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
then advanced about two miles into the prairie, and there camped for
two days. The Mormon troops having in the meantime surrendered
to -General John B. Clark, Sr., these companies returned home with-
out having the pleasure of meeting the enemy, or having the opportu-
nity of testing their valor. On their arrival at Boonville these troops
were disbanded.
The Mormons during this short war were commanded by General
Weite, an old British officer, who fought against General Jacksou in
the battle of New Orleans.
The Mormons, after the conclusion of the war, left the state and
located at Nauvoo, Illinois, where they remained for several years.
Having had a difficulty with the authorities of the state of Illinois,
and their prophet and leader, Joseph Smith, having been assassinated,
they again " pulled up stakes," and emigrated to the shores of the
Great Salt Lake, where they have ever since remained, believing
and feeling that they are a persecuted people.
The prisoners taken and retained in jail as the leaders of the
Mormons were Joseph Smith, Lyman Weite, Hiram Smith, Sydna
Regdon, Roberts, Higby, and two others. These men were first im-
prisoned in the jail at Richmond, Ray county, and were afterwards
removed to the jail at Liberty, Clay county, where they broke jail,
escaped pursuit, and were never tried.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
In the month of May, 1846, a call was made for one company
from Cooper county to join troops in Mexico, and assist in subduing
that people. On the twenty-first day of that month the following bul-
letin extra appeared, and of which the following it a verbatim copy: —
Thursday, May 21st, 1846.
Volunteers. — A proper spirit seems to animate the citizens of
our county and especially the young men.
The call for one company from the fifth division has been
promptly responded to. Forty-three volunteers were raised by Gen-
eral Ferry on Monday in Boonville, and on Tuesday, at Palestine,
under the direction of Generals Ferry and Megguire, the number was
increased to sixty-one. They then elected their officers, and the fol-
lowing gentlemen were chosen : —
Joseph L. Stephens, captain, without opposition, who delivered
to the volunteers on that occasion a spirited and handsome address.
First lieutenant, Newton Williams.
Second lieutenant, H. C. Levens.
First sergeant, John D. Stephens.
Second sergeant, William T. Cole.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
755
Third sergeant, Richard Norris.
Fourth sergeant, James S. Hughes.
First corporal, Tipton Prior:
Second corporal, A. B. Cele. '
Third corporal, Wesley Amick.
Fourth corporal, A. G. Baber.
The company, thus organized, assembled in Boonville on Wed-
nesday, where they were exercised in military duty by their accom-
plished and gallant young captain.
The following is a list of the privates : —
Thomas Bacon,
Samuel D. Burnett,
Jacob Duval I,
Charles Salsman,
Ewing E. Woolery,
Heli Cook,
Joel Coffee,
Joel Epperson,
Jesse Epperson,
Hiram Epperson,
John McDowell,
J. E. P. Wilcoxson,
T. T. Bowler,
William Sullans,
Horatio Bruce,
William J. Jeffreys,
James M. Jeffreys,
Hiram Burnam,
Edward S. D. Miller,
John Whitlev,
Benj. P. Ford,
Philip Summers,
George W. Campbell,
Samuel R. Lemons,
John R. Johnson,
Thompson Seivers,
Charles F. Kine,
Jesse Nelson,
John Colbert,
Robt. Rhea,
Edmond G. Cook,
John B. Bruce,
Jas. P. Lewis,
Benj. C. Lampton,
Oliver G. Ford,
U. E. Rubey,
W. B. Rubev,
W. H. Stephens,
John M. Kelly,
George Mock,
Samuel Elliott,
Alpheus D. Hickerson,
Edmond Eubank,
Henderson C. Martin,
Sprague White,
Wm. Woolsey,
Martin Allison,
Henry Francis,
Robt. H. Bowles,
Justinian McFarland,
Nathaniel T. Ferd,
James H. Jones,
James C. Ross,
Richard Hulett.
They departed to-day (Thursday) on the steamer L. F. Linn,
for St. Louis, where they will be armed and equipped, and imme-
diately transported to the army of occupation on the Rio Grande. Our
best wishes attend them. May victory ever perch upon their ban-
ners, and may they all return home to their friends full of honors,
with the proud' reflection that they have served their country faith^
fully.
When the steamer Louis F. Linn, Eaton, captain, Jewell, clerk,
arrived at Boonville, on her downward trip, the company formed in
line on the upper deck and many friends passed along the line, bid-
756 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ding farewell and shaking1 each volunteer bv the hand. The landing
was crowded with people. The boat soon started, with cheers from
the multitude, and waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies.
INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE.
The steamer laid up for the first night at Nashville, which is
about fifteen miles below Eocheport. The members of the company
were all jolly fellows, and jest and laughter made the time pass pleas-
antly and quickly. The most of them had never been from home,
and longed, with the anxiety of children, to see new countries and to
take part in other than every day affairs of their lives.
Lieutenant Levens being on watch the latter part of the night
aftertheyhad left Boonville, heard a terrible splash in the water,
and on inquiring for the cause discovered that one of his men had
fallen overboard. The deck-hands rescued him, and soon afterwards
another of the company followed the example of his comrade, and
was rescued by the same men. The lieutenant becoming alarmed for
the safety of the men of the company, waked up the captain, informed
him of what had happened, and told him that if he did not take
measures to prevent it he might have his company considerably di-
minished before they reached St. Louis, if the men continued to fall
overboard as rapidly as they had commenced. The captain was
greatly surprised at such unexpected accidents, and placed out a
strong guard, which prevented any more occurrences of the kind.
The trouble was that some of the men before leaving Boonville had
imbibed rather freely of intoxicants, and having never been on board
of a boat before, imagined they were on land and walked off without
being aware of their changed circumstances.
They arrived at St. Louis without further accident, and were
quartered at the court-house without any blankets to cover them, or
any place except the naked benches on which to sleep. Most of the
company expecting to draw their clothing and blankets at Jefferson
barracks, had nothing but the shirt and pants which they had worn
from home.
Captain Stephens' company was mustered into service by General
Eobert Campbell. General Taylor, having gained an important vic-
tory over the Mexicans, and it being thought that he would be able to
conquer his enemies without any further reinforcements, Captain Ste-
phens' company were ordered back, and directed to report to Adju-
tant General Parsons at Jefferson City, whither they hastened on the
same boat, expecting orders from him to join Doniphan's expedition
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 757
to New Mexico. General Parsons informed the captain that he had
no requisition for Cooper county, hut to hold his company in readi-
ness to march when called on. The members of the company were
very much disappointed at being thus summarily dismissed to their
homes, and felt very indignant at what they considered such shabby
treatment ; and though the company was ready and willing, during
the whole of the war, to go to the field of battle on the shortest no-
tice, it was not called upon. Some of the members of the company
were so determined to go that they joined other companies of General
Doniphan's command. The company, although gone from home only
a short time, had a rough introduction to military life, having been
forced to live on " hard tack" on the trip to St. Louis and return,
without bedding of any kind, and many of the men without a change
of clothes. Mrs. Andrews, an estimable lady of St. Louis, treated
the company to as many pies as the men could eat, for which they felt
always grateful to her.
But very few of the company had ever seen St. Louis, or any
other city, and it was a pleasing and wonderful sight to these men,
who had, during all their lives, been accustomed only to the quiet
scenes of their every-day life. The company, as it passed through
the streets, seemed, from the numbers who stopped to gaze at it,
to attract as much attention as a fantastic company, on account of the
queer costumes, arms and manners. As the company expected to
draw its uniforms at the " Great City," and as the men expected to
throw their citizen's suits away, they were not particular what they
wore when they started from home. Most of them, being dressed in
backwoods style, without uniform or arms, made a rather ludicrous
appearance to city folks. But the men cared little for that, and
some of the city gents were made to measure their lengths upon
the pavement for their uncalled-for remarks in regard to the personal
appearance and manners of the strangers.
Some of the, men of the company, while in St. Louis, had a row
with some merchants on Water street for insulting one of their num-
ber. After some little quarreling, the merchants threatened to have
them arrested and confined in the calaboose ; but they were told if
that threat was executed, they would level the calaboose, and if that
was not sufficient to show their power, they would level the whole
city, and that they had sufiicient men to accomplish that undertak-
ing. So, the merchants, becoming alarmed, did not attempt to
have the threat executed, and the difficulty was filially arranged
without any serious consequences. On their return up the Missouri
758 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
river, on the same boat on which they had gone down to St. Louis,
a finely dressed " gentleman " unthoughtedly made the remark that
" these soldiers were a rough set." The officers of Captain Stephens'
and Captain Eeid's companies demanded that he should be put ashore,
and at the' next landing he was made to " walk the plank," amidst
shouts and cheers from the crowd. They thus gave him an opportu-
nity of travelling on the next boat, where, perhaps, he might meet
with passengers more congenial to his nature, and where he would
not be forced to associate with those whom he considered beneath
him in the social scale.
After this they proceeded without further incident to Boonville,
where they were met by crowds of their friends and acquaintances,
who, with loud cheers, welcomed them home. Soon after they ar-
rived, the company was disbanded by the captain, with orders to be
ready to assemble and march to the seat of war on very short notice.
From that time to the close of the war the members of the company
were prepared at all times to march to the front, whenever their ser-
vices should be required, but they were never ordered forward to take
part in the great struggle which had then been transferred to the ene-
my's country.
This is the only part the citizens of Cooper county took in the
war of 1846, and though they did not partake directly in the struggle,
they showed their readiness to do so, by organizing and keeping in
readiness to march a company composed of some of the best citizens.
LATE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
We would like to pass the history of this war, and leave it to be
recorded by future historians, when the passions and bitter feelings
engendered shall have passed away and been forgotton ; but it is cer-
tain that it is not wise for the recorder of events to omit to tell the
simple truth for fear that it may grate harshly upon the ears of some
one. He must, impartially, write the facts as they occurred, without
showing favor to either side. It is not intended here to give a detailed
account of all that transpired during the unhappy conflict of the late
war; but the following pages only profess to give, without any com-
ment, some of the main facts as they occurred. All that transpired
during that memorable struggle would fill a large volume.
Cooper county suffered a great deal during the war. Her terri-
tory was nearly all the time occupied either by one party or the other,
and her citizens were called upon to contribute to the support of first
one side and then the other. The first of the actions which took
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 75 9
place within Cooper county, and indeed the seeond engagement of
the war, was the
BATTLE BELOW BOONVILLE.
Governor Jackson and General Price, on the 11th day of June,
1861, left Jefferson City, where the legislature was in session,
sought an interview with Generals Lyon and Blair, and made proposi-
tions for a compromise, on the basis of neutrality, etc. The two last
mentioned generals refused to make any compromise whatever, but
claimed the " unrestricted right to move and station the troops of the_
United States throughout the State, whenever and wherever that
might, in the opinion of the officers, be necessary, either for the pro-
tection of loyal citizens of the federal government, or for the repelling
of an invasion."
Governor Jackson and General Price, after this unsuccessful en-
deavor to bring about peace, returned to Jefferson city, and the gov-
ernor issued a proclamation, calling into the active service of the
state 50,000 men. General Lyon, a few days afterwards, issued a
counter proclamation, in justification of his course in refusing to
compromise with Governor Jackson and General Price.
General Lyon then moved his troops to Jefferson City, and on his
arrival at that place, he found that Governor Jackson had moved his
forces fifty miles above, to Boonville, cutting the telegraph lines, and
destroying the bridges on the railway as he proceeded. General
Lyon, leaving Colonel Boernstein in command of a small force at the
capital, on the afternoon of the 16th day of June, 1861, embarked
his forces on three steamers, and ascending the Missouri river, they
arrived at Rocheport about six o?clock on the following morning.
There he ascertained that the state troops, under General Marmaduke
(Price at that time being sick), were in full force a few miles below
Boonville, and that resistance might be expected from them, should
he attempt to reach Boonville by that road. Leaving this place, and
taking the steam ferry-boat, Paul Wilcox with it, General Lyon's
command ascended the river to the island, eight miles below Boon-
ville, which was reached at about seven o'clock a. m., and on the
southern shore of which the command disembarked.
No enemy being in sight, and the scouts reporting no sign of any,
the troops at once marched up the Missouri river towards Boonville,
and followed the road about a mile and a half, to the place where it
ascends the bluffs, from the river bottom. At this place, several
8hot8 from General Lyon's scouts announced the driving in of General
760 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Marmaduke's pickets. General Lyon then advanced for nearly a
mile, and found General Marmaduke well posted at the brow of the
ascent. Captain Totten opened the engagement by throwing a few
nine pound bombshells into the entrenchments of the state troops,
while the infantry commenced a heavy volley of musketry, which was
well replied to, the balls flying thick and fast among the ranks of the
troops, and wounding several on both sides.
The state troops, under the command of General Marmaduke,
were posted in a lane running from the Eocheport road in the direc-
tion of the river, and west of the residence of William M. Adams, on
the northeast corner of the junction of the two roads. During the
fight a couple of bombs were thrown through the east wall of Mr.
Adams' house, causing the inmates to retreat to the cellar for protec-
tion. A heavy fire from Colonel Shaefer's German infantry, General
Lyon's company of regulars, and part of Colonel Blair's regiment,
which were stationed on the left of the road, compelled the troops of
Geueral Marmaduke to retreat.
His force then clambered over the fence into a field of wheat, and
again formed in line just on the brow of the hill. They then advanced
some twenty steps to meet the federal troops, and for a short time
the artillery of Captain Totten was worked with great rapidity. Just
at this time the state troops opened a galling fire from a grove just on
the left of the federal centre, and from a shed from beyond and still
further to the left.
What had been before this a skirmish now assumed the magnitude
of a battle, which continued only about a half hour. The state troops
finding the federals too strong and too well armed and drilled to be
successfully opposed by raw recruits — most of them had never been
under fire — and having no artillery with which to return the fire from
General Lyon's batteries, abandoned the fight and retreated. Cap-
tains Cole and Miller took possession of " Camp Bacon " where the
state troops for two days had been encamped.
General Lyon continued his march towards Boonville. He was
met on the hill near the residence of T. W. Nelson, by James H.
O'Bryan, acting mayor of Boonville, Judge G. W. Miller, and other
prominent citizens, who formally surrendered the town to him, and
he immediately marched into and took possession of it.
General Marmaduke commanded the state troops on this occasion.
General Price was in ill health, and on the day on which the battle
occurred he left Boonville on a steamboat for Lexington. Governor
Jackson was on the battle-ground in the forenoon, but left Boonville
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 761
on the Georgetown road about eleven o'clock of that day. In this en-
gagement two of Lyon's men were killed and nine wounded. Among
the state troops, three were killed and several wounded, but the
number of these is unknown.
Kelly's was the only well organized and well drilled company
under the command of General Marmaduke, and it did not participate
in the battle. It was said that General Price was opposed to makino-
a stand against General Lyon at the time, as all of his troops, except
Kelly's company, were raw recruits and very poorly armed and drilled,
having rallied at Boonville during the preceding three days. There
was considerable controversy among the officers and men, whether,
considering the circumstances, a stand or retreat should be made ; but
some of the most enthusiastic, whose counsel prevailed, said that they
had come to fight and they intended to do so. There were several
prisoners taken by General Lyon, but they were afterwards released
on parole.
The next day after the battle, General Lyon issued a proclama-
tion, offering full pardon to all who would lay down their arms, re-
turn to their homes, and relinquish their hostility to the United States
government; and persons who did this were assured that they would
not be molested for past offences. Many who had taken part in the
battle availed themselves of the opportunity offered by General Lyon,
and some of them never took up arms again during the war.
General Lyon remained at Boonville for several weeks, during
which time he purchased a large outfit of wagons, horses and mules,
paying fair prices for them, no pressing or forced sales being made.
He also captured every steamboat that passed down the river. On
the third day of July, having received reinforcements of an Iowa
regiment, he took his departure for the southwest, his objective point
being Springfield. A short time before, General Blair left for Wash-
ington, to take his seat in congress, he having been elected a repre-
sentative from St. Louis.
This being the first battle of the rebellion which was fought on
land, the taking of Fort Sumter having occurred only a short time
before, produced great excitement throughout the United States, and
General Blair on his way to Washington was met by great crowds of
his friends, and lionized, feasted and toasted, as the "hero of the
hour."
Before General Lyon left Boonville, Major Joseph A. Eppstein
orgauized two companies of home guards, composed entirely of Ger-
mans, which were commanded by him, and threw up fortifications at
762 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES .
the old fair grounds. When he moved to Springfield, he left
Major Curly, who was shortly afterwards succeeded by Colonel John
D. Stephenson, in command at the fortifications.
Dr. Quarles was among the killed of the state troops. His body
was found in the wheat field late in the evening after the battle, he
having been severely wounded in the thigh, and not being discovered,
had bled to death. Young MeCutchen was also wounded in the thigh,
and was properly cared for, though all their efforts could not save
him ; he died a few days after the battle. The death of these two
gentlemen, so young, so promising and kind-hearted, cast a gloom
over the entire community, and their loss was universally regretted
by all parties. The other gentleman killed, who was from Pettis
county, was shot in the head, and his name is not recollected.
General Parsons, with the artillery belonging to the state troops,
arrived too late to engage in the battle. He came in on the Boonville
and Tipton road, via Wilkins' bridge, and halted at the top of the hill,
south of Boonville, near Dr, William H. Trigg's present residence,
where, learning the result of the battle, that General Marmaduke had
been defeated and was retreating, took the road leading from Boon-
ville to Prairie Lick, in a southwest direction, and soon formed a
junction with Governor Jackson's state troops.
General Lyon, two days after the battle of Boonville, sent a de-
tachment of his force southwest, by way of Syracuse, as far as Florence,
Morgan county, in pursuit of Governor Jackson. But finding that
the state troops had moved still farther south, the command returned
to Boonville without meeting any of Jackson's command.
MOVEMENTS OF THE HOME GUARDS IN COOPER COUNTY.
General Nathaniel Lyon, on the twentieth day of June, 1861,
organized and mustered into service a company of German home
guards, consisting of 135 men. Of this compauy Joseph A. Epp-
stein was elected captain ; Emil Haas, first lieutenant ; Ernest Roeschel,
second lieutenant, and John A. Hain, orderly sergeant. This com-
pany was, on the fourth day of August, ordered to Jefferson City for
the purpose of aiding in the protection of the capital. They together
with Colonel Brown's 7th Missouri regiment, were, a short time
afterwards, ordered to Otterville. They went by rail to Syracuse,
and marched on foot the balance of the way to Otterville, which they
immediately occupied.
A large number of southern men living in the vicinity had organ-
ized a company, and under the command of Captain Alexander, James
HISTOEY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 763
B. Harris, and others, were camped near by. These two commands,
not, for some reason wishing to attack each other, made the following
compromise which had been suggested by the southern commanders,
and after some parley, accepted by Colonel Brown. It was agreed
that if the federal troops would withdraw from Otterville, Captain
Alexander would disband his forces, and Colonel Brown ordered his
command back to Jefferson City.
Afterwards, the home guards, with part of Colonel Worth-
ington's command, were ordered to Boonville. They ascended the
Missouri river in a steamboat, and arrived at Boonville very early on
the morning of the day following their start from Jefferson City.
The morning was very foggy, so that the boat could hardly be seen
from the shore. It passed Boonville under cover of darkness and the
fog, and landed at Haas' brewery, situated about one-half of a mile
west of the city. Here the home guards disembarked, and from
thence marched around and surrounded the town before the citizens
were aware of their presence. Colonel Worthington, with the men of
his command, dropped down on the steamboat to the landing at the
foot of Main street, and marched up into the town. He then took n
number of prominent citizens prisoner, and confiscated the contents
of two tin stores and one shoe store, the owners of which were charged
with selling goods to the Confederates ; he also took possession of the
Observer printing establishment, then owned by A. W. Simpson, and
had the presses, type, etc., boxed up and shipped to Jefferson City.
This was all done under the orders of Colonel U. S. Grant, afterwards
president of the United States, who was then in command at Jeffer-
son City. The home guards, together with Colonel Worthington' s
command, on the afternoon of the same day, took with them the
prisoners and the property which they had confiscated. The prisoners
were afterwards released, and returned home; but most of the
property, except that belonging to the printing establishment, was
never again seeu by its owners.
On the twenty-eighth day of August, in the same year, General
Jeff. C. Davis ordered the home guards to reinforce Colonel Mul-
ligan at Lexington, Missouri. Two clays before, the 2d Illinois
regiment of cavalry had been ordered to the same place, and had
started. When Colonel Eppstein, the commander of the home
guards, arrived at Tipton, he heard that a part of the 2d Illinois
cavalry was at Boonville, and concluded to go there also, and re-
ported to headquarters, that if they had any orders for him, to for-
ward them to him at that place.
764 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Colonel Eppstein was ordered by General Jeff. C. Davis, then
stationed at Jefferson City, to remain at Boonville, and occupy the
breastworks, which he did.
On the first day of September, 1861, the troops around Boon-
ville formed themselves into a battalion, consisting of two and one-
half companies ; companies A and B, infantry, and one-half of a
company of cavalry. The officers of the battalion were Joseph A.
Eppstein, major; Emil Haas, surgeon, and John A. Hayne, ad-
jutant ; of company A, infantry, were John B. Keiser, captain ;
John Roterd, first lieutenant, and Charles Koch, second lieutenant;
of company B, infantry, were Charles Beihle, captain ; Joseph
Weber, first lieutenant ; John Fessler, second lieutenant. The half
company of cavalry was commanded by Peter Ostermeyer.
About four days afterwards, this battalion received information
that it would be attacked by the Confederates from several surround-
ing counties. Colonel Eppstein immediately arrested a number of
the most prominent southern men in Boonville, viz. : H. N. Ells,
Rev. H. M. Painter, William E. Burr, J. W. Draffen, James Harper,
and Joseph L. Stephens, and held them as hostages, hoping thereby to
prevent the contemplated attadk. But about six o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 13th day of September, 1861, while Eppstein's command
was at breakfast, the pickets having all come in, the breastworks were
attacked by a force of about eight hundred men under the command
of Colonel Brown, of Saline county. The fortifications were attacked
on the west, southwest and southeast sides. The first attack was
from the southwest, the next through Lilly's field on the southeast,
and finally extended around to the west side. At first the firing was
very rapid from the southwest and southeast, and soon afterwards
from the west side of the fortifications, the balls falling thick on
every side. Colonel Brown led the attack on the southeast, and
made two charges upon the breastworks, but was compelled to fall
back each time under the heavy fire from the intrenchments. In the
second attack Colonel Brown was mortally wounded, and fell within
fifty feet of the breastworks ; a short time afterwards, his brother,
Captain Brown, was also mortally wounded, and fell about ten feet
behind him. The Browns were both brave meu, and fought with
desperation, and with utter disregard of their own safety. After the
two Browns had fallen mortally wounded, and Major Poiudexter been
left in command of the Confederates, Mr. Burr, who was one of the
prisoners at the breastworks, having become satisfied that the in-
trenchments could not be taken, asked, and was granted permission
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 765
to visit the Confederates, under a flag of truce, in order to see what
arrangements could be made so as to bring about a cessation of hos-
tilities. The two commanders finally agreed upon an armistice for
seven days ; Major Poindexter' s troops to be withdrawn from the
breastworks and city, a distance of three miles, and were not to enter
town only for medicine during that time ; Poindexter was to return
all horses taken from union men, and surrender the arms of the
men who had fallen in the engagement. If the terms of the armis-
tice were broken by Poindexter, then Eev. H. M. Painter was to be
shot.
The home guards numbered about one hundred and forty
effective men. Their loss was two killed and seven wounded. The
names of the killed were John A. Hayne, adjutant, and Kimball, a
private. The number of Colonel Brown's command who were killed
and wounded is not known. Colonel and Captain Brown were, after
the battle, taken to a hospital atBoonville. The colonel died of his
wounds the same evening ; the captain lingered until the next dayr
when he too died. Their bodies were taken to Saline county for
burial.
At the commencement of the battle, messengers were dispatched
by three different routes, viz. : by way of Tipton, Jefferson City
road, and down the river in a skiff, asking for reinforcements. Of
these messengers, none reached Jefferson City except Joseph Read
and Joseph Reavis, who went down the river. Those who went by
'the way of Tipton and the Jefferson City road, were captured by
Colonel Brown's men-while they were on the way.
On the 14th, at ten o'clock p. m., the force at Boonville was re-
inforced by the 5th Iowa regiment, under the command of Colonel
Worthington, which came up the river on a steamboat. After the
armistice had expired, Major Poindexter drew off his men, and
marched up the river to join General Price at Lexington.
In November, 1861, a scouting party of three men belonging to
the home guards, started out to gain information in regard to a
baud of bushwhackers, who were thought to have their head-
quarters somewhere in Clark's Fork township, in this county.
While approaching the house of William George, in said township,
they were fired upon from the house, and one of their number killed.
The scouts then returned to Tipton, and having obtained reinforce-
ments, returned and burned William George's house.
On the 16th day of September, 1861, Colonel Eppstein's battal-
ion was commanded by Colonel Worthington to take possession of
50
766 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and guard the bridge across the Lamine river, on the ro;id from Boon*
ville to Arrow Rock. Before their arrival at the bridge, they heard
the firing of several minute guns behind them, which were intended
to wain the state troops of the approach of Colonel Eppstein's men.
They reached the bridge in the night, and were fired upon from the
opposite side of the river by the state troops, who seemed to have
taken possession of the bridge. Colonel Eppstein returned the fire,
and mortally wounded a young man named Herndon, who lived in
Lamine township, in this county. ' He was taken to the house of Mr.
Wm. Higgerson, where he soon afterwards expired. The state troops
soon retreated and left Colonel Eppstein's troops in possession of
the bridge, where they remained until the 19th day of September,
when they were ordered to return to Boonville.
Soon afterwards, Colonel Worthiugton ordered Colonel Eppstein
to take his command with him and burn this same bridge, it having
been reported that General Price's army was marching towards
Boonville from that direction, and would probably cross the Lamine
at that point. Colonel Eppstein endeavored to dissuade him from his
purpose by telling him that this would only delay Price' a single day,
as he could cross a short distance above ; but Colonel Worthinjrton
replied that it must be done, as he deemed it to be a military neces-
sity. So the bridge was burned in accordance with his order. This
proved to be a false alarm, as Price was not on his way to Boonville,
and did not attempt to march in that direction.
Under a special law of congress, passed on account of a general
dissatisfaction among the home guards all over the state, Colonel
Eppstein's battalion was reorganized, and became a part of the Mis-
souri state militia. Six companies were raised and organized at Boon-
ville, and to these were added two companies from St. Louis, thus
forming the 13th regiment of the Missouri state militia cavalry. The
company of infantry which was commanded by Captain Charles Beihle,
joined the 1st Missouri state militia infantry. Afterwards the 13th
infantry was consolidated with four companies of the 12th regiment,
and Schofield's " hussars," and from that time formed the 5th regi-
ment, the old 5th having previously been disbanded.
The officers of this regiment were Albert Sigel, colonel ; Joseph
A. Eppstein, lieutenant-colonel; John B. Kaiser, major; and John
Eetzer, surgeon. This regiment after first being thoroughly organ-
ized and fully drilled and equipped, was ordered to Waynesville, in
the Rolla district, where they remained and from whence they mostly
operated during the war. Part of this regiment was under the com-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 767
mand of Colonel Brown, during his pursuit of Shelby, when in Oc-
tober, 1863, he made his raid through the state iu the direction of
Boonville.
price's raid.
Six companies of the 5th regiment, under the command of Colonel.
Eppstein, composed a portion of the forces of General Sanborn during
his operations against General Price in his raid through Missouri in
the fall of 1864. General Sanborn, at first supposing that General
Price would march in the direction of Rolla, concentrated his forces
atthat place, but finding that General Price was making for Jefferson
City, he moved his command to the latter place, on the way march-
ing nearly parallel with the Confederates ; for while he was crossing
the Osage river at Castle Rock, General Price was crossing the same
stream eight miles below. Colonel Eppstein's command had a slight
skirmish with the Confederate advance guard between the Osage and
the Moreau creek, but he succeeded in reaching Jefferson City first.
General Sanborn had concentrated at that place, 3,000 infantry
and 4,000 cavalry, most of them regulars, and all of them well-armed
and drilled. General Price's army numbered about 20,000 men, yet
there were thousands of them who had no arms, and had never seen
anything like a battle. Neither had his troops been organized and
placed under commanders, as many of them had flocked to his stand-
ard as he had marched through the state, and as he was continually
on the march, he had no opportunity to effect organization in the
ranks at this time, though shortly afterwards he had them under
perfect control .
Price only made a slight attack on Jefferson City with a small
portion of his forces, then withdrew without a general battle, and
marched across the country in the direction of Boonville. General
Sanborn, as soon as he learned the true state of affairs, started his
cavalry in pursuit of the Confederates. The cavalry had skirmishes
with the Confederate rear guard, which was commanded by General
Pagan at Stringtown, Russelville and California, on the 10th day of
October, 1864, During these skirmishes, three of Colonel Eppstein's
men were killed and thirteen wounded. The loss of the Confederates
is unknown. Price camped, on the night of the 10th, on the Moniteau
creek, just within the limits of Cooper county, and on the next day
marched to Boonville.
The Federals moved west and camped on the upper Tip-
ton road, about eleven miles south of Boonville, at Crenshaw's farm.
On the 12th of October, Colonel Graveley, with about four hundred
768 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
mounted men of Sanborn's command, advanced by way of the upper
Tipton road to within about one-half of a mile of Boonville, to test
the strength, and if possible, to find out the contemplated movements
of General Price's command. At what is known as the Vollrath
place, about one-half of a mile south of Boonville, Colonel Graveley
came upon some Confederate companies in camp, and some lively
fighting ensued, but finding the Confederates too strong for them, the
Federals retreated to the main ai'ihy.
On the 12th, Colonel Eppstein with about three hundred and fifty
men of his command, moved toward Boonville, and camped at Bo-
hannon's farm, about seven miles south of Boonville. Early on the
morning of the 13th, he was ordered to advance as far as he could in
the direction of Boonville, and reconnoitre General Price's position.
Immediately upon receiving this order he commenced his march with
the above mentioned number of men and two mountain howitzers,
and on arriving at Wilkin's bridge, across the Petite Saline creek, his
command was fired upon by a band of about four hundred men under
the command of General Fagan, who were guarding the bridge.
Colonel Eppstein returned the fire, and ordered four mounted com-
panies to dismount and deploy as skirmishers. After some little
skirmishing along the banks of the creek, General Fagau leisurely re-
treated towards Boonville. After going north about one-half of a
mile to where a lane crosses the main road, south of Mrs. McCarty's
house, Colonel Eppstein, who was in pursuit, found that General Fag.in
had barricaded the road with trees, etc. Here Miller's and Murphy's
companies had a close fight with the Confederates, even using swords
and bayonets. These two companies were surrounded at one time
and ordered by the Confederates to surrender ; but the other two com-
panies of Colonel Eppstein's command coming up to their aid, Gen-
eral Fagan again fell back. At this place two of the Federals were
wounded, but none hurt upon the other side.
General Fagan next made a stand at Anderson's branch, and here
the two forces had a more severe battle. Three of the Federals were
killed, and seven wounded. The killed were Fred. Hoecher, a. man
named Jones ; the name of the other is not known. The loss of the
Confederates, as was afterwards learned, was considerable.
General Fagan by this time had brought up four pieces of artil-
lery, and commenced shelling the woods along Anderson's branch in
which Colonel Eppstein was stationed. The Federals then received
orders to fall back, and retreated to California, Moniteau county, to
obtain supplies. They soon afterwards returned to Crenshaw's farm,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 769
and there halted and took dinner. There General Sanborn learned
that Price had left Boonville, so marching west he camped for the
night at New Nebo church. The next morning he continued his
march in the direction of Georgetown.
In August, 1864, Captain Parks with two companies, of which
Franklin Swap was first lieutenant and provost marshal, being a part
of the Iowa cavalry, had command of the post at Boonville. Finding
but little to do on this side of the river, they crossed over into
Howard county, in search of Anderson's bushwhackers, — passed
through New Franklin, and took the road east leading to Bocheport.
Although warned by the citizens of his danger, as Anderson was
known to be in full force in the neighborhood, Captain Parks marched
on. When about one mile east of New Franklin, his command was
suddenly attacked by Anderson's men, and cut into two parts, seven of
them being killed by the first fire. The greater part of his command
retreated to a house in the Missouri river bottom, and kept Anderson
at bay by firing through the cracks of the house. Captain Parks, at
the outset, became separated from his men, and retreated towards
Fayette until he met Major Leonard's command, which happened to
be marching in that direction. With this he returned to the relief of
his company, and Anderson having learned of his approach, drew off
his men and retired.
The part of Captain Parks' company which had been besieged in
the house, finding that Anderson had drawn off his men, mounted
horses, came back to Old Franklin in the night, and crossed the river
in safety, although several men were missing. This part of the com-
pany knew nothing of Captain Parks until the next day, when he
made his appearance. They then recrossed the river, and having re-
covered the bodies of their companions who had been killed, buried
them in one grave at the city cemetery, in the southwest part of
Boonville.
In the winter of 1862 and 1863, Colonel Pope was the com-
mander of several companies of home militia, with headquarters at
the fair grounds at Boonville. They disbanded in 1863, and Colonel
D. W. Wear formed a battalion and was commander of the post at
Boonville. The battalion did considerable scouting, the details of
which are not sufficiently known to be given.
Lieutenant Colonel Beavis, while under Colonel Pope, learning
that some Confederate recruiting forces had crossed the river, making
their way in a southern direction, immediately started in pursuit,
and overtook them while in camp in the brush, near Thomas Tucker's
770 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
house, about two miles east of Buuceton, in Cooper county. He fired
upon them, killing two men and wounding one. The recruits then
separated and made their way out of the country by different routes.
The names of the Confederates who were killed were Joshua Lamp-
ton and Jones, from Boone county. They were buried at the
" Vine " or Concord church. The wounded man, after recovering,
was paroled by Colonel Pope, and returned to his home in Boone
county.
SHELBY'S RAID.
General Joseph Shelby, of the Confederate army, made a raid
into Cooper county during the month of October, 1863. He passed
through Otterville on the night of the 9th of said month, and burned
the Pacific railroad bridge near that town. On the night of the 10th
he camped near Bell Air, in a pasture belonging to Mr. Nathaniel
Leonard, and on the next day he marched to Boonville. His move-
ments becoming known in Boonville the night before, a meeting of
the citizens was called by Mayor McDearmon. After some delay, the
conclusion was reached that the only alternative was to surrender the
city to General Shelby. Citizens were sent out to meet him, who re-
turned without being able to gain any information as to his wherea-
bouts, and conveyed the impression that he would not pay his
compliments to the city during this expedition.
Therefore, his arrival at Boonville on the 11th day of October,
was quite a surprise to the citizens. Several of the citizens had
crossed the river into Howard county the night before, having con-
cluded that discretion was the better part of valor, that their presence
in Boonville would accomplish no good, and that there would be more
safety in making themselves scarce.
Just as General Shelby marched into Boonville from the south,
Major Leonard, with about 250 Federal troops, appeared on the north
side of the river and commenced crossing his men. The first boat
load had almost reached the Boonville shore, when some one called to
those in the boat that the town was full of Confederates, and that they
had better retreat. The pilots immediately turned the boat around
and made for the Howard shore. At this time some of Shelby's men
appeared and commenced firing upon the boat with muskets. But the
boat, having gotten out of reach of this fire, the Confederates brought
up some artillery and opened fire upon the boat, two shots striking it
before it reached the shore. As soon as Major Leonard landed his
forces, the artillery was turned upon them, and they were soon forced
to retire beyond the reach of the shells.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 771
At the same time, Colonel Crittenden, with about one hundred
men, was seen steaming up the river in a boat, but on learning the
situation of affairs a^ Boonville, he dropped down the river and landed
a short distance below, in Howard county.
General Shelby remained in Boonville the balance of the after-
noon of that day, and encamped for the night west of the city on the
Georgetown road. He came here to obtain supplies, such as clothing
and provisions, which they found in great abundance, and which they
took, wherever found. M. J. Werthiemer, and Messrs. Lamy &
McFadden were the greatest sufferers, each losing about $4,000 in
clothing. The Confederate troops did not molest any person during
their stay ; not a single man was killed or wounded, and they were
very polite and gentlemanly to every person.
While the Confederates were in Boonville, the Federals, under
General Brown, were close behind them, and on the 11th day of
Octoher, were within eight miles of Boonville, on the Bell Air road.
On that day General Brown moved a portion of his troops west to the
junction of the Sulphur Springs and the Boonville and Georgetown
roads, which is about seven miles southwest of Boonville. But dur-
ing the night he marched his command back again to the Bell Air
road, and camped near Bellingsville. The next morning after Gen-
eral Shelby had left, the Federals passed through Bdonville in pursuit,
their advance just behind the Confederate rear guard. Two of Gen-
eral Shelby's men who had stopped at Mr. Labbo's house, about one
and one-half miles west of Boonville to get their breakfast, were
killed by some Federal scouts as they appeared at the front door, in
order to make their escape.
A running fight was kept up at intervals, all along the route from
Boonville to Marshall. The fight became pretty spirited between the
Sulphur Springs and Dug Ford ; and at Dug Ford two Federals were
killed and fell from their horses into the water. During this long
running fight there was quiet a number killed on each side, but the
number is not known.
At Marshall, a battle took place, in which a number were killed
and wounded on each side. But General Shelby succeeded in escap-
ing from his pursuers with the loss of only a sniall portion of the stores
which he had obtained at Boonville.
This raid, of course, produced great excitement, and in the heat
of passion, considerable censure was heaped upon the commanding
officer, whether justly or unjustly, is left to the reader to determine.
General Shelby succeeded in getting back to his lines without any
772 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
great loss, but whether his entire anticipations in regard to obtaining
supplies and reinforcements were fully realized, is not known. Major
Leonard and Colonel Crittenden crossed their commands over the
river to Boonville about ten o'clock on the morning of the 12th, and.
after stopping for dinner, they started in the direction of Marshall.
Boonville, then, was once more clear of troops, and the citizens had
time to gather together provisions to feed the next lot .of hungry
soldiers who happened to land there, whether they were Federals or
Confederates. Thus ended the famous " Shelby's Raid," as far as
Cooper count}' was concerned.
price's raid into cooper county.
The Federal troops in the fall of 1864, having all abandoned
Boonville, three companies of home guards were organized for
the protection of the city against what were known as the bush-
whackers. One company was commanded by Captain Horace Shoe-
maker, another by Captain Harrison Thompson, and the third by
. The two last mentioned companies were composed of
men belonging to both parties, who had joined these companies with
the understanding that they would only be required to protect the
city against bushwhackers and plunderers, and would not be com-
pelled, against their wills, to fight against the regular southern
troops.
Although there were frequent alarms, the bushwhackers never
attacked Boonville, but often during the war made raids through the
county, in which many citizens were killed. They always took any-
thing they wished, no matter in whose hands it was found. There
were also bands of robbers moving continually through the county,
who cared nothing for either party, and who robbed and killed with-
out discrimination or regard to party. During the year 1864 many
good citizens, belonging to each side, were shot down, first by one
party and then by another, and many citizens nbaudoued their homes,
seeking places of more security. The details of these murders and
robberies are too disgraceful and sickening to enumerate in this brief
history.
On the 11th day of October, 1864, scouts brought information
that a large hostile force was approaching Boonville. These three
companies, being under the impression that these were Andersons
bushwhackers, immediately erected a strong barricade across Fifth
street, at Thespian hall, in Boonville. They were strengthened in
the belief that these were bushwhackers from the fact that they
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 773
had received a dispatch that afternoon from Mexico, Missouri, stating
that General Price had been repulsed at Jefferson City, and was re-
treating by way of Tipton.
So these companies of home guards, expecting no quarter
from Anderson's men, prepared to sell their lives as dearly as they
could, thinking, any way, that it would be certain death to fall into
the hands of Bill Anderson. Soon afterwards Shelby's command
entered the town with a dash, killing a German scout near Mrs.
Muir's residence, about one mile east of Boonville. The home
guard fired one round at the advance guard of Shelby's command
as they advanced along Vine street, near the Baptist church, but their
fire injured no one.
Learning that this was but the advance guard of General Price's
large army, and that resistance would be useless, the home guards
surrendered as prisoners of war. These prisoners were quartered at
the court-house and closely guarded, but the commissioned officers
were paroled. General Shelby, with his command, entered about
sundown on the above mentioued day. General Price and his staff
made their headquarters at the City hotel, on Morgan street. On
Tuesday, the 13th day of October, the prisoners were marched in
front of the city hall, ranged in line, and General Price made them a
speech and gave orders for their parole, on the condition that if they
were ever found with arms against the south they would be shot.
Price had about 20,000 men, many of them late Missouri recruits,
without arms. Some of his command were well armed and drilled,
but the greater part were very poorly armed. Their general conduct
toward the citizens during their stay in Boonville was good.
On the night of the 13th, while Captain Shoemaker, who was on
parole, was going from Captain John Porter's house to his residence,
on the corner of Central avenue and Sixth streets, he was captured
by some men, who were afterwards discovered to be Anderson's
men, taken to the Fair grounds, killed, and his body thrown into the
river. Two men, named Neef and Boiler, were killed near their
homes, about four miles west of Boonville ; also a negro man who
was concealed in a corn-shock on the farm of J. M. Nelson, situated
two miles west of Boonville. Those were all the persons killed in
this part of the county, who were not slain in battle, whose names
are now recollected.
Thousands of volunteers in Missouri flocked to the standard of
General Price, believing that he would be able to hold the state. The
rear guard of General Price's army, and the advance guard of Gen-
774 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
eral Sanborn's command, skirmished, at intervals, from Jefferson
City to Boonville. General Sanborn's command consisted of about
4,000 mounted men. The infantry command under General A. J.
Smith, was also in pursuit, but never came within fighting distance
of the Confederates.
There was|;cousiderable skirmishing and some hard fighting
south and southeast of Boonville, during Price's three day's sojourn
at that place, in which a number were killed and wounded on both
sides. The Arkansas militia, under the command of General Fagan,.
who were left to protect the rear of General Price's army, were the
greatest sufferers among the Confederates.
A dash was made upon General Price's out posts by a few com-
panies of Federals, whocame so near Boonville that the firing could
be heard and the smoke of the battle seen from the city. General
Price's artillery was brought into requisition and soon compelled the
Federals to retire. The greater part of Price's regulars was then
called out, and a general charge having been made all along the line,
the Federal army fell back on the road leading from Jefferson City
to Georgeton, via Bell Air, and following that road, camped about
four miles west of Bell Air, near the farm of A. J. Read.
Price's army left Boonville during the night of the 14th of
October, having remained there three days. His army took all the
horses in the northern p'art, and the Federal troops all in the southern
part of the county. Both parties foraged upon the people of the
county for the support of their respective armies, and left the county
pretty destitute, especially of horses, hardly a good one being left.
This was virtually the end of the war as far as Cooper county was con-
cerned — no more battles being fought in it between organized armies.
The partisan warfare' in Cooper county became pretty bloody
during the summer and fall of 1864. The details of this warfare the
writer must be excused from recording, as the task would not only be
difficult, but serve to recall to the minds of many, unpleasant remin-
iscenses.
^^E
CHAPTBK XVII.
BENCH AND BAR — CRIMES AND SUICIDES.
Payton R. Hayden — James Winston — Judge John C. Richardson — Littleberry Hen-
dricks—Judge Benjamin Tompkins — Hon. John G. Miller — Thomas Jefferson
Boggs — William Douglas, Esq. — Captain Joseph L. Stephens — Present Attor-
neys— Crimes and Incidents — Luke Harris — Jack Harris — John Brown and
Emma Jane Brown — Otterville Train Robbery — Pilot Grove Tragedy — Estella
A. Wilbur — A. B. Thornton Instantly Killed — Suicide — Albert Edwards.
PEYTON R. HAYDEN.
The pioneer lawyer of Boonville and of Cooper county was Pey-
ton R. Hayden, who was one of the most distinguished members, in his
day, of the Missouri bar. He was a native of Kentucky, and was born
near Paris, Bourbon county, February 8, 1796. He came to How-
ard county, Missouri, in 1818, and located in Boonville in 1819,
after having taught a school near the old town of Franklin. Asa lawyer
he was popular and successful. He was a strong, vigorous and argu-
mentative speaker, never indulging in flights of oratory, but seldom
failed to make a favorable impression on the minds of a jury. He
prepared his cases with great care, was very methodical, and carried
with him around the circuit a book which he called " Hayden' s
Digest." It contained a synopsis of each case in which he was re-
tained, with the authorities on which he relied. He was fond of
anecdote, and was good at repartee. In manner, Mr. Hayden was
rather dignified, but always kind and courteous in his intercourse
with others, aud especially with the members of the bar. He died in
Boonville, on December 26', 1855, comparatively young, being then
in his sixtieth year.
JAMES WINSTON
was a rough diamond ; a natural orator, unadorned, unrefined and un-
polished. The gift of swaying the minds of men and leading them
captive he inherited from his grandfather, the great Revolutionary
orator, Patrick Henry, his mother being the youngest daughter of
that distinguished patriot. Mr. Winston was born in 1813, but
whether in Virginia or North Carolina, is a matter of some doubt.
Although deficient in his early education, he was a constant reader,
(775)
776 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and, possessing a most retentive memory, was enabled to accumulate
a large amount of historical, biographical, scientific and legal know-
ledge. His knowledge of ancient history was profound, but he was
chiefly distinguished for his brilliant conversational powers. He
came to Boonville in 1834, but afterwards moved to Benton county.
He was elected to the state senate in 1850, and became so popular as a
whig, he was the nominee of that party in 1852 for governor. His
opponent in the race was Sterling Price. He generally travelled on
foot in attending courts or canvassing the state. He was careless in
his dress, and was fond of hunting and fishing. He had a good prac-
tice, and as a declaimer he was witty, sarcastic and humorous, and
was not excelled by any of his brethren as a punster. He has been
dead many years.
JUDGE JOHN C. RICHARDSON.
Judge Bay, in his "Bench and Bar," of Missouri, says: "If
called upon to furnish a model of a good lawyer, a good citizen, and
one who was most deservedly ranked as one of God's noblemen, we
should instinctively name John C. Richardson."
Judge Richardson was a native of Kentucky, where he was born
about 1817. He received his legal education at Transylvania Univers-
ity. He came to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Boonville, where he
remained until 1850, when he moved to St. Louis, and formed a law
partnership with Sinclair Kirtley. He was afterwards a partner of
Samuel T. Glover. In 1853 he held the position of city counsellor
of St. Louis. In 1857 he was elected to a seat on the supreme bench
of the state, and continued to fill the same until 1859, when he re-
signed on account of ill health. He died in St. Louis, September 21,
1860, in the 42d year of his age. As a judge, his decisions were clear,
lucid and profound. Nature, had provided him with all the elements
of a successful lawyer. His mind was purely logical, and he delighted
in legal research. He was not an orator, but, as a speaker, was
earnest, impressive, fluent and convincing.
LITTLEBERRY HENDRICKS .
In lSS^ the subject of this sketch crossed the Missouri river at
Boonville and wended his way on foot to the extreme southwestern
part of the state. As he entered the village of Springfield, Missouri,
with a small bundle of clothes suspended at the end of a stick, which
he carried over his shoulder, he presented a forlorn appearance. Upon
inquiring of the village landlord if there was an attorney in the place,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 777
he was informed there was none, and being in search of a location, he
was determined to pitch his tent in the city of the Ozark range.
He was born in Virginia about the year 1800, and in early life
was a mechanic. He came to Howard county, Missouri, about 1830,
and clerking for a short time in the law office of Judge Leonard at
Fayette, he located in Boonville, and resided here until 1833, as al-
ready stated.
Iu 1844 he was the nominee of the whig party for lieutenant-gov-
ernor. He was appointed judge of the fourteenth judicial circuit by
Governor Gamble, and discharged the duties of the office with marked
ability and great satisfaction.
He died in Springfield January 10, 1863, at the age of sixty-
three years. He was a man of spotless integrity and exceedingly lib-
• eral in his charities. He took a bold stand in favor of temperance and
reformation. Though born in a slave state, he stood manfully by the
government in the war of 1861.
JUDGE BENJAMIN TOMPKINS.
Like many of the early lawyers of central Missouri, Judge Tomp-
kins came from Kentucky — from Lexington, in 1836 — and located
in Boonville, where he began the practice of his profession. About
the year 1855 he became judge of the court of common pleas, and as
such gave great satisfaction. He was elected to the lower house of
the general assembly from Cooper county in 1848-50-52. He was
also, for a short time prior to 1878, editor of the Boonville Advertiser.
He was a man of excellent education, but was an indifferent
speaker. He was genial and kind, and possessed many good traits of
character. He left Boonville a few years ago to accept a position as
clerk in the commissary department at Jeffersonville, Indiana, where
he now resides.
HON. JOHN G. MILLER.
Not only did some of the members of the bar, who lived in Boon-
ville in the early history of Cooper county, grace the highest judicial
positions in the state, but others were elevated to seats in the national
congress.
The subject of this sketch was thus twice honored, and was a
member of that august body at the time of his death, which occurred
iu 1854.
Mr. Miller was also a native Kentuckian, and was born about
1810. He was a good lawyer and a successful' practitioner, both be-
778 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
fore the court and jury. He was afflicted with rheumatism, and in
consequence thereof had one of his legs amputated while sojourning
at the home of his father-in-law, in Saline county, and died soon
after.
He was a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, and ably and
efficiently represented the people of his district in congress. Polit-
ically he was a democrat, and served his party with great earnestness
and fidelity.
THOMAS JEFFERSON BOGGS
is remembered by the old citizens of Cooper county as one of the
most ardent and distinguished vvhigs in Missouri, having faithfully
followed the fortunes of that grand old party until it ceased to exist.
Mr. Boggs was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and was born
about the beginning of the present century. He emigrated to Mis-
souri about the year 1821, stopping first at Old Franklin, in Howard
county. He remained there until the town began to decline, and then
became a citizen of the then thriving city of Boonville. During his
residence in Old Franklin he acted as second to Judge Abiel Leonard
in the duel that was fought on Wolfe island, in the lower Mississippi,
between that gentleman and Taylor Berry, in 1824, a full account of
which is given in the history of the " Bench and Bar " of Howard
county in this book.
Mr. Boggs was a brother of Lilburn W. Boggs, who was at one
time governor of Missouri, but differed widely from him in politics, his
brother being a prominent democrat.
As a lawyer he was considered a safe counsellor, but was modest
and retiring in his disposition, and reticent, especially in the company
of strangers ; he was, however, after becoming acquainted, always
genial, and a fine conversationalist. He went to California in 1849,
WILLIAM DOUGLAS, ESQ.
One of the ablest and at the same time one of the most brilliant
men who ever practised law in central Missouri was the man whose name
stands at the head of this sketch. Like the great Stephen A. Douglas,
he was an eloquent and ready speaker, and as an orator was not in-
ferior to any of his contemporaries in this portion of Missouri.
Mr. Douglas was a native of Virginia, whence he came about the
year 1850 to Boonville, where he commenced the practice of his pro-
fession. Here he soon enjoyed a lucrative practice. He was chosen
as the orator of the occasion, upon the event of the laying of the
corner-stone of the Thespian hall, in Boonville, at which time he
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 779
greatly distinguished himself as a public speaker. He, like many
others, believing that the future great city of the west would be Kan-
sas City, left Boonville in 18 — and took up his residence in the former
city, where he continued to practice his profession until his death.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH L. STEPHENS.
Among the honored names of the men who practised their pro-
fession at the bar of Cooper county, there is none that shines with
greater resplendence than that of Captain Joseph L. Stephens. He
was born in Cooper county, January 15, 1826, and was the son of
Lawrence C. and Margaret P. Stephens, the former from Virginia and
the latter from North Carolina. He was raised a farmer, obtained his
early education at the common schools of the county, and finally was
graduated at the high school of Boonville. He entered the law office
of Hon. John G. Miller, in 1844, and during two years was a close
student, spending a few months, however, of each year teaching school,
as a means of supporting himself while preparing for his profession.
He completed his studies in 1847, and after that practised law in Cooper
county, in the court of claims at Washington, D. C, and in the
supreme court of the United States, until 1864, when, because of an
affection of the throat, he was compelled to give up his profession. In
1857 he was a partner of Senator G. G. Vest, the partnership con-
tinuing until the breaking out of the war of 1861. He was county
attorney in 1851. As a lawyer in early life, Captain Stephens was a
brilliant success. He was also a success as a financier, successful in
his railroad enterprises, and successful in all the varied conditions and
pursuits of life, wherein he was called to labor. He died Augusjt 11,
1881, at his home in Boonville, honored and esteemed by all who
knew him.
(For a more complete sketch of Captain Stephens see biographies.)
CRIMES AND SUICIDES.
Although sixty-five years have passed since Cooper county was
organized, there have been but three executions in all its history,
the first two occurring in 1826 and in 1830, and the third and last in
1879, there being an interval of nearly fifty years between the second
and last executions. This fact (only three executions) speaks vol-
umes for the morals of the people of the county, and shows unmistak-
able evidence of their character as order-loving and law-abiding
citizens. Many younger counties, with less population, have a much
blacker criminal calender than old Cooper. There were a number of
780 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
crimes committed, 'tis true, during the war of the rebellion, in differ-
ent parts of the county — some of them being as foul and as atrocious
as ever disgraced the annals of any county — but barring these, which
were common during the war to all sections of the country, there have
been, we say, but comparatively few crimes in Cooper county since
the date of its organization.
LUKE HARRIS.
The first execution that occurred in Cooper county, as already
stated, took place in 1826., Luke Harris, a slave, killed his master,
Hezekiah Harris, on the 19th day of May, 1826, under the following
circumstances :
Luke was in the field of corn, plowing. His master followed
out after him, to see how Luke was getting on. While there he told
Luke that he talked too loud to the horse that was in the plow, and
told him that he must not make so much noise. Luke continued to
make as much noise as ever, when his master took the lines and
plowed some himself, to show Luke that he could plow without being
so noisy. When Harris had been plowing a round or two, Luke told
him that he (Harris) made as much noise as he did. Harris under-
took to whip Luke for his impudence, when Luke stabbed him with a
butcher-knife under the shoulder, killing him instantly. For this
crime he was executed, being the first person hung in Cooper county.
JACK HARRIS.
On the evening of July 30, 1830, four years after Harris was
killed, two negroes, one the slave of John B. Harris, and the other
the slave of John Gabriel, killed the latter (John Gabriel), in a most
outrageous manner.
It appears from the developments afterwards made, and the tes-
timony in the trial of the case, that Mr. Gabriel owned and operated
a distil lery in Lamine township ; that he had at his house a nail keg
full of silver dollars ; that his wife, who was a widow at the time he
married her, had one child — a son — who was a grown up man ;
that they desiring to possess themselves of Gabriel's money, hired
Jack Harris and Edmond Gabriel (the two negroes above referred to)
to kill him. Jack came to the house after dark and hallooed from the
road. Gabriel, who was a very old man, answered the call, when
Jack told him he came to buy some whiskej'. Gabriel lighted a candle
and went ddwn to the distillery, which was located on a branch but a
short distance from his house, to get the whiskey. While there, the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 781
two negroes killed him with an axe, by striking him in the forehead
with the edge, cleaving the skull, which killed the old man instantly.
They dragged his body to a stable and left it on the inside, thinking it
would be supposed that the deceased had been kicked by a horse. The
next day Jack was seen in Boonville with considerable money. In the
meantime the news of the old man's death had been heard in town, and
Jack, being suspected, was arrested. Edmond was also arrested the
same day. The latter turned state's evidence. Jack was tried, and
hung in 1830. Edmond was taken south and sold. Nothing positive
was proven against Mrs. Gabriel and her son. They left the county
soon after the trial, moving to Texas, where, it is said, the son was
hung for stealing horses.
JOHN BROWN AND EMMA JANE BROWN.
In February, 1879, the body of George Brown was found in the
county, near Drafi'en's coal bank, where it had been thrown by John
Brown and Emma Jane Brown, the former being his son and the latter
his wife. George Brown, Jr., testified that he left Howard
county, Indiana, in the summer of 1878, for Kansas, with his father,
George Brown, Sr., and wife Emma Jane Brown, who was his
step-mother, and John and Sarah, his brother and sister.
Soon after crossing the river at Rocheport, and while passing
through Cooper county, on their journey to Kansas, his father was
murdered by his brother John and his step-mother, who shot him
in the head with a double barrel shot-gun while he was in the wagon
asleep, each shooting one barrel. He saw his step-mother discharge
the first barrel and his brother John discharge the second barrel.
They then hauled the body in the wagon until about ten o'clock that
morning (the deed' having been committed a few hours before), and
until reaching the woods, where they concealed it. He said that the
woman and his father were married in Tipton county, Indiana, about
three weeks before they started for Kansas. The prisoners told him
at the time of the shooting, to say that his father died in Pike county,
Illinois, where he was buried by the county. He said his father was
about forty-three years of age, and that his step-mother had been
married three times. After killing Brown and secreting his body in
the woods, the parties went on until they reached Cass county, Mis-
souri, where they stopped. Brodie, another witness, was present
when the wagon was unloaded in Cass county. He saw considerable
blood near the rear end, on the wagon bed, which was a little dry on
top, but adhered to his boot, when he stepped in it. When asked
51
782 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
concerning the blood, the prisoners said that it was from chickens
that they had killed in the morning.
OTTERVILLE TRAIN ROBBERY.
On the night of the 13th of July, 1876, a passenger train on the
Missouri Pacific railroad, was robbed about one mile east of Otterville,
in Otterville township, by a band of eight men. Their names were
Frank and Jesse James, Cole and John Younger, Bill Chadwell, Clell
Miller, Charley Pitts and Hobbs Kerry.
After opening the safe of the United States express company,
and the safe of the Adams express company, the robbers proceeded the
same night to a point on Flat creek, where they divided the treasure,
which consisted of about $22,000 in money, and other valuables,
such as jewelry, bonds, coupons and exchange, which were being car-
ried east by the express companies. They, however, took nothing
with them but the money. At the point above named, on Flat creek,
Hobbs Kerry, one of the band, separated from his companions.
Hiding his saddle and bridle in the woods, he turned his horse loose
on the prairie and walking to Windsor, took the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas train to his home at Granby, Missouri, where some weeks after
he was arrested. He cenfessed the crime and guided the officers of
the law to the place where the robbers had divided the money, and
where was found much of the jewelry, and other valuables taken by
them, being such property as they could not well use, and were afraid
to have on their persons.
At the November term, 1876, of the Cooper circuit court, Hobbs
Kerry was indicted, and at the April term, in 1877, Kerry was tried,
convicted and sentenced to four years' imprisonment in the peniteu-
tiary. James H. Johnston, prosecuted, and John R. Walker, de-
fended.
Immediately after the train robbery at Otterville, the robbers
were joined by one of the Younger brothers, the youngest who sup-
plied the place of Kerry, and all proceeded to Northfield, Minnesota,
where on the morning of the 7th day of September, 1876, in the at-
tempt to rob the bank at that place, Bill Chadwell, Clell Miller and
Charlie Pitts, were killed outright, and the three Youngers were
wounded and captured, and are now serving out a life sentence in the
Minnesota penitentiary. The James brothers made their escape, and
were engaged in many robberies subsequent to that time. Jesse
James was killed by the Ford boys (Bob and Charley), on the
3d of April, 1882. Frank James, afterwards, and in September,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 783
1882, surrendered himself to Governor Crittenden, of Missouri, in
the executive office, in Jefferson City. He quietly walked into the
Governor's office, announced who he was, unbuckled his belt, con-
taining his pistols and cartridges, and handing them to the Governor,
surrendered.
PILOT GROVE TRAGEDY.
On the morning of the 10th of October, 1878, as Joseph Meredith's
sons went to the field to work, tbey discovered the body of a man
under the floor of a vacant house. One of the young men went to
the house to get out of the wind to light his pipe, and seeing some
weeds on the floor, which looked like some one had been sleeping
there, he went into the building, and found a vest behind the door.
He then called his brother to assist him in further investigation. They
discovered a rock partly hidden by ashes in the fire-place and bloody
on the corners. They found a loose plank with blood on it, and on
moving the plank, they found the corpse of a stranger, who had been
killed but a little while, as his body was still warm. The house
where they discovered the body, was about three miles from Pilot
"Grove. It had rained during the night and the murderer had done
his work after the rain, as his tracks testified. The dead man was a
stranger, supposed to be one of two men who passed through Pilot
Grove on Friday evening before the murder. On the floor was found
:t flask containing a small quantity of liquid. The man was about
twenty-eight years of age, five feet six inches high, had dark com-
plexion, dark blue eyes and dark hair. His clothes had nearly all
been taken off and his pockets turned inside out. There was the mark
of a ring on the fore finger of his left hand -, had in his pocket a
broken seal ring; under the lapel of his coat was a pin, the top of
which was circular, enclosing a bunch of grapes and a leaf. In the
fence corner near the house, were found the bloody shirt and pants of
the murdered man. October 11, 1878, a man giving his name as
John I. West, was arrested at Haggarty's coal mine, near Arrow
Rock, Saline county, Missouri, and was taken to Pilot Grove. Here
he was identified as the companion of the dead man found in the
vacant house. A negro boy said he had seen a man coming from the
house where the body was found, and on being sent for, picked the
man out of a hundred men in a room, but said he was dressed dif-
ferently. The prisoner was bound over to await his trial in the cir-
cuit court, and was tried, convicted and sentenced at the January
term of the court in 1878. A motion was made for a new trial and
the case taken to the supreme court, but that tribunal affirmed the
784 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
decision of the lower court, and West was executed May, 16, 1879.
Before his execution, West made two confessions, wherein he admitted
the killing of the man found in the outhouse, and said he killed him
while he was sleeping. Below will be found a brief sketch of the
murderer as written by himself:
The first part of my life, or as far back as I can remember, I
never would mind my father. The first whipping he gave me was
when I hid the fire shovel, I would not tell him where it was.
In fact, I did everything that was wrong. I visited watermelon
patches and destroyed them, and would tear up buggy-rigs.
I was stubborn, and had no regard for myself or any other per-
son. I was taught right until nine years old ; at that time
my dear mother died and left me with a wicked father. My mother
was religious and gave me good advice even until the last. The fact
of my going astray rests on myself. The most of my life has been
spent in bad company. Sometimes I would lead a good life for a
while, then get into bad company again. I was born at Spring
River, Jasper county, Missouri ; have lived in Illinois fourteen years ;
my age is twenty-four years. I give Mr. Cosgrove and Mr. Pendle-
ton many thanks, and feel under ten thousand obligations to them.
Read this, and take a lesson, young man. Never step aside; always
shun evil. I respect all who have visited me ; with this I close.
Good-bye.
J. H. Johnston, the prosecuting attorney, conducted the case for
the state and Cosgrove & Pendleton for the defence.
ESTELLA A. WILBUR.
On Sunday, the 29th day of August, 1880, occurred the death
of little Henry C. Wilbur, aged five years. After he died and was
laid out ready for burial, it was noised about that the child had been
foully dealt with, by his stepmother. The body was examined and
traces of foul play and ill-treatment were so evident that a coroner's
jury was summoned. The post mortem examination of the brain,
revealed an injured condition of the membrane of the brains. On
the body, back and front, arid on the legs from hip to feet, were signs
of severe laceration, apparently as if done with a whip, or some in-
strument that bruises severely and at the same time does not cut the
skin.
Two or three witnesses testified to hearing: a child setting an un-
merciful whipping in the same house where the death occurred, and
on the afternoon of Sunday, the day of its death.. They also testi-
fied, that the child suddenly stopped crying, but the beating went on.
The verdict of the jury was as follows : " That the child Henry C.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 785
Wilbur, came to his death from an insufficiency of food and mis-
treatment at the hands of Mrs. Wilbur, and a blow on the head
inflicted by some unknown party."
A. B. THORNTON INSTANTLY KILLED.
On Saturday, November 17, 1881, Thomas H. B. McDearmon,
shot and instantly killed A. B. Thornton, editor of the Boonville
News. We copy from the Advertiser, of November 25, 1881 : —
On Saturday afternoon last, about 4 : 30, our city was suddenly
thrown into a state of excitement seldom before witnessed here.
The cause of the excitement was the hearing by many of rapid pistol
firing up Main street, and the quickly following report that " Tom
McDearmon had killed Thornton," which report grated only the
truth on the ears of the unwilling hearers, for Marshal McDearmon
had, at a moment when maddened with indignation at the publishing
of a very severe article on him by the editor of the News, sought out
and shot and instantly killed Dr. Thornton.
The facts and all the knowledge we have of the shooting affair
will be bound in the verbatim testimony of the witnesses summoned
before the coroner's inquest Sunday afternoon. Of the cause and
origin of the unfortunate attack, we will try and plaice our readers in
possession of all the knowledge we have and let themjudge of a case,
like all others, with two sides and where one man was unduly hurried
before his maker, and the other man with his life and liberty on this
earth, in jeopardy.
The preliminary examination will be held Friday, and then all
can judge whether Mr. McDearmon acted in self-defense, as he claims
he did, or whether he ruthlessly and wantonly killed his man.
Some weeks ago, Mr. McDearmon and Dr. Thornton had a dis-
pute and difficulty over the settlement of an ice bill, which was
followed by the publication of a severe article on McDearmon in the
News. Mr. McDearmon, though very much aggravated, listened to
his friends and took no notice of it, and since then there has been no
very kind feelings between the two. In the next issue of the News,
the fatal article, which we here reproduce, appeared : —
THE FATAL ARTICLE.
"This thing of one — man — arbitrary — rule in the quiet, well-
disposed city of Boonville, to look at it not exactly in the abstract, is
growing a little bit too monotonous, it occurs to us, for the present
and prospective good credit and high standing of its honored deni-
zens. Many such repetitions as that enacted upon our street last
Saturday by our big, burly, overgrown, unprincipled policeman,
will, it seems to us, not only drive from our midst every passing en-
terprise that is turning to the county in search of trade and the
benefit of our specie, but cast a stain of disgrace and dishonor upon
the fair name and fame of our deserving little city. The citizens of
786 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
this community cannot afford at the hands of a drunken ignoramus,
to involve in doubt and dishonor the social and business interests a;id
gracious prestige of fifty thousand persons and more, who frequent
our thoroughfares in one business requirement or other, during every
year.
It should be recollected that our standing abroad, as well as at
home, depends entirely upon the government we keep, the treatment
given strangers, the conduct of officials, and that courtesy to each
other which should characterize all. A man to fill the duties of such
an official as policeman, in a city with the vastness of importance of
such a city as this, should be a sober man, at least with sound judg-
ment and dignified bearing, and possessed with legal acumen and
common sense enough to know right from wrong, and resolute enough
at all hazards to do his duty and do no more.
We don't exactly know where the authority of our city govern-
ment entirely rests ; whether it reposes, legislatively, judicially and
executively in the muscular prowess of a two hundred and fifty pound
policeman, no matter how ill-bred and inefficient he may be, whether
his discretion is beyond and above all written law, and from his
will no appeal can be taken, or whether it finds its lodgment in the
council, but certain, it is most blunderingly and brutally executed at
times. We would suggest that this official cease his nonsense and
resign.
FROM SAME PAPER.
" Our big belligerent, inconsiderate policeman, without any reason,
provocation or excuse, left the imprint of his brutal instincts upon the
left peeper of Mr. Tom Dunnavan the other day. How long we ask,
is this imposition upon the dignity, peace and good order of our city
to be permitted? How long?
IS IT BULLDOZING THE PRESS ?
"If you publish anything against me concerning our trobble on
the street I mal you. Dam you."
The above was written on a piece of common writing paper with
the letter T and a partially erased P inscribed on the back. The
above missive was found Friday morning under the crack of the News
office door, word for word, letter for letter and superscription for super-
scription, substantially as it reads, without date or signature. With-
out indulging any comments farther than to say, that if it is a means
used to intimidate the News, we are very free to confess it will most
assuredly fail of its purpose. What it grew out of, or what actuated
the contemptible insolence, or who the scapegrace is that enacted it, or
whether any significance attaches to the following, probably the
recital of the little difficulty that occurred between the editor of the
News and T. H. B. McDearmon, the 250-pound policeman of this
city, in which the big, overgrown peace conservator refused to pay in
whole an advertising bill the News office held against him, may throw
some light upon it. Upon talking the matter over, this conservator
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 787
of the peace vented himself of very disreputable language and insult-
ing, which aroused somewhat the dignity of the News man, throwing
him off his balance, and he gave him in return what he considered a
well-merited retort in these words: " You're a dirty unreasonable
fellow," at which he flew at the News man, a man hardly half his
weight, and struck him over the arm and head with his great heavy
cane, almost completely paralyzing his arm, and at this writing is still
tingling with the abnormal sensation caused by the blow. At this
juncture, however, seeing the disgraceful attitude in which he had
placed himself — striking a defenceless, delicate man with a club —
he threw away his cane or dropped it accidently, and grabbed the
News man by the coat and chassayed across the street, attempting all
the time to further execute him damage, until by a peacemaker
he was persuaded to desist, verifying completely the speech of the
News man. What this cowardly missive means, or where it came
from, we leave or readers and those privy to the scene to conjecture.
We don't care where it came from, we accuse no one, but we do say
it is a most infamously cowardly act. We did not intend to drag the
private affairs of this office into print, but feeling so terribly incensed
and urged, too, by many reputable citizens to whom the outrage had
extended, we could not well forbear. More anon.
Self-defence is the first law of nature.
Is a 250-pound policeman a privileged character?
Deliver us, oh Lord, from a loud-moutbed, turbulent and un-
principled policeman !
Did you witness the disgraceful fracas on the street Thursday
morning?
Can a meaner thing be perpetrated by living man than to swindle
a greenback office out of a bill of advertising or paper subscription?
Think of a 250-pound avoirdupois dressed in a little brief authority
playing such outrageous acts before a community as makes e'en strong
men faint.
Mr. McDearmon had a preliminary examination and was bound
over to answer an indictment at the succeeding term oY the circuit
court. He was prosecuted by John R. Walker, county attorney, and
defended by Cosgrove and Johnston. The case was taken to Boone
county, on a change of venue, and there tried at the March term in
1882.
The case was quite an exciting one, there being much interest
taken in the proceedings and in the result. McDearmon was acquitted.
SUICIDE.
A tramp, with a tie-pass in his pocket, happened to be overtaken
at a section house on the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad,
in Palestine township, in January, 1879, and seeing the house was
deserted thought he would enter and remain all night. After bein^
788 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
there a short time, and beginning to feel somewhat at home, he com-
menced a survey of the premises, but had not made much of an in-
spection when he found that he was not the only occupant of the
building. To his surprise and horror, he found a man had hung
himself to the banister of the house and was still hanging, cold and
lifeless. The tramp immediately left the building and informed par-
ties of his discovery. No one knew who the unfortunate man was.
He was doubtless a tramp, like the man who found him, and having
spent all of this world's goods, and being out of employment, de-
termined to end his life on account of the hardships which he did
not have the courage to meet, and preferred facing his Creator to
answer a crime from which there was no appeal.
ALBERT EDWARDS.
On Saturday, October 17, 1878, the body of a man was found
by two boys in the mouth of the coal bank, owned by Captain Leslie
Smith, about a mile and a half from Boonville. The two boys (Ben
Bird and John Franks) seeing the man lying on the ground, and sup-
posing him to be alive, spoke to him, when they found he was dead.
The deceased had in his pockets thirteen photographs, all taken in Eng-
land except one taken here, one in Canada and one some other place.
The man was identified by O. D. Edwards, as Albert Edwards of
Succox, England. The cause of his death was not known.
CHAPTEK XVIII.
RAILROADS.
Railroads — Railroad Bridges — Bonded Debt — Population at Each Census — Popu-
lation by Townships — Population by Nationalities — Miscellaneous Facts — Sur-
face — Timber — Water — Coal.
The earliest enterprise, connected with the history of railroad
building in Cooper county to which the attention of the citizens of the
county, and especially the people of Boonville, was called, was the
construction of the Missouri Pacific, from St. Louis to Kansas City,
betweeu 1856 and 1860. The importance of railroads at that time
was but imperfectly understood by the people of the west, and of
course there were no such efforts put forth by them to secure railroad
facilities as thev exert to-dav. Boonville at that time, although not
containing as many inhabitants as it does now (1883), possibly, in
the aggregate, did a greater business. The town had a number of
wholesale, merchants whose business extended for many miles in dif-
ferent directions. It had the advantages of water transportation, and
being the most important and most populous town or city in all the
section of country which paid tribute to it, some of its business men
thought that any railroad coming west from St. Louis, through a
region of country surrounding Boonville, or within twenty or thirty
miles of its proposed route, would naturally deflect from its course
and take in Boonville. This idea, unfortunately being entertained
upon the part of a few of the citizens of Boonville — some of them
being prominent and influential men — the effort to secure the road
was not therefore characterized by that earnestness and enthusiasm,
thiit should have marked the conduct of men who were attempting to
avail themselves of an enterprise, the success of which would greatly
and grandly inure to the benefit of their town and the speedy building
up of its material interests.
The golden prize (the Missouri Pacific), with all its promises for
the future, was really to be given to the vine clad city, upon certain
conditions, but, through the lukewarmness, indifference and tardiness
(789)
790 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of those who believed the Missouri Pacific road would come to Boon-
ville whether solicited or not, it was bestowed upon another and far
less pretentious rival and claimant. Had they acted upon the advice
of the poet, who said —
" Shun delays, they breed remorse,"
they would have taken the instant " by the forward top " and would
have had no cause for repentance and regret.
The citizens of Boonville had a meeting and instructed Dr. Wm.
H. Trigg, one of their most wealthy and prominent business men, to
go to St. Louis and confer with Mr. Allen, who was at the time man-
ager of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The doctor waited upon Mr.
Allen at his office in St. Louis, and had an extended interview with
him in reference to bringing the road by way of Boonville. Nothing
definite, however, was arrived at or agreed upon. The doctor had
received no specific instructions from home — was authorized to make
no proposition looking to any fixed or certain compensation provided
the road was brought to Boonville — and, in fact, he returned to
Boonville without having accomplished anything that smacked of bus-
iness or business intentions. ' Soon after Dr. Trigg's return, Mr. Allen
came to Boonville, and while here was interviewed by several of the
oldest and most influential citizens, concerning the road, but there seems
to have been nothing more accomplished than the eliciting of the bare
promise from Mr. Allen that " he would give Boonville a fair chance."
What this " fair chance " meant, we are given to understand, was
the makiug of a liberal subscription to the railroad company by Cooper
county and the city of Boonville.
Had this been done, the road would have been secured and Boon-
ville would have gone on her way rejoicing, and ere this would have
been a far more wealthy and populous city than Sedalia.
OSAGE VALLEY RAILROAD.
This road was chartered February 21, 1857, to run from a point
between Jefferson City and Round Hill, in the direction of Topeka,
Kansas. The first meetings of the companj7 took place before the war.
In 1860 the charter was amended, so as to permit the construction of
the road north to Boonville. The county of Cooper then subscribed
$150,000 in bonds to the road. During the war the road bed was
graded, and after the close of the war the county subscribed the ad-
ditional sum of $100,000 in bonds. The road was finally completed
through Cooper county in the spring of 1869.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 791
TEBO AND NEOSHO RAILROAD, NOW THE MISSOURI, KANSAS AND TEXAS.
This road was commenced in 1870. Cooper county subscribed
$100,000 towards its construction through the county ; Boonville
township, $100,000; Pilot Grove township, $40,000, and Clear Creek
township, $30,000. The road was completed in 1873, the celebration
of the same occurring at Boonville on the Fourth of July of that year.
Upon that occasion there was witnessed quite a gathering of people at
Boonville. Colonel John Cosgrove — present member of congress
elect from the Boonville district, made the address of welcome on
behalf of Boonville. Addresses were made by R. S. Stephens and
others, and a pleasant time was had by those who participated in the
festivities of that important event.
RAILROAD BRIDGE AT BOONVILLE.
Previous to 1870, a railroad bridge had been talked of by such
prominent citizens of Boonville as Captain Jo. L.Stephens, H. Bunce,
J. L. O'Bryan, and others of Cooper county, Colonels Elliott and Es-
till, of Howard County, and Messrs. Marvin and Barrett, of Sedalia ;
but no steps were taken to secure the building of the same until the
months of October and November of that year. During these months
a preliminary survey was made by General Wra. Sooy Smith, which
fully demonstrated the practicability of constructing a bridge at mod-
erate cost. The work, however, did not begin in earnest until the
road bed and franchises belonging to the Tebo and Neosho railroad
passed into the hands of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad
company. That powerful corporation infused new life into the enter-
prise, and determined to push the work to rapid completion. A
charter was obtained and an act of congress passed authorizing the
construction of the bridge. A proposal was made by the American
bridge company, and accepted by the Boonville bridge company for
the building of the bridge. Men and machinery made their appear-
ance about the middle of September, 1872. During the fall and win-
ter following, cribs and caissons for the foundations were framed, the
abutments built, quarries opened, and machinery and materials got in
a general state of readiness for the spring and summer work.
The winter of 1872-73, was one of remarkable severity, and as
soon as the ice had cleared away, the cribs were floated into position
and sunk where the bed rock was within easy reach, and where it was
necessary to go to a great depth to reach bed-rock, large fiat-boats
carrying powerful derricks and complete outfits of pneumatic ma-
chinery, were moored in position, and the work of sinking the pneu-
matic columns commenced.
792 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
DESCRIPTION.
The abutment on the south side stands upon solid rock, above
high water mark. The next foundation, No. 2, going northward,
rests upon a cellular crib, filled with concrete and rubble masonry,
which rests on bed rock. Pier No. 3, the pivot pier, rests also on
bed-rock. No. 4 stands upon a pneumatic caisson sunk to bed-rock,
thirty-five feet below water surface. Piers 5, 6, 7, are pneumatic pile
piers, each sunk to bed rock, laid in hydraulic cement mortar from
bottom to top, and lined with one inch burnetized pine boards. There
is a handsome starling or ice breaker to each of these piers. Pier
No. 8 stands upon the north shore, is built upon a foundation of piles
and is protected by riprap. Pier No. 9, north abutment, stands at
the end of the dyke and is enveloped by it, and has a foundation simi-
lar to pier 8. The dyke is 1,800 feet in length, and will average
twenty-five feet in height. The superstructure consists of two fixed
spans, each 258 feet long ; three fixed spans, each 225 feet long; one
fixed span, eighty-four feet long ; one draw, 363 feet long. These
are all iron. The openings of the draw are 160 feet in the clear at
lqvv water, and the bridge is ten feet above the extreme high water
mark of 1844. The weight of the superstructure is 1,638 tons. The
draw is opened by a handsome steam engine.
The city of Boonville was placed under lasting obligations to
Captain Jo. L. Stephens, for the active part he took in securing the
passage by congress of the law authorizing the construction of the
bridge. Captain Stephens spent several months in Washington in
the interest of the bridge, receiving no pay for his time and trouble,
and bearing his own expense. Colonel N.G.Elliott and Harvey
Bunce, Esq., also went to Washington at their own expense, but
doubtless felt amply repaid when they finally beheld the beautiful and
substantial bridge for which they had labored, spanning the river so
near their own homes. The bridge was finished about January, 1874.
BONDED DEBT OF COOPER COUNTY.
Two hundred ten per ceut 10-20 bonds of $500 each, issued July
1, 1869, as a subscription to the capital stock of the Tebo and Neosho
railroad company, interest payable January and July, at Bank of North
America, New York, $100,000.
Thirty-two ten per cent 10-20 bonds of $500 each, issued Mayl,
1873, to.complete the subscription to the Tebo and Neosho railroad, in-
terest payable January and July, at Bank of North America, New
York, $16,000.
HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 793
The county from October, 1860, to August, 1870, issued to the
Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad company, bonds amount-
ing to $324,500; all of this debt has been paid off except $120,-
000, which has been refunded.
One hundred and sixty six per cent 5-20 bonds of $500 each, and
400 six percent 5-20 bonds of $500 each, issued January 1, 1881,
under chapter 83, revised statutes, in compromise and redemption of
bonds issued to the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad ;
interest payable annually on the 1st day of January, at St. Louis Na-
tional Bank, St. Louis, Missouri, $120,000. Total, $236,000.
Interest on Tebo and Neosho bonds not paid, but new six per
cent compromise bonds have been issued to compromise on a basis ot
eighty-five cents on the dollar. On the six per cent, compromise
bonds, issued in 1881, the interest is promptly paid ; interest tax fifty
cents on $100 valuation. Taxable wealth, $5,516,571.
BOONVILLE TOWNSHIP.
One hundred and five ten per cent twenty year bonds, of $500 each,
issued July 1, 1869, to aid in the construction of the Tebo and Neosho
railroad, interest payable January and July, at Bank of North Amer-
ica, New York, $52,500.
Seventy-nine five per cent, 5 -20 bonds, of $500 each, and forty-
eight five per cent 5-20 bonds, of $100 each, issued April 1, 1882, under
chapter 83, revised statutes, in compromise and redemption of bonds
issued to the Tebo and Neosho railroad, interest payable annually
January 1, at St. Louis National Bank, St. Louis, $44,300. Total,
$96,800.
The original debt of Boonville township was $100,000. Com-
promise bonds have been issued and $47,505 of the old bonds have
been retired at eighty-five cents on the dollar. Interest on com-
promise bonds will be promptly paid ; interest tax twenty-five cents
on $100 valuation ; interest on old bonds not promptly paid. Tax-
able wealth, $1,592,435.
PILOT GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Eighty ten per cent twenty year bonds of $500 each, issued July
1, 1869, to aid in the construction of the Tebo and Neosho railroad,
interest payable January and July, at Bank of North America, New
York, $40,000. Interest not promptly paid, no levy for interest
since 1878, and no proposition pending for a compromise. Taxable
wealth, $300,744.
794 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CLEAR CREKK TOWNSHIP.
Sixty ten per cent twenty year bonds of $500 each, issued July
1, 1869, to aid in the construction of the Tebo and Neosho railroad;
interest payable January and July, at Bank of North America, New
York, $30,000. Interest not paid since 1878, and no proposition
pending for compromise. Taxable wealth, $309,326.
BONDED DEBT OF BOONVILLE.
Fifty-eight six per cent 5-20 funding bonds of $500 each ami
twenty-eight do of $100 each, issued December I, 1879, under chap-
ter 83, revised statutes. Interest payable semi-annually in June and
December, at St. Louis National Bank, $31,8000. Interest promptly
paid. Interest tax forty cents on the $100 valuation; sinking fund
tax, twenty cents. Taxable wealth, $520,000.
POPULATION OF COUNTY AT EACH CENSUS, FROM 1820 TO 1880.
Tear.
1820
1830 - - - -
1840
1850 -
1860 - - - -
1870
1880 -
The reaSon of the seemingly small increase in population between
the dates of the taking of the census for the first few times, is ex-
plained by the fact that every few years some new county was cut off
from Cooper, thus taking some part of its territory and population.
POPULATION BY TOWNSHIPS IN 1880.
Blackwater township ---___ 646
Boonville township, including city of Boonville - 5,605
City of Boonville - - - 3,854
Clark's Fork township ------- 1,406
Clear Creek township --_____ 1,324
Kelly township - - 1,631
Lamine township -------- 1,193
Lebanon township -------- 1,237
Moniteau township -------- 1,539
Otterville township, including Otterville - - - - 1,310
Otterville - ~ - - 505
Palestine township -------- 1,703
White
Colored
Total
Population.
Population.
Population.
6,307
652
6,959
5,876
1,028
6,904
8,312
2,172
10,484
9,837
3,113
12,950
13,528
3,828
17,356
17,340
3,352
20,692
18,994
3,502
21,596
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 795
Pilot Grove township, including Pilot Grove village - - 209
Prairie Home township - - 905
Saline township -----.__ 1 630
White - 18',094
Colored - - 3)502
Males 11)077
Females 10,519
Native born, in state and county ----- 15 227
Illinois - '380
Kentucky 1138
Tennessee -----_.._ 284
Ohio . 501
Indiana - -._ .... 289
British America -------- 29
England and Wales --_. ___ 92
Ireland -.------_.. 158
Scotland ------____ 20
Germau empire --__. __i 120
France ----.__._. 30
Sweden and Norway - _ 7
Number of farms in the county - 2,520
Improved land, number of acres - - - -230,272
Value of farms, buildings, fences, etc. - - $5,579,928
Value of farming implements and machinery - - 247,011
Value of live stock " - - - 1,163,742
Cost of building and repairing fences - 70,613
Value of farm productions --_.__ 1,158,937
Number bushels of corn ------- 2,389,965
Number bushels of oats - 253,289
Number bushels of rye - - - 4,225
Number bushels of wheat 516,138
Value of orchard products ------ $18,826
Hay— tons -.._ 6,007
Number bushels of Irish potatoes ----- 38,226
Number bushels of sweet potatoes 2,696
Tobacco — number of pounds 21,252
Number of horses ----- - 7,638
Number of mules - -• 3,413
Number of milch cows - - - 7,451
Number of other cattle 12,548
Number of sheep 19,942
Number of swine - - - 62,529
Wool — pounds - - 143,770
Milk — gallons - - - - . - - - 12,352
Butter — pounds - 263,278
Cheese — pounds 281
1,269 06
634 53
1,242 96
621 48
1,457 18
728 59
796 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
TAXABLE WEALTH AND TAXES OF COOPER COUNTY.
*«"■ ZTteL. pJottpLp. State Tax. County All Tax.
1819 ..--
1820 - - $1,734 04 $867 02
1821 - - - - 726 32 363 16
1822
1823 ... ....
1824 - --
1825 - ---
1826
1827
1828 - ----
1829 - - -
1830 - - - - 1,729 96 864 98
1831 ... .
1832 - --- - ....
1833 ...
1834 -
1835 - - -
1836 - •
1837 - $595,899 $571,948 1,189 21 1,189 21
1838 - 863,153 639,442 1,509 16 2,300 76
1839 918,640 817,073 2,627 41 3,331 08
1840 1,141,775 742,267 2,715 54 4,029 06
1841 - 1,098,646 1,077,665 3,154 01 3,604 65
1842 - 1,386,126 1,094,997 3,455 59 3,455 59
1843 - 1,255,934 700,109 3,091 01 2,318 25
1844 - - - 3,749 60 2,812 20
1845 - - t - " - - - 4,227 86 4,227 86
1846 - --'- 4,103 06 4,103 06
1847 - - - - - - - 4,833 02 4,720 50
1848 - 1,288,322 921,494 5,426 62 5,089 91
1849 - 1,101,795 1,189,188 5,115 85 5,115 85
1850 - 1,232,740 1,060,518 5,200 04 5,188 16
1851 - 1,237,905 1,460,437 5,996 36 11,992 72
1852 - 1,264,695 1,492,532 6,143 72 7,522 46
1353 - 1,177,850 1,552,778 6,14111 11,022 51
1854 - ---
1855 - 1,606,680 1,531,650 7,046 34 12,553 32
1856 2,634,645 2,316,195 10,682 43 19,803 36
1857 - 2,249,160 2,518,330 10,289 48 10,289 48
1858 - 3,385,821 3,458,683 15,588 13 21,67105
1859 - 3,672,538 3,428,789 23,330 29 18,923 24
1860 - 3,603,872 3,186,830 22,402 81 21,720 67
1861 - 2,679,385 2,621,210 18,046 13 17,679 27
1862 12,777 50 13,334 91
1863 - 1,917,230 1,540,070 20,086 96 12,562 38
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 797
Value of Value of „. . „ _
iear- Eeal Estate. Personal Prop. State Tax" County All Tax.
1864 - 1,976,390 1,089,660 22,126 36 35,871 98
1865 - 2,047,280 909,580 23,507 16 13,812 08
1866 2,662,757 1,027,807 41,219 07 32,291 07
1867 4,588,978 1,366,377 38,609 80 38,609 80
1868 - 4,929,762 1,164,443 31,243 50 75,580 36
1869 - 4,782,080 1,074,081 29,280 80 84,035 76
1870 4,787,165 1,069,167 29,28181 111,684 47
1871 - 4,384,641 1,164,928 27,747 84 130,325 14
1872 - 4,275,973 1,252,845 24,879 68 107,956 26 '
1873 4,226,150 1,370,300 27,542 63V2 129,198 91V»
1874 - 4,226,150 1,347,250 25,814 65 113,186 003/4
1875 - 3,773,740 1,366,485 23,131 01 71,834 81
1876 - 3,773,605 1,781,550 22,174 42 92,472 12
1878 - 4,077,080 1,950,145
1879 - 3,520,065 1,714,385
1880 - 3,524,570 1,690,362 -
1881 - 3,538,505 1,916,981
1882 3,550,481 1,947,040 _
1883 - 3,550,481 2,007,745 - ....
The total taxes of the county, since 1876, will average annually
about $114,000.
TOWNS AND CITIES WHEN LAID OUT.
Boonville — Situate in the northeast quarter of section 35, town-
ship 49, range 17, was laid out by Charles Lucas and Captain Asa
Morgan on the 1st day of August, 1817. Additions — Littleberry
Hendricks', made February 6, 1829; Isaiah Hannah's and Jacob
Wyans', September 6, 1833; Cooper county's, June 12, 1838; Na-
thaniel Hutchison's, August 9, 1838; Isaiah Hannah's, October 1,
1840; Jacob Wyan's, February 23, 1842; E. R. Hayden's, Decem-
ber 9, 1867 ; T. W. Nelson's, September 30, 1845 ; East Boonville,
by W. H. Trigg, August 12, 1857; John Porter's, March 19, 1868 ;
0. D. Edwards', June 23, 1863 ; Coustantine Heim's, July 21, 1869 ;
Davis & Smith's, May 22, 1872.
Bunceton — Situate in sections 4 and 5, township 46, range 17 ;
was laid out by H. Bunce on May 11, 1868. The town is now in
Kelly township.
Petersburg — Situate in west half northeast quarter section 20,
township 47, range 17 ; was laid out by the Osage Valley and
Southern Kansas railway company on January 30, 1869.
Bellingsville — Situate in northwest quarter of section 28, town-
ship 48, range 17 ; was laid out by Osage Valley and Southern Kansas
railway company February 8, 1869.
52
798 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
New Palestine — Situate in east half southwest quarter southeast
quarter section 8, township 47, range 17 ; laid out by J. L. Stephens
August 20, 1868.
Pilot Grove — Situate in northeast quarter section 5, township
47, range 18 ; laid out by Samuel Eoe May 30, 1873.
Pleasant Green — Situate in southwest quarter of southwest quar-
ter of section 25, township 47, range 19 ; laid out by George Stemberger
June 28, 1873.
Harrison — Situate in northeast quarter section 13, township 47,
range 19 ; laid out by Doctor N. W. Harris July 10, 1873.
Clifton City — Situate in northeast quarter section 18, and north-
west quarter section 17, township 46, range 19 ; laid out by Peter W.
Ladue September 29, 1873.
Elkton, now Otterville — Situate in northeast quarter section 4,
township 45, range 19 ; laid out by George W. Wear and Gideon K.
Tompkins August 26, 1837.
Palestine — Situate in southeast quarter of section 8, township
47, range 17 ; laid out by Michael Son September 29, 1836.
Milton, now Gooch's Mill — Laid out by Charles McArthur,
Leonard Calvert and Jesse Ogden July 7, 1837.
Hustonville — Existed near present site of Overton, now in Mis-
souri river ; laid out by B. W. Levens and John Ward June 27, 1837.
Pisgah — Situate in south half northwest quarter and north half
northwest quarter section 2, township 46, range 16, and laid out by
James A. Reavis June 30, 1836.
SURFACE TIMBER WATER.
Cooper county is situated on the thirty-ninth degree north lati-
tude, and about the seventh degree west from Washington. It also
lies near the geographical centre of Missouri, on the south side of.the.
Missouri river, and about half way betweeu Leavenworth and St.
Louis. It covers an area of 558 square miles. The surface is about
equally diversified with hilly country and prairie. A line of bluffs of
goodly height extends the full length of the count}' along the river,
at times approaching to the water's edge, and again retreating some
distance from the shore. In the southwestern part of Lamine town-
ship, near the county line, and in the neighborhood of Blackwater
creek, we find it very hilly, as we also do in the southern part of La-
mine township, and nearly the whole of Blackwater, Clear Creek and
Otterville townships. Other portions are very hilly, but in most
cases the roughness of the surface does not prevent a fair degree of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 799
cultivation. Upon the Lamine river and Black water creek we find
the scenery borders closely upon the grand. At places along their
courses we find precipices whose perpendicular height must reach' the
altitude of 200 feet. There is one in particular upon the Blackwater
creek which rises from the creek-bed to about this height, as vertical
as any house wall, while upon its summit a conical shaped pile rises
still higher, enabling one to view the surrounding country at a great
advantage for miles. There are many such precipices at various points
along the streams. In many places along these streams we find vast
stretches of bottom lands, most of which are well calculated for culti-
vation, aud, failing in this, are valuable as pastures for stock. Com-
bining the prairie, the low land, the rough and the hilly in such
proportions as they are combined in Cooper county, we have a surface
capable of suiting the most fastidious farmer of the age.
Nor is any land going to waste. Those portions thought to be
wholly unfitted for cultivation on account of their roughness, have,
by the efforts of the Dutch and Germans, proven a source of wealth
to some, and of material worth to others. None seems lost. None
seems wholly useless. The county is nearly equally diversified with
prairie and timber, the latter predominating. Old settlers state as a
fact that there is more timber in the county to-day than there was
fifty years ago. It is curious to see a fine growth of trees towering
above you, and have a man tell you he saw them when they were no
taller than hazel bushes, and that many times he drove over them in
his wagon. But such is the rapid growth of timber in this county
that such occurrences are frequent. The reason assigned for this
growth of timber is the cessation of prairie fires, which in past days
prevented the growth of vast portions of the forest. As a county,
Cooper is well supplied with water. The drainage is perfect, except
in the larger streams, whose currents, unless in very high water, are
slow, or are absent altogether. In low water the streams move lazily,
or lie quiet for miles along their sources, seeming loth to stir from
their pebbly beds. The streams, when swollen by heavy rains, grow
to be immense torrents, and rush down their hitherto temporarily
empty beds, sweeping all before them. Some of them, not content
to remain in bounds, break over their banks, and prove to be of great
danger to crops, fences, etc. The drainage is so perfect that the ris-
ing in the streams is veiy sudden, and as suddenly they fall. Springs
of clear crystal water abound in various portions of the county, while
it also furnishes a large number of mineral springs, salt springs, and
sulphur springs. Of the former, Chouteau springs are quite celebrated.
800 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Some of these have proven of service in days past, and, doubtless, as
their properties become better known, they will prove of more worth
in the future.
The main streams of the county are : Lamine river, Blackwater
creek, Moniteau creek, Clear creek, Flat creek, Petite Saline, Clark's
fork and Stephens' fork. Of these the Petite Saline and branches
drain the greater part of the county, embracing the central and eastern
portions, while Moniteau and Lamine drain the southwestern and
western portions respectively.
COAL.
The coal measures of Cooper county are quite extensive, extend-
ing about three miles south of Boonville and seven west of the Lamine
river, giving an area of twenty square miles.
Besides this regular coal measure there are many local deposits
of the very best coal. Among these prominent coal deposits we find
Stephens' coal bed. It is located in township 47, range 17, sections
27 and 28. The principal bed is seven feet thick, and has an irregular
dip to the west.
In township 46, range 17, section 10, is a bed of cannel coal.
The strata dip at an angle of 55 degrees, and are covered by a bed of
local drift, resting upon the edges of the strata. Colonel James Staple
has a coal bed in township 49, range 19, section 16. This is a valu-
able bed, but its location is such that its quality cannot be determined
until it is worked.
Paxton's coal bed is located one mile south of Chouteau springs.
Stiger's coal bed is a half mile south of Paxton's. Colonel Thomas
Russel's coal bank is located in township 47, range 16, section 18
or 19, J. T. Johnson & Co., and Washington Adam's coal bed in
township 47, range 16, section 17.
Farley's coal bed is in township 46, range 18, section 31.
Drafton's coal bed is in township 46, range 16, section 18.
Mrs. Fryer's coal bed is in township 46, range 17, section 18.
Moody's coal bed is on Clark's Fork.
Jenkin Robinson's coal bed is in township 48, range 16,
section 22.
Mr. Son's coal bed is in township 47, range 18, section 13.
There are many other deposits in the county, but for want of
space we cannot mention them.
CHAPTER XIX.
California Emigrants — Who they Were — A Beautiful and Touching Farewell — Tem-
perance Excitement in 1853 — Rev. William Eoss — Proclamation of the Mayor —
Police Force Organized — Report of Temperance Committee — Kansas Troubles of
1856 — Meeting of the Citizens of Boonville.
CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS.
The years of 1849 and 1850 will be remembered by the old
settlers of Cooper county, as the periods when the gold excitement in
California reached its highest point, and as the years when the people
generally throughout the American Union, as well as Cooper county,
were alike smitten with the gold fever. The early settlers, like their
descendants of to-day, soon learned that —
" Gold is the strength, the sinews of the world;
The health, the soul, the beauty most divine; "
and manifested their love and appreciation of the saffron-hued metal
by separating themselves from their homes and friends, and taking up
their line of march to the gold fields of California. Cooper county
sent forth many of her sons — some of whom were men with gray
beards, and boys still in their teens — to that far-distant region, all
animated with the hope that their labors, their sacrifices and their
bravery, would be rewarded with an abundance of the glittering and
precious ore.
Below will be found the names of a portion of the companies of
Captains Kobert McCulloch and Solomon Houck.
ROBERT M'CULLOCH'S COMPANY.
Spotswook McCulloch,
Reuben Stevens, ~) Moniteau
James Humes, J county,
Joseph McCulloch,
John McCullocb,
Ewing Kelly,
Robert Douglass,
Joseph Hess,
Charles Lewis,
John Kelly,
Merriweather Lewis,
Peter Kelly,
Nicholas Lewis,
Bear Sr,
Abraham Weight,
Frank Bear,
John Simmons,
John Carey,
Joseph Potter,
William Son,
Nelson Potter,
George Kelly,
(801)
802 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
John Hornbeck, Oldhausen & Son, ) g, t .
Perry Taylor, Kichard Bidel, V c"ountv
Alfred Hornbeck, Louis Brant, ) ■r*
C. W. Sombart, Dr. Antrim,
Julius Sombart, Abraham Reidmeyer, ~) yrom
Kobert Allison, William Reidmeyer, > q, .
Love Wadly, John Huhn, j '
ErhartSr., Joseph Byler,
August Erhart, Calvin Wilson,
Albert Erhart, Simon Boyd,
William Hardcastle, Dr. Cooper, Universalist preacher.
SOLOMON HOUCK'S COMPANY.
C. B. Combes, John Oglesby,
Thomas Chambers, Thomas Mitchell,
Charles Mitchell, Jacob Harrier,
Absalom Meridith, Horace Hutchinson,
John Baldwin, William Samuels,
Jacob Gype, William Wheatley,
John Mars, Samuel Row,
Cal Mason, John Porter.
Upon the eve of his departing for California, one of the Cooper
county boys penned the following beautiful and touching farewell: —
Farewell, farewell, my native land,
I leave thee only with a sigh,
To wander o'er a foreign strand,
Perchance to live, perchance to die.
Adieu, my friends, whom kindred ties
Unite, though distant we may rove,
How ardent as time onward flies,
Fond memory clings to those we love. <
O'er the broad plains, far away,
Beyond the Bocky Mountain's crest,
Our wayward feet awhile shall stray,
And press the gold-besprinkled west.
But 'mid the gaudy scenes of strife,
Where gold to pride enchantment lends,
We'll ne'er forget that boon of life —
Companions dear and faithful friends.
And in the lapse of coming years,
Should fortune be not too unkind,
We'll hope reward for parting tears,
In smiles from those we left behind.
We go — yet hoping to return,
Friends of our youth, to home and you,
For these do cause our hearts to yearn,
E'en when we sigh Adieu — Adieu.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 803
TEMPERANCE EXCITEMENT IN 1853.
During the month of July, 1853, Boonville was much excited in
consequence of a temperance movement inaugurated by the Crystal
Fount division of the Sons of Temperance. This organization secured
the services of the Rev. William Ross, deputy grand worthy patriarch of
Missouri, who delivered a number of temperance lectures in the Meth-
odist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. Mr. Ross was quite radi-
cal in his views in reference to the liquor question, and had incurred
the displeasure of the saloon keepers of the town by the bold and de-
nunciatory manner in which he spoke of their traffic. The excite-
ment continued to increase, until it reached its culminating point on
July 17, 1853. Upon that day (Sunday) a meeting of the friends
of temperance was advertised to be held at the Presbyterian church,
where Rev. William Ross would deliver a lecture. On the 16th day
of July, the day preceding the day of the lecture, the mayor of Boon-
ville had published the following proclamation, which explains itself: —
PROCLAMATION.
By the Mayor of the City of Boonville:
Whereas, a certain itinerant lecturer, calling himself "Billy
Ross," has been disseminating discord and dissention in this commu-
nity, by vituperation and abuse, under the guise of temperance lec-
tures; and, whereas, it is said that sundry persons have armed them-
selves and threatened to assemble for combat — some to encourage
and others to stop said Ross in his course — these are therefore to
forbid all such riotous and unlawful assemblages. And the police of
this city are hereby required to suppress and disperse all riotous and
unlawful assemblies in this city.
In testimony whereof, I, H. B. Benedict, mayor of the city of
Boonville, have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the seal
of the city, at office, this 16th day of July, 1853.
H. B. Benedict, Mayor.
POLICE FORCE ORGANIZED.
In accordance with this proclamation, the mayor immediately or-
ganized a force numbering sixty-two men, including himself, and
marched to the Presbyterian church on the 17th of July, where the
church and grounds were taken possession of by him. The people
(the friends of temperance) came to the church at the hour appointed,
but were prevented from entering the building by the mayor and his
force, who quietly dispersed the assembled crowd, which offered no
resistance, and made no riotous demonstrations. This action upon
804 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the part of the mayor elicited much unfavorable comment from many
of the best citizens of Boonville and the surrounding country. The
mayor, however, was sustained by his friends, who thought the cir-
cumstances justified his interference.
From a published report, made by a committee appointed at the
time, by the temperance organization of Boonville, we take the follow-
ing in reference to the police force, which acted upon the occasion
mentioned : —
Who made up that (so-called) police force? Everybody in
Boonville knows ! Whisky traders, grog-shop keepers and their
bloated customers, black-legs, infidels — some known long and known
truly, to be infidels alike towards all that is divine in Christianity,
and pure and sacred in the principles of a well-ordered domestic and
social life. When Mr. Boss, together with his peaceable, forbearing,
but deeply outraged audience, assembled at that church-yard gate,
around the church enclosure, and looked over, they saw men who
for weeks before had been breathing " threatenings and slaughter "
against Mr. Ross (for no other reason than this only: that he had
assaulted within the walls of the churches of this city, the hydra
monster whisky), herded together, all who heartlessly trade in, and
fatten upon the profits of the poison.
Large numbers of ladies, with the general multitude, lingered
around the gate and gazed with mingled feelings of pity, suppressed
indignation and contempt upon the motely mass of disgusting, animal
and moral putrescence that made up almost the entire number of the
legalized mob that invested, by barbarian, bacchanalian authority the
peaceful premises of that deeply dishonored sanctuary.
KANSAS TROUBLES OP 1856.
August 20, 1856, a call was made in Boonville for men and
money to aid the pro-slavery party in Kansas. One of the posters
announcing the call, reads as follows : —
KANSAS.
A meeting of the citizens of Cooper county will be held at the
court-house, in Boonville, on Saturday, the 23d, for the purpose of
raising men and money to aid the law and order men in Kansas. Let
every pro-slavery man attend. Bring your guns and horses. Let us
sustain the government, and drive back the abolitionists who are
murdering our citizens.
The above was signed by some of the prominent citizens of the
town, who sent men and money to Kansas.
CHAPTEE XX.
SAMUEL COLE.
His Birth and Parentage — His Early Recollections — His Reminiscences as a Hun-
ter — Hunting Bee Trees.
Having spoken of this old pioneer in the first chapter of the
history of Cooper county, and having given of him some interesting
and amusing incidents, we will now speak of him more fully.
The first settlers in any new country pass through an experience
which no succeeding generation will ever be able fully to appreciate.
The time is already past when the youth of the present, even, have
any proper conceptions of the vicissitudes, dangers and trials which
the pioneer fathers and mothers are compelled to undergo to main-
tain a footing in the states west of the great Mississippi. Every new
settlement wrote a history of its own, which differed from others in
the nature of its surroundings ; but the aggregate of the experience
of all was one never again to be repeated in the same territory or
country. The mighty woods and the solemn prairies are no longer
shrouded in mystery, and their effect on the minds of the early
comers are sensations which will be a sealed book to the future. Year
by year the circle of these old veterans of civilization is narrowing.
All that is most vivid and valuable in memory is rapidly disappearing.
Gray hairs and bowed forms attest the inarch of time. Fresh hillocks
in every cemetery are all the marks that are left of a race of giants
who grappled nature in her fastnesses, and made a triumphant con-
quest in the face of the greatest privations, disease and difficulty.
The shadows that fall upon their tombs, as time recedes, are like the
smoky haze that enveloped the great prairies of the early days, sad-
dening the memory and giving to dim distance only a faint and
phantom outline, to which the future will look back, and must often
wonder at the great hearts that lie hidden under the peaceful canopy.
It is for this reason, therefore, that no personal sketch of pioneer
settlers, however rudely drawn or immature in detail, can be classed
as the work of mere vain glory. On the contrary, the future will
treasure them, and as the generations recede they will become more
(805)
806 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and more objects of interest and real value. The memory of the
pioneer is one that the world will never consent to let fade. Its trans-
mission is a priceless gift to the future, and the addition of a fresh
sketch should be esteemed by the reader as of great value.
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.
The subject of this sketch was born in Wythe county, Virginia —
a state whose population did as much in the early settlement of cen-
tral Missouri to give a permanent impress to the character and civil-
ization of the Boone's Lick country, as any people east of the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers. His father was William T. Cole, and his
mother was Hannah Ellison. From this union nine children were
born. Samuel was the youngest, and first saw the light of day in
January, 1801. When he was but four years old his parents emi-
grated to Kentucky, and settled in Wayne county. Remaining there
until 1808, the family came to Missouri and located in Osage county.
During the second year of the family's residence in Osage, his father
was killed by Indians. Soon after that unfortunate event the widow,
with her nine children, came to Cooper, she and her children being
one of the first two families that pitched their tents within the limits
of the county.
HIS EARLY RECOLLECTIONS.
The author having visited and conversed with Mr. Cole, while
preparing this history, and finding him still possessed of a vivid mem-
ory, albeit eighty-two years have passed over his head, will here give the
result of the interview, detailing the facts and incidents as narrated
by him, and, as nearly as we can, in his own style : —
" We came up on the other side of the river from Osage county
in a two-horse wagon. The time was a few days before Christmas.
The river was running full of ice. We halted our team about where
Old Franklin was afterwards built, and came over the river in a
pirogue, leaving our wagon on the other side and swimming our team.
After arriving on this side we continued our journey for about a mile
east of the present town of Boonville, and stopped on the ojd
site of Hannah Cole's fort, where we remained. The river contin-
ued to be so full of ice, and was so swift, that we could not return to
the opposite shore for eleven days. We left our provisions in the
wagon, and during this time (eleven days) we had nothing to eat but
some acorns, slippery-elm bark, and one wild turkey. The river was
not as wide then as it is now, and appeared to be much more rapid at
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 807
Boonville. As soon as the ice had somewhat disappeared, we got in-
to the pirogue and recrossed, but the current and ice carried us two
miles below before we could make a landing. After doing this we
slowly worked our way up on the other side, reaching a point where
we had left our wagon with some difficulty. We took the wagon
apart (the boat not being large enough to carry it any other way),
and came back on this side of the river.
" We put in a small crop of corn in 1810 and in 1811, and tended
it the entire time with a cow, which we worked in a plow ; we had no
other team. The first winter of our arrival, Daniel Boone came to see
us, or rather stopped at our house, on his way home to Nathan
Boone's, his son. He had been at the mouth of the Lamine river,
trapping and hunting. He had caught two beavers. Their skins
were worth nine dollars each at that time in St. Louis. He was a
cousin to my father. I knew him well, and saw him a great deal
while we were in Osage county. He was afflicted with rheumatism,
and would ask me (I was a small boy about eight years old) to rub
his back, which I always did. The hunting and trapping expedition
to the mouth of the Lamine was the last that the old man ever
took.
" After living in Cooper county for two or three years, the war
with England commenced. The fort which had been erected where
my mother lived was not considered safe, and the settlers on this side
went to the forts in Howard county ; we went to Fort Kincaid. We
remained in the fort until the war was over. While living in the
fort, my brother, James, and Miss Betsy Ashcraft were married. The
first marriage that took place in Cooper county was the marriage of
my brother, Holbert, and Miss Annie Son.
"The first child born, was the son of William Savage and wife ;
his name was Hiram .
" The first physician was Dr. George Hart, of Boonville.
" I was the first shoemaker and occasionally made shoes for eigh-
teen years. Shoes were cheap, being worth only, thirty-five cents a
pair. I made one hundred pairs of shoes one season out of deer
skins, for Zachariah Waller, who was then trading at Santa Fe, New
Mexico. He paid me one dollar a pair, and sold them for three dol-
lars in Mexico.
" The first preacher in the county, was a Baptist, by the name of
Peter Woods.
"The first church was erected by the Baptists and called Con-
cord.
808 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
" The first mill was built by a man named James Geyer, on Petite
Saline creek, and was called a 'band mill.' It was located at the
Jake McFarland place. The second mill was also a band mill, and
erected by Jake McFarland, on the same creek.
" The first school was taught by John Savage, in 1813, about one
mile east of Boonville, on Lilly's branch, and about half a mile from
the mouth of that stream. The pupils numbered fifteen and were
the children of the settlers who resided in the neighborhood of Han-
nah Cole's fort. The pupils' names were Benjamin, Delany and Wil-
liam Bolin, Hiram and William Savage, Hess and William Warden,
John and Wm. Yarnell, John and Wm. Jolly, Joseph and Wm. Scott,
John and Wm. Rupe. The children sat upon a log in the open air,
(there being no school house and the weather being warm) and the
teacher occupied a stump in front of them. This school was discon-
tinued, after a month had passed, in consequence of the Indians having
begun about this time a series of depredations upon the settlers.
" During the next spring after we came to Cooper, we were joined
by Wm. Savage, L. Bolin, William Warder and Gilliard Rupe. We
were glad to see them as we wanted their company as neighbors. For
two years we were not disturbed by the Indians,' but after the break-
out of the war of 1812, the Sacs and the Fox Indians left the county
and went east of the Mississippi river. They, however, returned
during the war, and stole everything from us they could get. I was
acquainted with a number of Indian chiefs, particularly with Keokuk
and Quashgami ; the latter lived on Moniteau creek. I was also ac-
quainted with Blackhawk, who afterwards became so noted as a brave
and cunning warrior. I often hunted and fished with the Indians, and
found them not only friendly, but accommodating. All the neigh-
bors we had on this side of the river, when we moved over, were the
Indians."
HIS REMINISCENCES AS A HUNTER.
" Seventy-one years ago, when I was about twelve years old, I
started one morning to hunt for game. My brothers had an old flint-
lock rifle, which I carried with me. It was a large and heavy gun,
and was so heavy that I could not shoot it without taking a rest. 1
came up the river, keeping near the bank, until I got to where the
court-house now stands in Boonville. Under the trees, which then
covered the ground in the court-house yard, I saw five deer standing
together. I selected one of the finest looking ones and fired. At the
crack of my gun he fell ; but upon going up to where he was, he
jumped to his feet, and would have followed the other four deer to-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 809
wards the river, had I not run up and caught hold of him, putting mv
arms around his neck. He pawed me with his sharp hoofs and horned
me— his hoofs making an ugly gash on my thigh and his horns stink-
ing me on the forehead. The marks of both hoof's and horns I carry
with me to-day. I held the deer until my dog came up. I then
loaded the gun and shot him again, this time killing him. This was
the first deer I ever killed, and although it was a dangerous undertak-
taking, the experience only spurred me on to gather trophies of a sim-
ilar character.
"I killed five bears just below the town — where Boonville now
stands — and killed twenty-two bears in three days. I killed four elks
in less than one hour's time. There were a few .buffaloes in the county
when I came, but these were soon killed or driven further westward.
I never killed a buffalo, but caught five calves of a small herd near
the Pettis county line. I have seen as many as thirty deer at one
sight at Prairie lick. One day I went out upon the prairie, in the
spring of the year, and saw about twenty deer — all lying down ex-
cept one ; this one was a sentinel for the herd. I approached within
about 300 yards of them and took my handkerchief, which was a
large red bandanna, and fastened it to the end of a stick and shook it
a little above my head, when they all sprang to their feet and came
towards me. A deer has much curiosity, and they were determined
to find out, if they could, what the red handkerchief meant. When
one of the largest of the number came within gunshot distance, I shot
and killed it. I often repeated the handkerchief ruse with great suc-
cess. I have killed and carried to the house three deer before break-
fast.
" When I was living in Fort Kincaid, and being still a boy, I
went out hunting many times. One morning I went down the river
bank, and after getting a short distance from the fort I heard the
gobble of a wild turkey near the river. I went under the bank and
went down to about the place where I thought the turkey was, and
ascended the bank. When I got on the top I saw, as I thought, a
large black wolf running along on a log. I fired and killed it, but
upon going up to where it lay, I saw that it was a bear — a cub — and
a very fine one it was. I took it home, and we had of it many ex-
cellent meals. The flesh of a young bear is tender and finely flavored.
"In the summer of 1812, when we were in the fort, Stephen
Cole, Muke Box and myself left on a hunting expedition, crossed the
river where Boonville now stands, and penetrated the forest to Petite
Saline creek. After we had hunted and fished for three days, we
810 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
were preparing to return, when we heard the report of guns. We
knew that there were no white men on this side of the river, and nat-
urally supposed that the Indians were hunting near us, and would kill
us if they could get a chance. "We were soon convinced that the
Indians were after us, because we saw their dogs, which came up
near us. These dogs were so well trained by their masters that
they never barked. Indian dogs never bark. We immediately
started back, and when we arrived at the place where Delany Bolin
afterwards located, we discovered that the Indians were pursuing
us. We separated, thinking it was better for us to do so, agreeing
to meet where we had left our canoe. When we arrived at the river
we found our canoe gone, the Indians having taken it. We lashed
three large chunks and logs together, placed our guns, clothes, etc.,
upon this raft and swam the river, pushing the raft before us. We
landed about two and a half miles below Boonville. That evening;
we reached the fort in safety and reported our adventure with the In-
dians, at the same time advising the inmates of the fort to be prepared
for an attack at any time.
" Next morning the settlers discovered tracks of the Indians near
the fort, and fouud it had been reconnoitred during the night by a
band of eight Indians. They immediately sent to Cooper's and
McLean's forts for reinforcements, as there were, at that time, very
few men in the fort, and -they supposed that this band of eight was
but the scouting party of a large band of Indians. Reinforcements,
to the number of forty-two, soon arrived from the other forts, and
they, together with the men belonging to Kincaid's fort, started in
pursuit of the Indians, whom they had by this time discovered to be
but a small band.
" After pursuing them some distance they surrounded them in a
hollow, near Monroe's farm, about four miles west of the present site
of New Franklin. The Indians concealed themselves in the brush
and thickets and behind the timber, and not being able to see them,
the firing of the settlers was a great deal at random. The fight con-
tinued for a long time ; four Indians were killed and the remaining
four, though badly wounded, escaped. None of the settlers were
killed and only one, named Adam Woods, was severely wounded, but
he afterwards recovered.
" Night coming on they were forced to defer the pursuit of the
surviving Indians. The next day, not satisfied with their work the day
before, the rangers started on the trail of the Indians, which was
plainly marked with blood.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 811
" They followed it to the river and there found the canoe which the
savages two days before had stolen from us. The sides of the canoe
were covered with blood, showing that the Indians had attempted to
push it into the river, but on account of being weakened by the loss of
blood, could not. After hunting them for some time in vain, the
party returned to the fort.
"I have hunted a great deal in my life. I almost lived in the
woods for seven years, and continued to go upon hunting expeditions
for forty years, after coming to Cooper county. I should enjoy si
hunt now, but my eyesight has failed me so much that I cannot see
to shoot. I naturally loved the forests, the hills, the valleys, the
water courses and everything that reminded me of nature in its rustic
and unpolished state. Could I find such a country as this was seventy
years ago, and was ten years younger than I am, I would go to it."
HUNTING BEE TREES.
"Where Boonville now stands, there was an immense forest.
While hunting bee trees, I found nine in one day, on the very spot
where the town is now located. One of these trees was a large burr-
oak which stood upon the west side of the road from where Dr. Wm.
H. Trigg now lives. We found a great quantity of honey in this tree ;
it was hollow and we got the honey out by climbing up a short dis-
tance and chopping into it with an axe. We took honey from that
tree for three years in succession. Honey constituted one of our most
indispensable, as well as' most delicious articles of diet, taking the
place, as it did, of sugar and syrup. When I grew tired of hunting,
I could gather honey, and when I got tired of searching for honey, I
could fish. A man could live and clothe himself out of the woods and
the streams right around him. The richest and most delicate food of
to-day would not compare with our unbought venison, which could be
had wherever you sought for it, nor can you find now an article of
clothing which is more durable and more comfortable than the skins
of the wild animals, with which the whole country then abounded.
" I have been living on my farm for fifty-nine years. I married
Miss Sallie Briscoe in 1821, by whom I had fifteen children. My
second wife was Mrs. Catharine Patrick, by whom I have had four
children. Fourteen of my children are still living. The last time
I counted my grand-children and great grandchildren — which was
two or three years ago — there were ninety-six. I suppose the number
has increased to fully 100 by this time."
812 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Mr. Cole, although, not the oldest man in the county, is the oldest
living settler. There may be a few others who came about the time
or soon after he did, who are living elsewhere, but they are few, and
can be counted upon the fingers of one hand.
He told us that the friends and companions of early days — of
his early hunting days — were either all dead or had moved else-
where, except Henry Corum, who was his near neighbor and who is
now in his eighty-eighth year.
We felt, as we passed out from beneath the old man's roof, that
after a little longer waiting and watching, he too, would join —
"The innumerable caravan, that moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death."
CHAPTER XXI.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Prefatory Bemarks — Baptist Church — Concord — Mount Nebo — Big Bottom —
Pisgah — Providence — First Baptist Church at Boonville — Church atOtterville — •
Pilot Grove Church — Second and Sixth Colored Churches at Boonville —
Methodist Episcopal Church South at Boonville — Bell Air Church — Prairie
Home — Pilot Grove — Church at Bunceton — German Methodist Church at
Boonville — Presbyterian Church at Boonville — New Lebanon — Mount Vernon —
Highland Church — New Salem — Union Presbyterian Church at Bunceton —
New Zion — Lone Elm Christian Church — Lamine — Second Lone Elm Church —
Walnut Grove — St. Peter's Church — German Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Clear Fork — Christ's Episcopal Church at Boonville — Catholic Churches.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
"You raised these hallowed walls, the desert smiled,
And Paradise was opened in the wild."
The settlement of the county and the organization of the first
churches were almost contemporaneous. The plow had scarcely be-
gun to turn the sod when the pioneer preachers commenced to labor
in the new field. In the western country, as well as in the Orient and
the isles of the sea, marched the representatives of the Christian reli-
gion in the front ranks of civilization. Throughout the centuries
which comprise this era have the Christian missionaries been taught
and trained to accompany the first advance of civilization, and such
was their advent in Cooper county. In the rude cabins and huts of
the pioneers they proclaimed the same gospel that is preached in the
gorgeous palaces that, under the name of churches, decorate the great
cities. It was the same gospel, but the surrounding made it appear
different, in the effect it produced at least. The Christian religion
had its rise, and the days of its purest practice among an humble-
minded people ; and it is among similar surroundings in modern times
that it seems to approach the purity of its source. This is the best
shown in the days of pioneer life. It is true, indeed, that in succeed-
ing times the church has attained greater wealth and practices a wider
benevolence. Further, it may be admitted that it has gained a firmer
discipline, and wields a more genial influence on society ; but it re-
mains true, in pioneer times we find a manifestation of Christianity
53 (813)
814 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
that we seek in vain at a later period, and under contrasted circum-
stances. The meek and lowly spirit of the Christian faith — the
placing of spiritual things above vain pomp and show — appears more
earnest amid the simple life and toil of a pioneer people than it can
when surrounded with the splendors of wealth and fashion.
But we may take a comparison less wide, and instead of contrast-
ing the Christian appearances of a great city with the Christian
appearances of the pioneers, we may compare the appearances of forty
years ago, here in the west, with those in the present time of moder-
ately developed wealth and taste for display, and we find much of the
same result. The comparison is perhaps superficial to some extent,
and does not fully weigh the elements involved, nor analyze them
properly. We simply take the broad fact, not to decry the present,
but to illustrate the past. So looking back to the early religious
meetings in the log cabins we may say : " Here was a faith earnest
and simple, like that of the early Christians."
It is our purpose to give as full and complete a history of the
churches of the different religious denominations of Cooper county in
this chapter as we can. From the best information we have obtained,
the representatives of the Baptist church were the first to bear aloft
the banner of the Christian religion in Cooper county, beginning their
labors with Concord church.
Concord Church. — On the 10th of May, 1817, a meeting was held
among these cross-bearing disciples, which was attended by Elders
Edward Turner, William Thorp and David McLain, who proceeded
to organize theConcord church with the following members : — Luke
Williams, Polly Williams, William Savage, Mary Savage, Delaney
Bolen, Judith Williams, Absalom Huff, Susanna Savage, Joseph Baze,
Lydia Turner, Charles Williams, Patsey Bolen, Sally Baze and Eliza-
beth Williams, — in all fourteen.
The following is a copy of their Articles of Faith :
Article 1. We believe in one only living and true God, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.
Art. 2. We believe the Scriptures of the old and new Testament
to be the written word of God, and the only rule of life and practice.
Art. 3. We believe in the fall of man and his utter inability to
recover himself from that lost estate.
Art. 4. We believe the doctrine of particular election, especial
calling, believers' baptism, and the final perseverance of the saints,
through grace.
Art. 5. We believe in baptism by immersion, and the Lord's
Supper, and that true believers are the only proper subjects of the
same.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 815
Art. 6. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and a general
judgment.
Art. 7. We believe the joys of the righteous and the punishment
of the wicked will be eternal.
Art. 8. We believe in the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Art. 9. We believe it t© be our duty to support the gospel and
defray the expenses of the church.
This church was located in the settlement south of Boonville, and
gave name to the Concord Association in 1823. In June of the year
1817, at the second meeting of the church, she chose Elder Luke Wil-
liams as her pastor, who continued in this relation until his death,
about six years afterwards. This left the church in a very destitute
condition. The membership was small, very few of whom were
males. Such was the gloomy state of affairs when Elder Kemp Scott
came among them, a year or two after the death of Elder Williams.
He was chosen pastor, and for a time the church was greatly pros-
pered. The first fourteen years of its history show that the church
gradually grew, receiving members both by baptism and by letter
every year, but at the same time dismissing many members to join
other churches, and sometimes to go into new organizations. During
this period its numerical strength ranged from twenty to forty -live.
There are no authentic records of the church from 1833 to 1846, a
period of thirteen years. On the 26th of December, 1846, a reunion
was forrafed with a neighboring church, known as " The Vine." This
event added considerable strength to the old church, which to this
day stands as " a city set on a hill."
Mount Nebo Baptist Church — The first meetings of this church
were held one mile north of Bunceton, the date being about June,
1820. The list of early members numbers sixty-three. The first
name upon this list.is that of Lydia Corum, whose name was recorded
about June 3, 1820. With hers, and on the same date, was recorded
the name of Jordan O'Bryan. Then follow the names of Abraham
and Nancy Woolery. The first regular pastor was the Rev. A. P.
Williams. The first house of worship was built in 1838. The present
building, which is located about half a mile west of the old church,
was erected in 1856. It was dedicated by the Rev. E. S. Dulin and
Robert H. Harris. Present pastor, I. B. Dotson ; present member-
ship, 125.
We could get but a few of the names of the constituent members
of old Mount Nebo. The Concord Association was formed on Satur-
day before the third Sunday, in October, 1823, at Mount Nebo church.
816 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Big Lick Church — which was a constituent of the Concord
association, was organized August 24, 1822, under an arbor, neat-
Judge Ogden's Spring, about one mile north of where the church
edifice was afterwards built. Elders John B. Longan and Jacob
Chism composed the council. Its original members were sixteen.
Elder John B. Longan was the pastor from 1822 to 1845 ; Elder
Tyree C. Harris from 1845 to 1851 ; following him were Robert H.
Harris, B. G. Tutt, J. B. Box, J. D. Murphy and J. S. Palmer.
Two extensive revivals were enjoyed by this church : the first in 1838,
under the labors of A. P. Williams, the other in 1847, during the
pastorate of T. C. Harris, when the church reached its maximum,
numbering about 350 members.
Pisgah Church — But little is known of the early history of this
church. It was organized prior to 1823, from the fact that at the
Mount Pleasant association, which was held in October, 1823, at Mt.
Nebo church, there were eight churches admitted into the association,
one of these being Pisgah church.
Mt. Pleasant Church — This church was also organized prior to
to 1823, but little is now known of its early history.
Providence Baptist Church — Organized November, 1879, at
Prairie Home Institute, by Rev. B. T. Taylor. The constituent mem-
bers were : Miss E., Miss R. and Miss J. McLane, A. Slaughter, Mrs.
L. W. Slaughter, Mrs. M. Simmons, W. E. Watt, Mrs.. L. F. Watt,
William Simmons, Mrs. Lizzie Simmons, Mrs. Saline Smith, A. J.
Hornbeck, Jeremiah Hornbeck, Mrs. E. Hornbeck, Mrs. Josie,
Miss Sallie, Miss Nevada, Miss Fannie, Miss Minerva, Miss
Nannie, Miss Henrietta and C. C. Don Carlos, Miss N. J. and
Mrs. Mary Adair, Mrs. Mary, Miss Laura, Miss Lillie and Miss
Mattie Taylor, Thomas F. and Mrs. Sallie B. Hall, Gabriel, Miss
Nancy, Miss M. A. and Miss D. J. Hale, Mrs. Sarah C. Wilson, Mrs.
Sarah Stemmons, Miss Sudie and Miss Nannie Stemmons, George
W., Mrs. Mary and Clara Carey, Mrs. Melinda Duugan, Miss Jennie
and Amanda Maxwell, and Bettie Hudson. Church erected in 1881 ;
dedicated October, 1881, by Rev. J. B. Box; cost $1,000; present
pastor, Rev. J. B. Box. Services first Sunday in each month ; pres-
ent membership, fifty ; house located in the northeast corner of sec-
tion 18, township 47, range 15.
First Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, Boonville, Cooper county,
Missouri — Organized December 30, 1843, by Reverends A. M. Lewis
and A. B. Hardy. Names of original members: Reuben E. McDan-
iel, Alfred Simmons, David Lilly, Lawrence B. Lewis, Jordan
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 817
O'Bryan, Elizabeth Dow, Sarah Gates, Maria Elliott, Eliza Ann Hick-
man, Susan D. Conner, Delia McDaniel, Elizabeth N. Eichardson,
Jane E. Eichardson and Francis B. Major. Church was built in sum-
mer of 1847, of brick. Names of pastors : Tyra C. Harris, Eobert
Harris, John W. Mitchell, Spencer H. Olmsted, X . X. Buckner, M.
M. Padelford, Charles Whiting, J. L. Blitch, G. W. Sogers, M. L.
Laws, S. F. Taylor, A. W. Chambliss, G. W. Hyde, A. Machette,
now in charge. Number of present membership, 127.
First Baptist Church at Otterville — Organized in 1866, by J. W-
Williams and Brother Parish. Names of original members : George
I. Key, James Shackelford, Samuel Swearingen, William H. Bowdin,
Martha L. Key, Sarah Willard, Catherine L. Key, Augeline Cook,
Mary C. Golladay, Josephine Butler, Mahala Price, Jane Trimble,
Margaret A. Shackelford, Temperance E. Swearingen, Mary A.
Bowdin, Sophia Cook and Sarah Ellison. The church was bought
in 1874 from the Cumberland Presbyterians. It is frame, and cost
$360. Names of pastors : William Pastors, John K. Godby, T. V.
Greer, W N. Phillips, E. T. Shelton, pastor at present. Number of
present membership, thirty-nine.
Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church — Located on section
36, of Clark's Fork township. It was organized January 3, 1868, by
Jehu Eobinson. Original members : Mrs. Margaret Eeid, Sarah
Gartner, Lucy Brown, Margaret Cartner. First pastor, Jehu Eobin-
son ; present membership, 100. The first organization was at the
Concord school house. Present church was built in 1879, and ded-
icated in June of the same year; cost, $1,800. Sabbath school su-
perintendent, James H. Eennison ; number of scholars, fifty.
Pilot Grove Baptist Church — Organized in 1876 . Names of orig-
inal members : Eev. N. T. Allison and wife, J. E Jeffress, A. N.
Spencer, J. Tomlinson, B. F. Chamberlain and wife, L. L. Chamber-
lain and wife, Miss Eebecca Massie, Miss Millie White and Mrs. Sarah
Kaley. The church was built in 1876, is frame, and cost $1,000. It
was dedicated in 1877 b*y Eev. William Ferguson. Names of pastors :
N. T. Allison and I. B. Dotson. Number ot present membership,
thirty-four.
Second Baptist Church (colored) — Located on Morgan street,
Boonville — Organized 1865 or 1866, by Eev. W. P. Brooks. Names
of original members — Eichard Taylor aud wife, William Jackson
and wife, Dilcey Thomas, Eebecca Sharp, Hannah Alexander, Wash-
ington Whittleton, Minerva Smith, Jane Smith, Duke Diggs and wife,
G. Fowler and wife, Jane Douglass, Ellen Woods, Abbey Smith,
818 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Green Smith, Cynthia Nelson, P. Watkins, P. Wilson. Number of
present members, 216. Pastors — Rev. Granderson Roberts, Rev.
Reuben Nelson, A. Nelson, Rev. Poindexter, Rev. H. Robert-
son, Rev. H. Smith, Rev. J. H. Burton, Rev. C. Vaughn and Rev.
J. W. Miller, present pastor. The church was built in 1870, is frame,
and cost $1,600. Number of Sunday-school scholars, 100. Super-
intendent, Robert Humphrey. Organized by Rev. W. P. Brooks,
who has done much for the cause of the colored Baptists in the state.
Sixth Baptist Church (colored), Boonville — Organized June 1,
1874, by Rev. S. Bryant. Names of original members : Green Wil-
son, William Jackson, David Watson, Paul Donaldson, Smith Barnes,
Rebecca Sharp, Martha Tibbs, Clacy Waller, Esther Rollins, Clara
Johnson, Dilcey Thomas, Sarah Jackson, Arrena Watson. Present
membership, 100. First pastor, Rev. Reuben Nelson; second, Rev.
J. J.Moore; third, R. M.Vernon; fourth, Tinley T. Lucas; fifth,
Rev. James Powell ; present pastor, Freeman Jones. Built in 1876;
cost, $1,000 ; number of Sabbath school scholars, fifty ; superin-
tendent, Frank Harris.
Methodist Episcopal Church South, Boonville. — Rev. John
Scripps, a Methodist minister, was among the pioneer preachers in
Cooper county. Religious services were held by him at' a private
house in Boonville in 1817, and in September, 1818, the church was
organized by Rev. Justinian Williams, who was a brother of Marcus
Williams, the first mayor of Boonville.
There were six members present at the formation of this church,
to wit : Justinian Williams and wife, Frederick Houx and wife, and
two other persons, whose names we did not succeed in getting. From
the fall of 1818 till the fall of 1834 the class was part of what was
known as the Lamine circuit. In 1834 it was called Boonville cir-
cuit; in 1818 W. R. Jones was appointed preacher and Jesse Walker
presiding elder. He was followed in 1819 by John Scripps, Jesse
Haile, presiding elder ; 1820, Levin Green, Samuel H. Thompson,
presiding elder ; 1821, John Blaisdell, Samuel H. Thompson, pre-
siding elder; 1822, Frederick B. Leach, David Sharp, presiding
elder; 1823, Stephen R. Beggs, David Sharp, presiding elder; 1824,
Benjamin S. Ashby, Jesse Haile, presiding elder ; 1825, Uriel Haw,
John Dew, presiding elder ; 1826, John Harris, A. Monroe, presid-
ing elder; 1827, Cassell Harrison, A. Monroe, presiding elder ; 1828,
W. W. Redman, Jesse Greene, presiding elder; 1829, E. T. Heery,
Jesse Greene, presiding elder ; 1830, William Crane, Alex. McAllis-
ter, presiding elder ; 1831, Justinian Williams, Joseph Edmondson,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 819
presiding elder; 1832, W. W. Redman, Jesse Greene, presiding
elder; 1833, John K. Lacy, Jesse Greene, presiding elder; 1834,
John L. Irwin, Jesse Greene, presiding elder; 1835, J. Prior, W.
W. Kedman, presiding elder; 1836, Ben r! Johnson, W. W. Red-
man, presiding elder; 1837, R. H. Jordan, Jesse Greene, presiding
elder; 1838, Thomas Wallace, Jesse Greene, presiding elder; 1839,
Thomas Wallace, Jesse Greene, presiding elder ; 1840, Lester
James, Jesse Greene, presiding elder; 1841, John Thatcher, James
Jamison, presiding elder; 1842, Thomas Johnson, James Jamison,
presiding elder ; 1843, N. Westeman, Thomas Wallace, presiding
elder; 1844, Thomas T. Ashby, Thomas Wallace, presiding elder;
1845, George C. Light, Thomas Wallace, presiding elder ; 1846,
Joseph Boyle, Thomas Wallace, presiding elder; 1847, Joseph
Boyle, Elijah Perkins, presiding elder; 1848, James Mitchell, Eli-
jah Perkins, presiding elder; 1849, John Henning, Joseph Boyle,
presiding elder; 1850, J. F. Trnslow, John A. Henning, presid-
ing elder; 1851, W. H. Lewis, James Mitchell, presiding elder;
1852, W. H. Lewis, James Mitchell, presiding elder ; 1853, W. M.
Prottsman, James Mitchell, presiding elder ; 1854, Warren Whar-
ton, James Mitchell, presiding elder; 1855, Warren Wharton, D.
A. Leeper, presiding elder; 1856, A. A. Morrison, D. A. Leeper,
presiding elder; 1857, A. A. Morrison, D. A. Leeper, presiding
elder; 1858, J. W. Lewis, D. A. Leeper, presiding elder; 1859,
J. W. Lewis, W. M. Prottsman presiding elder; 1860, J. R. Hall,
W, M. Prottsman, presiding elder; 1861, J. R. Hall, W. M.
Prottsman, presiding elder; vacant for a while; 1863, W. M. Pugh,
Josiah Godbey, presiding elder; 1864, W. M. Pugh, Josiah God-
bey, presiding elder; 1865, W. C. Godbey, Josiah Godbey, pre-
siding elder; 1866, W. J. Brown, J. A. Murphy, presiding elder;
1867, G. W. Hern, M. M. Pugh, presiding elder; 1868, M. G.
Williams, M. M. Pugh, presiding elder; 1869, 0. P. Jones, M. M.
Pugh, presiding elder; 1870, C. P. Jones, M. M. Pugh, presiding
elder; 1871, W. F. Camp, W. M. Prottsman, presiding elder; 1872,
C. C. Woods, J. R. Bennett, presiding elder ; 1873, C. C. Woods,
J. R. Bennett, presiding elder; 1874, John A. Murphy, J. R. Ben-
nett, presiding elder; 1875, John A. Murphy, C. C. Woods, presid-
ing elder; 1876, C. H. Briggs, C. C. Woods, presiding elder ; 1877,
C. H. Briggs, C. C. Woods, presiding elder; 1878, C. H. Briggs, C.
C. Woods, presiding elder ; 1879, C. H. Briggs, P. Philips, presiding
elder; 1880, W. M. Poage, P. Philips, presiding elder; 1881, G. W.
Hern, P. Philips, presiding elder; 1882, G. W. Hern, P. Philips,
820 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
presiding elder. In 1832 the Missouri conference met at Pilot Grove,
in September; Bishop Soule presided, and John Glanville was secre-
tary. On September 26, 1838, conference met at Boonville, Bishop
Soule presiding, W. W. Eedman, secretary. Conference was held
there in 1858,, 1870, and will meet there September 26, 1883. The
old church was begun about 1832.
Bell Air M. E. Church South — The church organization was
effected in 1850. Some of the original members were James Bell and
wife, Thornton Bell and wife, and Jacob ,G. Shutler and wife. The
present building was erected in 1870, and dedicated by Rev. D. K.
McAually, of St. Louis. Present membership about fifty. Rev. John
Given is now preaching for the church.
Prairie Home M. E. Church — Organized in 1881 by Rev. Vau-
diver. Church built in 1880-81. Dedicated August, 1881, by Rev.
Phillips. First pastor, Rev. Vandiver ; second, Rev. Cross; present
pastor, John Anthony. Original members, Sarah Tompkins and
Mrs. Eleanor Huff. Soou after the church was organized with the
two members above named, the following persons united : William
Kirschman and wife, James Wilson, wife and family, James Jones
and wife, Alonzo Meredith, Mrs. Kate Smith, Samuel Jones, Andrew
Rankins, Mrs. Kelly M. Hobbs ■ and Miss Jessie George. Present
membership, thirty-five. Value church property, $1,500.
Pilot GroveM.E. Church South — Organized 1826 or 1827.
Names of original members : Samuel Roe, Sr., is the only name among
the original members that we could get. Church was built in 1850,
rebuilt in 1879; is a frame building. Cost $1,200. Dedicated by
Rev. Preston Phillips, October, 1879 (new structure). J. C. Given is
present pastor. Number of present membership, 125. In September,
1832, Bishop Soule held annual conference at this church.
M. E. Church South at Bunceton — In April, 1879, Rev. C. H.
Briggs (then stationed in Boonville), by request of Mrs. Maria
Stephens, was solicited to come to Bunceton and organize the few
members of the M. E. church south into a society. He did so, and
enrolled the following membership : Mrs. Maria Stephens, Captain S.
P. Tevis, George Dorsey, James Moon, Mrs. Jane Moon, George
Dameron, Mrs. Lucy Dameron, O. F. Arnold, and Mrs. M. E.
Arnold. During the remainder of the conference year, this church
was attached to the California circuit, with preaching monthly by
Reverends J. C. Given and F. A. Briggs, alternately. In the spring
of 1880, subscription lists were circulated, and money raised to
erect a church. For a site, Dr. H. C. Gibson, of Boonville, donated
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 821
an acre, and the building was completed the following autumn. The
membership now numbers about twenty, and, besides the ministers
above, has been served by Reverends L. M. Phillips, and W. F.
Wright, the present pastor.
The German Methodist Church, at Boonville, Missouri — Was
organized in 1850. Names of original members are : H. Gaus, Helena
Gaus, J. H. Reckmeyer, Emilie Reckmeyer, Peter Birkenbeil, EvaM.
Birkenbeil, Henry Muhlenbruck, Mina Muhlenbruck, John Otten,
Johanna Otten, H. Blum, Theresia Blum, Carl Vollmer, Henriette
Kuhl, Maria Hausam. Names of pastors : Reverends A. Klippel,
Jacob Feisel, John Hausam, H. Lahrman, William Schreck, C. Stein-
ley, P. Hehner, John P. Miller, M. Dewein, H. Muhlenbruck, J. A.
Reitz, J. Koelle, George W. Reitz, John Wilhelmi, H. Balke, Ed.
Pfaffenberger, Kurt Franz, J. G. Kost. In 1852 the church ( brick) was
built; cost $1,200. Sunday school numbers forty. Superintend-
ent, C. Wassman.
Presbyterian Church at Boonville — On the 27th of August, 1876,
Rev. 0. W. Gauss delivered an historical sermon in Boonville, giving
a history of the church above named. He said : —
" On the 28th of April, 1821, this church was organized under
the name of the Franklin church, by the Rev. Edward Hollister, with
twenty-three members. The year of its organization is the same year
in which Missouri was admitted into the Union as a state. The
reason it bore the name of Franklin at the beginning, is that it was
situated in Franklin, since known as Old Franklin, to distinguish it
from the subsequently built New Franklin. Franklin was then the
chief town west of St. Louis, but it was built on the sands, and the
floods of the Missouri river have swept it away. As Franklin went
down, Boonville, laid out and incorporated in 1817, directly opposite,
on the other bank of the river, was built up, and, being founded on
a rock, stands to-day, while scarcely a vestige of her predecessor re-
mains. It was but natural in this state of things that all business
and social interest should tend over to this side, and we find that the
church soon moved in the same direction.
"In 1825 Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, who taught school in Franklin,
preached regularly there and in Boonville. The same was true in Mr.
Cochran's ministry, and probably also, at least, in the beginning of
Mr. Chamberlain's (W. P. Cochran, Hiram Chamberlain). The fact
that there seems to have been these two regular preaching points for
the Franklin church, shows that the church was preparing for a
complete removal to this side. Consequently, at a meeting of the
822 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
presbytery in this place in 1830, nine years after the organization of
the church, one year before the erection of the synod of Missouri, the
name of Franklin church was changed to Boonville, and so entered
on the roll.
" I have not been able to find any list of the names of the twenty-
three original members, or of the officers with whom the organization
was formed. The earliest list I have is one furnished me by Dr.
Thomas Parks from memory, giving me the names of members and
elders in 1828 ; these are all absent from us, most of them dead. The
session at that time consisted of John Dickson, William C. Porter
and Colonel Chambers, clerk of courts of Saline county ; in 1829 the
session was increased by the addition to it of Dr. Parks. In the fall
of 1836 Dr. Parks left Boonville, and about the same time Mr. Johu
Dickson also removed ; previous to this Mr. Porter and Colonel
Chambers had died, and so it came about the church was without any
elders. It remained in this condition nearly two years from the fall
of 1836 to the summer of 1838, when Rev. R. L. McAfee ordained and
installed as elders of the church, Josiah Dickson and Joseph N.
Laurie. Robert Brent was elected at the same time with these, but
was not installed until later. From the year 1838, the time of her
re-organization, the ehurch steadily progressed up to the present time,
under the almost uniiitermitted ministrations of the Gospel. Rev. W.
P. Cochran, of Pennsylvania, succeeded the Rev. Pomeroy in 1827.
Rev. Hiram Chamberlain came in 1828, and remained until 1834.
There was no settled minister here then until 1840. During this
interval there was a Mr. Rennie, a Scotchman, from South Carolina,
and Mr. Reynolds, a man of New School principles, each of whom
remained here for a short time, preaching for the church.
On the 20th of August, 1832 there was a meeting of the citizens
of Boonville at the school-house, for the purpose of taking measures
to erect a Presbvterian church. At this meeting a board of five
commissioners was appointed, consisting of Rev. H. Chamberlain,
James Patton, David Adams, A. W. Pollard and Charles H. Smith,
whose duty was to devise plans, to select a site and make all necessary
arrangements in connection with the erection of a building. On the
23d of April, 1833, the commissioners purchased the lot upon which
the building now stands. The building was completed in 1841, at a
cost of $4,500.
In 1840 Rev. William G. Bell was elected pastor, and installed
in May of that year, and resigned the pastorate in October, 1854.
He preached the first and last sermon in the old church. Rev. H. M.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 823
Painter succeeded Mr. Bell. He remained until 1862, when he was
succeeded by Rev. James Morton as stated supply for three years.
In 1867 Rev. B. H. Charles, of Chester, Illinois, filled the pulpitf,
and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev O. W. Gauss, in
August, 1875.
The present building was erected and finished in 1871-72, at a
cost of $12,618.65. It is built of brick, and is the largest Protestant
church in the city.
New Lebanon Church, C.P. — Is possibly the oldest Cumber-
land Presbyterian church in Cooper, having been organized in 1820.
The minister officiating upon that occasion was Rev. Finis Ewing,
who was the founder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It
was called "New Lebanon," because a majority of the original
members belonged to a church of the same name, in Logan county,
Kentucky, whence they had just come. »
The names of the constituent members were Robert Kirkpatrick
and wife, Thomas Ruby and wife, Alexander Sloan and wife, John
Wear and wife, James L. Wear and wife, Hugh Wear and wife,
Eobert Allison and wife, John Miller and wife, and Mr. Stone and
wife.
The first elders were Robert Kirkpatrick, Alexander Sloan,
John Miller aud Thomas Ruby. The old log church was built in
1821. The present brick house was erected in 1860. The first
temperance society that was formed in Cooper county, held its meet-
ings in the old log church in 1824. About the same time, Rev. R.
D. Morrow commenced a school in the neighborhood, for the benefit
of young preachers. Some of the early and most useful ministers of
of the C. P. church, attended that school ; such men as Rev. Robert
Sloan, J. B. Morrow, Robert and Henry Renick, David Kirkpatrick,
John Linville, J. L. Wear and John Reed.
Mount Vernon C.P- Church — In the month of April, 1833,
the presbytery of New Lebanon established a church called Mount
Vernon in the neighborhood of Pilot Grove, and about one mile
southwest. The organizing members were William Houx, John Miller,
James Deckard, John Houx, Sr., Frederick Houx, Gideon B. Miller,
Benjamin Weedin, Daniel Weedin, Jacob Houx, William Miller,
Charlotte Houx, Anne McCutchen, Harriet L. McCutchen, Christina
Peckard, Ellen B. Crawford, Regina Houx, Mary Miller, Sr., Mary
Miller, Jr., Catherine Weedin, Mary Weedin, Elizabeth and Rachel
Weedin, Ann Rennison, Elizabeth H. C. Berry, Margaret Houx.
William Houx and John Miller* were the elders. The present elders,
824 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
are Judge J. M. McCutcheon, Dr. William B. Harriman, Abraham
Brownfield, and Thomas Brownfield. Amongthe early preachers who
officiated in the pulpit of this church were Samuel C. Davidson, Rob-
ert Sloan, Archibald McCorkle, "William Kavanaugh and Finis Ewing.
The pulpitis not now supplied by any regular minister. Rev. J. T.
H. Henderson was the last pastor of this church. The church now
numbers thirty members.
Highland Church, 0 ' . P. — The Cumberland Presbyterians or-
ganized a church at Highland school house, February 20, 1867. The
Rev. A. M. Thompson, assisted by Warren Cotnpton and W. D. Ma-
han, officiated at the organization. The church was erected in 1870;
dedicated February 12, 1883, by Rev. C. W. McBride. It is a frame
building and cost $1,600. The original members were John Fluke,
Joseph Kuikshire, Wm. E. Clayton, Andrew J. Roberson, Margaret
Knikshire, Nancy R. Durnil, Louisa Fluke, Elizabeth Edwards, Mary
L. Duncan, Isaac Henry, Frederick Fluke, James D. McFall, James
Bankston, Jane Tucker, George Fluke, Frank Guthrie, Dow Vaughan,
Sallie Messicks, Julia Fluke, Lavina Clayton, Wm. E. Clayton, Jr.,
Elizabeth Duncan, Patsey Henry. Present membership, sixty-niue.
First pastor, Rev. A. M. Thompson ; present pastor, W. H. Wilson;
first deacons, Andrew J. Roberson and John W. Williams ; present
deacon, John W. Williams. First clerk, James D. McFall; present
clerk, I. M. Tucker. First elders, John Fluke, Wm. E. Clayton and
Dow Vaughan; present elders, Wm. E. Clayton, Geo. Fluke, Wm.
Rayland and I. M. Tucker. Services once a month.
New Salem C. P. Church — This church is located on section
12, township 47 range 16, Prairie Home township. It was organized
in 1821, at the residence of Alexander Johnston, by Rev. Robert
W.Morrow, who was sent out to the west in 1819, from Kentucky,
by the Ladies' Missionary Society. Original members: Alexander
Johnston, Joshua Lewis, Mrs. Mary (wife of Alex. Johnston), Mrs.
Mary (wife of James Johnston), Robert Johnston and Margaret John-
ston (mother of Alexander and Robert Johnston). First church was
erected about 1828, on section 16, township 47, range 16 (Clark's
Fork) ; a log house. In 1853, a brick house of worship was built on
section 12, township47, range 16, which was used till the fall of 1877,
when a new brick was built, which cost $2,500, on the same spot of
ground. It was dedicated on the second Wednesday in May, 1878,
by Dr. Greenville Wood. Present membership, eighty. Present pas-
tor, Rev. H. D. Kennedy. Services second and fourth Sundays in
each month. Among the first preachers were Rev. Finis Ewing and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 825
Eev. Robert W. Morrow, who conducted a camp meeting, followed by
Eevs. Daniel Weedon and Samuel King, Thomas Ish and John E. Nor-
ris. Rev. Finis A. Witherspoon was the first pastor after the first
brick house was erected. Oldest members : Jeremiah Smith, Jno. B.
Johnston, Wash and John S. Johnston, A. M. and Huston George.
In 1853, there was a remarkable revival conducted by Warren Comp-
ton and Robert Harris, a Baptist, with sixty conversions. H. H.
Misseldine filled the pulpit during the late war.
Union Presbyterian Church at Bunceton — Organized in 1860,
by Rev. W. G. Bell, of Boonville. The constituent members were
Mrs. Mary Phillips, Dr. E. Chilton and wife, John J. Hoge and wife,
Isaac Hewitt and wife, Miss M. Hewitt, James Hewitt and Mrs. E.
Russell. First elders, John J. Hoge, Isaac Hewitt and Dr. E. Chilton.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church — New Zion — Located on section
twenty-six, Moniteau township, was organized August 1 1, 1871 , by W.
W. Branin. The names of original members were Martha J. Miller,
Catherine Lawson, Nancy Hollaway, Harriet J. Hollaway, Joseph
Pierce, Margaret A. Thompson, L. C. McDaniel, Henry Bowers,
P. P. Lawson, Caroline R. Bovvers, Thomas L. Pierce, Susan J. Wil-
liams. The number of present membership is 100. Names of
pastors are W. W. Branin, James E. F. Robertson and 0- W.
McBride.
This church was built in 1879, and is a frame building, erected
at a cost of $800. Number of scholars in Sabbath school is fifty ;
superintended by H. B. Sappington. The Sabbath school is sustained
only during the summer months.
Lone Elm Christian Church. — In 1842, the above church was
organized at a school house, now known as Bell Air. The original
members were George W. Baker and Harriet P., his wife, Peter and
Elizabeth Poindexter, Rice and Elizabeth Daniel, Benjamin R. and
Lucy Waller, and Mary A. Poindexter.
The first ministers were Nelson Davis and Allen Wright ; the
elders were Geonre W. Baker and Peter Poindexter.
Mr. Baker, from whom we obtained this information, says that
Lone Elm church was the first organized south of the Missouri river.
Church at Lamine. — About the year 1843, there was an organi-
zation of the Christian church at Lamine, but owing to deaths and
removals the organization was discontinued a few years afterwards.
The present church at Lamine was established August 7, 18.65, by
Elder P. Douan, with the following white members : Samuel R. C<>1-
Hus, Sarah L." Collins, Wm. B. Collins, J.P.Collins, Marietta M.
826 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Collins, Drusilla E. Thomas, Susan Biddle, Melinda E. Kincaid,
Mary F. Tyler, Catherine Wing, Freeman Wing, Julia A. Turley,
Ellen Pope, Josephine Wall, J. P. Wall, Moses Napier, Mary J.
Mello, Nancy Reed, Elizabeth Coui'tney, George W. Kincaid, Francis
M. Kincaid, Eichard F. Kincaid, A. L. Kincaid, John B. Baker,
Martha J. Baker, Theodore Turley, James O'Howell, Thomas Mello,
Thomas Staples, C. F. Younger, F. Harris, Lucy C. Hieuclehen,
Pamelia Williams.
There were eighteen colored people who came into the church at
the same time ; their names we did not succeed in getting. These
(the eighteen) soon after organized a church of their own.
Elders Donan and O. P. Davis were the first preachers. The
present membership is eighty.
Second Lone Elm Christian Church — The organization of this
church occurred September 27, 1854. The organizing members
were James R.Daniel, Rice Daniel,' David Parish, Robert Seaton,
John Seaton, Henry Knaus, J. G. Taliaferro, Joan Daniel, E. R.
Daniel, Jeannette Seaton, Lucy H. Walker, Balinda Poindexter,
Joan Seaton, Mary L. Wilson, Eliza A. Baker, J. H. Baker, L. A.
Taliaferro, M. A. Taliaferro, Lucy A. Baker, Martha A. Knaus,
Elizabeth Poindexter, Maria L. Keely. The first minister was O. P.
Davis. Present membership, ninety-five.
Christian Church — The congregation of disciples of Christ, wor-
shipping at Walnut Grove, Cooper county, Missouri, was organized
by Elder O. P. Davis on the first Lord's day in December, 1862, with
the following members, viz. : Lewis D. Reavis, Henry York, Eli P.
Adams, Sarah J. Adams, Matilda Cary, Samuel R. Davis, O. P. Davis,
Eliza J. Hawkins, Martha A. Davis, Mary F. Logan, Margaret A.
Davis, Mary York, Caroline York, Isabella Clawson, Sarah Parmer
and James Eldredge. This congregation iucreased in numbers rap-
idly until it numbered at one time something Over 150 members, but
owing to removals, deaths, and other causes, it now numbers only
thirty-four members.
St. Peter'' s German Evangelical Church — Is located on'section
9, township 47, range 15, in Prairie Home township. The church
was organized in 1848 by Rev. Charles Hofneoister. The constituent
members were Jacob Schilb, Sr., and wife, Gadfried Kenepfer and
wife, — Becker and wife, George Knorp and wife, F. W. Schenkand
wife, Henry Mayer and wife, Andreas Spieler and wife, Godfrey
Spieler and wife, Thetobald Miller and wife, David Huth and wife,
Peter Diehl, Sr., and wife, Jacob Shilb, Jr., and wife, Ernest Kirsch-
man and wife and Henry Webber and wife.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 827
The old church edifice was erected in 1849. The new building
was built in 1872 at a cost of $900. The interest in the church about
the year 1875 flagged, and in January, 1877, the church was reorgan
ized, and incorporated in 1879. David Schilb, Adam Schilb, Sr.,
Jacob Schilb, Frederick Schilb, David Schilb, Jr., Adam Schilb, Jr.,
Adam Andreas, Wendell Graff, Otto Speiler, Jacob and John Plank,
Charles and Ernest Kirschman, John G. Speiler, Jacob Warmbrodt,
Rudolph Segesser, Gustave Hefferburg, and the wives of the above,
with the exception of Charles Kirschman and Gustave Hefferburg, con-
stituted the organization. Jacob Schilb, Jr., John Plank and Ernest
Kirschman are the elders. F. Woelfle was the last pastor.
The German Evangelical Congregation in Boonville, Missouri —
Organized in August, 1853, with the following members : George Vol-
brath, J. H. Boiler, William Haas, St. Weber, Paul Stegner, Philip
Back, William Gemmer, Peter Back, Jacob Seibel, L. N. Schmidt,
Otto Koehnke, Adam Stegner, J. G. Blumenroedher, Ernest Stegner,
George Debusmann, Gottfried Back, Jacob Thauer, J. E. Hollander,
David Bau, Sophia Hain, Frederica Reinhart, Erk. Hirlinger, Jacob
Neef, George Goller, L. Holzmueller, Adam Saudrock, Fred. Metz,
J. Mittameyer, Philip Stahl, J. F. Fickel, J. Lotz. George Vollrath,
J. H. Holler, St. Wheeler and William Haas were the first trustees
and Rev. John Wettle was the first pastor. In 1854 the present house
of worship was built, which was mainly due to the liberality and en-
ergy of George Vollrath. In 1857 the congregation erected a school
house for a parochial school, and in 1879 a parsonage. Rev. C. L.
Greiuer, J. Lange and E. Schneider have each served the church suc-
cessively as pastors until the present pastor, Rev. L. Kohlman.
Lutheran Emanuel Church — Is located on section 34, township
48, range 15, Prairie Home township, and was organized about the
year 1855 by Rev. August Lange, Henry Meyer, Frederick Stock,
Jacob Edes, G. Knorp, Henry Meyer, John Kempfer, Dietrich Molan,
John Snauch, Christine Hecherman and Ludwig Mentz. House erected
in 1855. The church owns four acres of land and a parsonage. Pres-
ent pastor, Adolph Clos ; present membership, twenty-two; value of
church property, $1,000.
The German Evangelical Lutheran Church — Located on section
8, of Clark's Fork township, of Cooper county, Missouri, was organ-
ized partially in 1860 or 1861. Original members': Peter Muutzel,
Albert Muntzel, Daniel Muutzel, John King, Fred Frieke, John A.
Schmidt, Nicholas Schmidt, Leonard Schmidt, David Rauh, Wm.
Kahle, Henry Lankop, Ferdinand Lankop, Wm. Lankop, Christian
Brandis, Sr., Lewis Lebbing, Marimus Longers, Henry Kaune,
828 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Sophia Fredmeyer, Christian Fredmeyer, Henry Fredmeyer, Ferdi-
nand Ohlendorf, Peter Norenberg, James Martinson, Jacob King,
Otto Smolfield, Berhard Vieth, Charles Brandis, Peter Wehmeier.
Number of present members — heads of families, fifty-two. First
pastor, Kev. Henry Joengel, since which time there have been five or
six others, names not given. The church was built in the spring of
1867, by the original members, at a cost of $2,500, three acres being
donated by Fred. Frieke. In September, of 1883, they will open a
school headed by a competent teacher.
Christ's Episcopal Church — The date of the organization of this
church at Boonville, is not definitely known. We made every effort to
ascertain the fact in reference thereto, and have arrived at the conclu-
sion, after several interviews with some of the oldest living members of
the church, that it was organized about the year 1835. The church
edifice was erected about the year 1844, at which time the Rev.
Almond David Corbyn, became the rector. It is known that Rev. F.
F. Peak held services about the year 1839. Who preceded him, is not
known. He may have been the pioneer preacher of that church in
Boonville.
Among the constituent members were Dr. E. E. Buckner and
wife, Richard Thompson and wife, Mrs. Tompkins and C. B. Powell
and wife.
Catholic Churches — The Catholics commenced the erection of a
church edifice at Boonville, in 1859. The building cost about $10,000 ;
with the addition which is being now built, together with parsonage
and school building, the probable cost will approximate $25,000.
The first pastor was Father George Turk, who came in 1851,
and preached, and administered the sacrament of baptism. He was
succeeded by Joseph Meister, Bernard Hiller, Henry Muers and John
A. Hoffman — Father Hoffman coming from St. Louis, in April,
1875. The church has a membership of about one hundred families.
There is a school in connection with the church, which has an average
of one hundred pupils and three teachers.
There is a Catholic church in Clear Creek township ; the old
building was a frame one ; a brick is beiug put up at this time (1883).
The pastor in charge, is John Conrad, O. S. B.
There is also a church in Pilot Grove township, at a place called
Martinsville. Father Conrad, above named, preaches here.
The Catholics have a church edifice — brick — in Moniteau town-
ship. Father J. M. Duggan, is the pastor. The churches in Clear
Creek and Pilot Grove townships, have each about fifty families, and
the last named, twenty-five families.
CHAPTER XXII.
OFFICIAL RECOED.
CIRCUIT JUDGES OF COOPER COUNTY.
Complete list of all the county officers who have served from the
organization of the county to the present time, with date of election
and appointment and date of retiring from office : —
David Todd, March 1, 1869, January, 1837; William Scott,
January, 1837, August, 1841 ; James W. Morrow, August 14, 1841,
August, 1851 ; George W. Miller, August, 1851, January 1, 1869 ;
T. M. Rice, January 1, 1869, January 1, 1875 ; George W. Miller,
January 1, 1875, January 1, 1881 ; E. L. Edwards, April, 1879, Jan-
uary 1, 1886.
STATE SENATORS
from the district of Missouri in which Cooper county is situated,
with the year of election : —
1820, Cooper and Clark; 1824, George Crawford; 1828, John
Miller; 1832, John Miller; 1836, David Jones; 1840, Reuben A.
Ewing; 1844, Jordan O' Bryan ; 1848, David Jones; 1852, Wm.
Dunlap; 1856, James B. Harris; 1860, Thomas Monroe; 1862,
Frank W. Hickox ; 1866, George W. Boardman ; 1869, M. McMillen,
to fill vacancy ; 1870, John Pappin ; 1873, S. S. Abney, to fill
vacancy; 1874, S. S. Abney; 1879, Jas. A. Walker; 1882, John T.
Heard, present incumbent.
NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES,
with the year of their election : —
1820, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Smiley and William Lillard ;
1822, B. F. Hickox, Jordan O'Bryan and A. K. Langon ; 1824, B. F.
Hickox and G. W. Wright ; 1826, M. Dunn and Jordan O'Bryan ;
1828, A. Kavanaugh and D. Jones ; 1830, A. Kavanaugh and D.
Jones; 1832, D. Jones and Joseph S. Anderson; 1834, D. Jones
and Jordan O'Bryan ; 1836, William Calvert and John H. Hutchi-
son; 1838, John Miller, B. F. Hickox and L. Hall ; 1840, J. O'Bryan,
John G. Miller andL. C. Stephens ; 1842, William Shields and John
54 (829)
830 HrSTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
G. Miller; 1844, A. S. Walker and A. K. Langou; 1846, Thornton
P.Bell; 1848, Benjamin Tompkins and David Jones; 1850, L. C.
Stephens and Benjamin Tompkins ; 1852, A. K. Langon and Benja-
min Tompkins ; 1854, Eobert C. Harrison and W. C. Ewing ; 1856,
John M. McCutchen and Robert C. Harrison ; 1858, A. J. Barnes
and Reuben A. Ewing ; 1860, G. G. Vest and A. S. Walker ; 1862,
W. G. Wear and Harvey Bunce ; 1864, Henry Elliott and Alfred
Mathews; 1866, J. A. Eppstein and D. K. Steele; 1868, Daniel
Clark and D. K. Steele ; 1870, M. McMillan and D. K. Steele ; 1872,
Daniel Hunt ; 1874, J. G. Roberts ; 1876, Benjamin Tompkins ; 1878,
William C. Ewing; 1880, Thomas C. Cranmer, term expires 1884.
CIRCUIT CLERKS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with names, date of election or appointment and date of retiring
from office : —
Robert P. Clark, March 1, 1819, November, 1841 ; Bennett C.
Clark, November, 1841, September, 1853; Benjamin Tompkins, Sep-
tember, 1853, January, 1860; Justinian Williams, January I860, Jan-
uary, 1867; W. W. Taliaferro, January, 1867, January, 1875;
Horace A. Hutchison, January, 1875, term expired January, 1879 ;
J. E. Taliaferro, January, 1883, term expires January 1, 1887.
COUNTY CLERKS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with names, date of election or appointment and date of retiring
from office : —
Robert P. Clark, January 8, 1821, January 8, 1836 ; Samuel
S. Kofield, January 1, 1836, August 1, 1837; Benjamin Emmons
Ferry, August 8, .1837, January 8, 1854; Henry C. Levens, January
1, 1854, January 3, 1875; Jackson Monroe, January 3, 1875, term
expired January 1, 1883; E. B. Bunce, January 1, 1883, term ex-
pires January 1, 1887.
SHERIFFS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with the date of election or appointment, and date of retiring from
office : —
William McFarland, March 1, 1819, July 24, 1819 ; William H.
Curtis, July 24, 1819, July 22, 1822 ; James L. Collins, July 24,
1822, November 24,1822; Sylvester Hall, November 24, 1822, July
26, 1824 ; Marcus Williams, July 26, 1824, August, 1826 ; William
H. Anderson, August 1826, August, 1828 ; Joseph S. Anderson,
August, 1828, August, 1832 ; John H. Hutchison, August, 1832,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 831
August, 1836 ; Joel E.Woodward, August, 1836, August, 1838 ; James
Hill, August, 1838, August, 1842 ; Isaac Lionberger, August, 1842,
August, 1846; James Hill, August, 1846, August, 1850; Harvey
Bunce, August, 1850, August, 1854 ; B. E. Ferry, August, 1854,
■ August, 1858 ; Harvey Bunce, August, 1858, November 5, 1861 ; C.
B. Coombs, December 1, 1862, January 6, 1863 ; A. J. Barnes, Jan-
uary 6, 1863, September 5, 1864 ; William J. Woolery, January 11,
1865, May 2, 1865; Thomas E. Rochester, May 1, 1865, June 23,
1870 ; R. B. Newman, July 1, 1870, November, 2, 1872 ; F. A. Rogers,
November, 1872, November, 1874 ; F. A. Rogers, November, 1874,
November, 1876 ; T. Leslie Smith, February, 1878, November, 1878 ;
Robert McCulloch, November, 1878, December, 1880; John F.
Rogers, December, 1880, term expires December, 1884.
COUNTY COLLECTORS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with the date of election or appointment, and date of retiring from
office : —
Andrew Briscoe, April 11, 1821, February 19, 1822; John C.
Rochester, February 9, 1822, February 18, 1824 ; William H. Ander-
son, February 18, 1824, August 2, 1826 ; David P. Mahan, August
2, 1826, June 11, 1829 ; Joseph S. Anderson, June 11, 1829, Febru-
ary 6, 1832 ; Martin Jennings, February 6, 1832, February 11, 1833 ;
John H. Hutchison, February 11, 1833, August 14, 1836; J. E.
Woodward, August 14, 1836, August 9, 1838 ; James Hill, August, 9,
1838, August, 1842 ; Isaac Lionberger, August, 1842, August, 1846 ;
James Hill, August, 1846, August, 1850 ; Harvey Bunce, August, 1850,
August, 1854; B. E. Ferry, August, 1854, August, 1858; Harvey
Bunce, August, 1858, November 5, 1861 ; C. B. Coombs, December 1,
1862, January 6, 1863 ; A. J. Barnes, January 6, 1863, September 5,
1864; William J. Woolery, January 11, 1865, May 2, 1865 ; Thomas
E. Rochester, May 2, 1865, June 23, 1870; R. B. Newman, July 1,
1870, ; Robert McCulloch, November 3, 1872, February 3,
1875; Robert McCulloch, November, 1874, February, 1877; Henry
M. Clark, March, 1879, March, 1883; JohnD. Starke, March, 1883,
term expires March, 1885.
JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY COURT OF COOPER COUNTY,
with date of election or appointment, and date of retiring from
office : —
A. S. Walker, November 21, 1842, May 16, 1844; Lawrence C.
Stephens, August 5, 1844, September 24, 1844 ; Benjamin F. Hickox,
832 HISTOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
September 24, 1844, November 2, 1846 ; John H. Hutchison, April 14,
1845, August7, 1848 ; John S.McFarland, November 2, 1846, November
4, 1850 ; Kobert Stuart, August 3, 1847, February 19, 1850 ; Philip A.
Tutt, September 13, 1848, November 4, 1850 ; Jeremiah Rice, April
5, 1850, August 28, 1854; Ignatius Hazell, November 4, 1850,
August 16, 1858 ; William B. Butler, November 4, 1850, August 28,
1854; Thomas L., Williams, August 28, 1854, August 16, 1858;
Leonard Calvert, August 28, 1854, February 16, 1856; Jesse Odgen,
May 5, 1856, August 16, 1858 ; Bennett C. Clark, August 16, 1858,
February 3, 1862 ; Isaac Lionberger, August 16, 1858, February 3,
1862 ; James H. Baker, August 16, 1858, November 2, 1866 ; Wil-
liam E. Baird, April 7, 1862, December 19, 1862; John A. Trigg,
June 2, 1862, November 6, 1864; Wm. J. Woolery, December 19,
1862, December 19, 1864; C. W. Sombart, December 19, 1862,
November 27, 1866 ; Jesse G. Newman, December 16, 1862, November
30, 1868 ; Jacob Baughman, November 27, 1866, December 16,
1872; Jacob Feland, November 27, 1866, December 5, 1870;
Constantiue Heim, November 30, 1868, December 14, 1874 ; James
Bruffee, January 8, 1821, January 10, 1822 ; Archibald Kavanaugh,
January 8, 1821, August 16, 1824 ; James Miller, January 8, 1821,
,May 2, 1825 ; James D. Campbell, January 10, 1822, February 6,
1826 ; Robert F. Howe, August 16, 1824, May 6, 1825 ; John Briscoe,
May 2, 1825, February 6, 1826 ; Charles Woods, May 2, 1825, Feb-
ruary 6, 1826; Thomas McMahan, May 2, 1825, February 6, 1825;
Joseph Byler, May 2, 1825, February 6, 1826 ; James L. Collins,
February 6, 1826, May 7, 1827 ; Green Seat, February 6, 1826, May
7, 1827 ; David Jones, February 6, 1826, May 7, 1827 ; Samuel Tur-
ley, February 6, 1826, May 7, 1827 ; William Bryant, February 6,
1826, May 7, 1827; John Briscoe, May 7, 1827, May 17, 1832 ;
Marcus Williams, May 7, 1827, June 17, 1830 ; Joseph Byler, May 7,
1827, August3, 1829; Rice Hughes, August 3, 1829, May 2, 1831;
Robert Hood, June 17, 18S0, May 2, 1831 ; Anthony F. Reed, May
2, 1831, September 8, 1834 ; Green Seat, May 2, 1831, September 8,
1834; Joseph Patterson, November 6, 1832, August, 1836; George
W. Weight, September 8, 1834, November 21, 1842; John Briscoe,
September 8, 1834, November 21, 1842 ; C. H. Smith, February 7, 1837,
June 5, 1847 ; A. H. Neal, November 21, 1842, September 24, 1844.
James H. Walker, November, 1870, November, 1876 ; John M.
McCutchen, November, 1872, November, 1878 ; Robert A. Mc-
Culloch, November, 1874, November, 1880; A.B.Cole, presiding
judge at large, elected November, 1878; term expired January 1,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 833
1883. Jacob Crone, eastern district, elected January 1, 1879 ; term
expired January 1, 1881. N. W. Williams, western district, elected
January 1, 1879; term expired January 1, 1881. J. D. Starke,
elected January 1, 1881; term expired January 1, 1883. W. P.
McMahan, elected January 1, 1881, from western district ; term ex-
pired January 1, 1883. W. P. McMahan, presiding judge, elected
January 1, 1883; term expires January 1, 1887. James M. Camp-
bell, eastern district, elected Jauuary 1, 1883 ; term expires January
1, 1885. John J. Hoge, western district, elected January 1, 1883;
term expires January 1, 1885.
COUNTY ASSESSORS OF COOPER COUNTY
with date of election or appointment and date of retiring from office.
Geo. Crawford, for county, April 9, 1821, February 20, 1822;
J. Dixon, Boonville township, February 20, 1822, February 19, 1823 ;
J. Briscoe, Clear Creek, February 20, 1822, February 19, 1823 ; S.
D. Keavis, Moniteau, February 20, 1822, February 19, 1823 ; L.
Cropper, Saline township, February 20, 1822, February 19, 1823 ;
John C. Rochester, February 19, 1823, February 18, 1824; William
Allison, February 18,1824, February 22, 1825; Lawrence Hall,
February 22, 1825, February 6, 1826 ; Joseph B. Steele, February
6, 1826, February 6, 1828 ; Joseph Patterson, February 6, 1828,
February 9, 1832; Howard Chism, February 9, 1832, February 6,
1833; George Crawford, February 6, 1833, February 6, 1835 ; A. S.
Walker, February 6, 1835, February 6, 1836; W. H. Anderson,
February 6, 1836, February, 1837; John Ogden, February 6, 1837,
February, 1838 ; Thomas L. O'Bryan, August, 1838, August, 1840 ;
William R. Butler, August, 1840, August, 1841 ; George Crawford,
August, 1841, August, 1846 ; A. H. Roads, August, 1846, August,
1848; Harvey Bunce, August, 1848, August, 1850; George Craw-
ford, August, 1850, August, 1851 ; James Hill, August, 1851,
August, 1852 ; Robert H. Turner, August, 1852, February 16, 1853;
Thomas McCulloch, February 16, 1853, December 22, 1853 ; Josiah
E. Eubank, December 22, 1853, December 8, 1856 ; .Tames T. Mc-
Culloch, December 8, 1856, January 5, 1858 ; Joseph C. Koontz,
January 5, 1858, February 6, 1860 ; Thomas E. Rochester, January
5, 1858, February 6, 1860 ; Jesse McFarland, Jauuary 5, 1858, Feb-
ruary 6, 1860 ; R. B. Stoneman, February 1, 1858, January 3, 1859 ;
James L. Bell, January 5, 1858, January 3, 1859 ; N. T. Allison,
January 5, 1858, February 6, 1860 ; D. R. Drake, January 3, 1859,
February 6, 1860 ; J. E. Eubank, January 3, 1859 , February 6,
834 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1860 ; B. R. Waller, February 6, 1860, August, 1860 ; Thomas E.
Rochester, August, 1860, October 6, 1862 ; D. A. Melvin, October 6,
1862, February 21, 1865 ; Thomas E. Rochester, February 21, 1865,
May 1, 1865 ; M. F. Kemp, May 3, 1865, September 4, 1865 ; R. B.
Newman,' September 4, 1865, July 1, 1870; R. W. Whitlow, July 2,
1870, January 1, 1873 ; J. H. Orr, January 1, 1873, January 1, 1875 ;
James F. Adams, January 1, 1875, term expired January 1, 1877 ;
H. D. Carlos, January 1, 1877, term expired January, 1882; Albert
Hornbeck, January 1, 1882, term expires January 1, 1885.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS.
Date of election or appointment and da-te of expiration : —
John M. McCutchen, January 6, 1848, May 4, 1857; H. A.
Hutchison, May 4, 1857, February 13, 1860; Elisha N. Warfield,
February 13, 1860, October 18, 1862; Harvey Bunce, October,
1862, November 20, 1872; Viet Eppstein, November 20, 1872,
elected four years, term expired November, 1876; Wm. R. Baker,
November 1, 1876, term expired 1880 ; Viet Eppstein, November 1,
1880, term expires 1884.
COUNTY SURVEYORS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with the time of entering office, and time of retiring from office : —
William Ross, March 1, 1819, 2, 1829 ; Baxter M. Ewing,
July 9, 1821, February 22, 1822; John Dixon, February 22, 1822,
September 11, 1833 ; George T. Boyd, September 12, 1833, February
3, 1836 ; George W. Weight, February 3, 1836, August 3, 1843 ; P.
A. Tutt, August 3, 1843, November 8, 1859 ; C. H. Allison, Novem-
ber 8, 1859, December 8, 1868 ; Charles Atkinson, December 1,
1861, December 18, 1872 ; W. W. Trent, December 8, 1872, Decem-
ber, 1874 ; W. W. Trent, December, 1874, December, 1878 ; J. A.
Waller, December, 1878, term expires December, 1886.
COUNTY TREASURERS,
with the time of entering office, and date of retiring from office : —
Robert P. Clark, January 8, 1821, January 4, 1833; Jacob
Wyan, June 4, 1833, February 17, 1842; C. D. W. Johnson, Feb-
ruary 17, 1842, August 10, 1853 ; William P. Speed, August 12,
1853, August 10, 1856 ; James Thomson, August 11, 1856, December
19, 1862 ; William P. Speed, December 19, 1862, July, 1863 ; H. E.
W. McDearmon, August 3, 1863, February 7, 1865 ; Christian Keill,
/■ /■ /■ /
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 835
February 10, 1865, January 5, 1870; William E. Baird,* January 5,
1870, November 15, 1870 ; C. Keill, November 15, 1870, November
14, 1872; James Thomson, November 14, 1872, November 7, 1874;
James Thomson, November 7, 1874, November, 1880 ; George B.
Harper, November 8, 1880, term expires 1885.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS OF COOPER COUNTY,
with the date of election or appointment, and date of retiring from
office : —
William S. Brickey, March 3, 1819, June 26, 1840 ; James Win-
ston, June 26, 1840, May 9, 1851 ; J. L. Stephens, May 9, 1851, July
25, 1864 ; William Douglas, July 25, 1864, May 30, 1865 ; John
Trigg, appointed pro tem., during term circuit court; D. W. Wear,
June 5, 1865, November 10, 1866 ; D. A. Milan, November 28, 1866,
January 1, 1873 ; John Cosgrove, January 1, 1873, January 1, 1875 ;
James H. Johnston, January 1, 1875, January 1, 1877; John R.
Walker, January 1, 1881, January 1, 1883; D. W. Shackelford,
January 1, 1883, term expires January 1, 1885.
There was, we think, a small space of time (a few years),
during which time William D. Muir acted as county attorney
for Cooper county, ex-offi,cio, he being at that time state circuit
attorney for this district of Missouri ; but the records of the county
do not show the facts.
* William E. Baird was appointed county treasurer in the place of Christian Keill, on
account of his being rendered unfit to discharge the duties of his office by what afterwards
proved to be temporary insanity. But in the suit which Keill brought after his recovery,
for his salary as county treasurer, while the office was occupied by Baird, the supreme
court decided that the office was illegally held by Baird, because Keill had not been declared
insane by the proper tribunal.
CHAPTEE XXIII.
THE FIEST CELEBRATION OF THE FOUETH OF JULY IN THE
COUNTY.
Ou the 4th day of July, 1820, the first celebration within the
county of Cooper of the anniversary of the declaration of the na-
tional independence took place at Boonville, which then consisted of
but a few houses. For some time notice had been circulated among
the settlers all over this portion of the state, and on the morning of
that day great crowds gathered " from near and from far" to take
part in this, to them, great day of thanksgiving; for, at that time in
the nation's history, the declaration of independence and individual
right meant something besides empty words.
The oration of the day was delivered by Benjamin F. Hickox,
father of Truman V. Hickox.
The feast, of which all were specially invited to partake, was
spread on the grass and ground north and northeast of the court-
house. Such was the crowd present that the table spread for them
reached from the vacant lot north of the court-house to the large,
mound still standing in the front yard of Mrs. Jesse Homan. James
Bruffee, a blacksmith, then living in Boonville, made a large wrought
iron cannon, with which they fired the salutes in honor of the day.
The> festivities continued through the day and the following
night. After the speaking and the reading of the declaration of in-
dependence had been concluded, the people separated into groups —
the young ones to dance and to play different games, and the old
ones to watch the pleasant sports of the children and to talk over the
current gossip of the day, for it was very seldom that they ever met
in a large crowd. This day is still remembered with pleasure by
the old settlers, for many of them, on that day, met for the last time
their friends, who lived at a distance, and who soon became separated
from them and died without ever seeing them again.
(836)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 837
THE CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH IN 1876.
Fifty-six years after the first celebration of the Fourth of July
in Cooper county, occurred the centennial, or 100th anniver-
sary of our national independence. That was a day in the history
of the county long to be remembered, especially by those who partici-
pated in the festivities of that occasion. The celebration at Boon-
ville commenced on the evening of the 3d of July, with the firing of
cannons, a grand illumination of the principal streets, and a lengthy
torchlight procession. Main street was in a perfect blaze of light,
with gas jets, candles and lanterns, and every business house was
decorated with flags and banners having appropriate mottoes ; in fact,
with hardly an exception, the people participated in the grand dis-
play.
The streets were crowded with people during the whole of the
evening, and it was frequently remarked : " Where did so many
people come from?" A great many attended from different parts of
this and surrounding counties, Howard county being especially well
represented in the procession. The procession was considered a great
success — even beyond the most sanguine expectations of the com-
mittee of arrangements.
It could, perhaps, be here remarked that the celebration at Boon-
ville of the " nation's birthday " was not, in proportion to its popu-
lation, excelled in any respect by that of any other city or town in the
United States. The property holders and occupiers seemed to strive
with one another as to whose premises should make the best appear-
ance, both in the illumination and the display of flags, lanterns, etc.
The citizens were very quiet, and made no boast of what they intended
to do, but when the signal was given for " lighting up," they aston-
ished everybody else, and even themselves.
On the evening of the 3d the procession was formed by Judge T.
M. Eice, chief marshal, with Colonel Robert McCulloch and Captain
George Meller, assistant marshals. In front was a large wagon, con-
taining thirteen young ladies, who represented the thirteen original
states of the union. Then followed twelve men dressed in Continental
uniform, who represented Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, John
Adams, Alexander Hamilton and others, among the most prominent
men who took part in the Revolutionary struggle. Then came men
bearing flags and torches, in all forming a procession more than one-
half of a mile long. Twelve men on horseback, dressed in Indian cos-
tume, rode several times pell-mell through the streets, yelling and
giving the Indian warwhoop. This was a ludicrous, attractive and
838 HISTOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
prominent feature of the procession. Three bands of music marched
at different places in the procession : the Boonville silver cornet, the
Clark's Fork and the Pilot Grove bands. After the procession had
marched and counter-marched through the principal streets of the
town, it halted at Thespian hall, where the assembled multitude was
entertained by an address prepared for the occasion and delivered by
Mr. Malcolm McMillan, of Boonville ; and last, as the closing exercise
of this the first day of the great celebration, the crowd witnessed some
of the best tableaux ever seen in Boonville, the principal characters of
which were the young ladies who represented the thirteen states. It
was past eleven o'clock before the exercises of the evening were con-
cluded, and the people dispersed to seek rest, to prepare for the duties
and the pleasures of the following day, for the greatest effort had been
expended to make that the " crowning glory " of the celebration.
The morning of the Fourth was dark and gloomy; rain fell in
torrents, and the heavy boom of the " artillery of heaven," drowned
that of the " feeble sons of earth." But this day had been set aside
by the people for enjoyment, and early, crowds of people thronged
the principal thoroughfares of the town, seeking the place where the
closing, exercises of the celebration were to take place. At four
o'clock in the morning all the bells in the city were rung, and thirty-
eight shots were fired by the cannon, one for each of the states of the
Union.
As the morning was very disagreeable, although the rain had
ceased falling about eight o'clock, the procession was not formed until
about eleven o'clock, when it proceeded to Lilly's grove, about one-
half of a mile east of Boonville, there to listen to the reading of the
Declaration of Independence, and to the speeches and addresses pre-
pared for the occasion.
After an appropriate prayer by Rev. Mr. Curtis, of the Episco-
pal church at Boonville, the Declaration of Independence was read by
Professor J. P. Metzger. He was followed by Colonel H. A.Hutchi-
son, who read an excellent and appropriate poem, written expressly
for the occasion, and which will be found in full at the close of this
chapter.
Colonel William Preston Johnson, of Virginia, was then intro-
duced, and delivered a most eloquent speech, which was received with
loud cheers by the assembled crowd.
Then Mr. G. Reiche delivered an address in German. He was
iollowed by Mr. John Cosgrove, who delivered the oration of the
day.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 839
After this, Mr. N. M. Drake read a sketch of the history of
Cooper county, which had been prepared for the occasion in accord-
ance with the request of the committee of arrangements.
At the close of each of the Ubove exercises, an appropriate chorus
was sung by a choir composed of one hundred voices. Also, frequently
during the afternoon, the boom of the cannon was heard, seeming-
ly to remind the forgetful portion of the citizens that indeed they
were celebrating the " Centennial Fourth."
On the night of the Fourth the citizens were called together to
witness the display of fireworks, which had been prepared at great
expense. At ten o'clock the last " bouquet of flowers " was fired into
the air, and the heavy boom of the cannon notified the assembled
multitude that the great celebration of the Fourth day of July was
over, and the people retired to their homes, satisfied with the success
of their endeavors to make memorable the birthday of three millions
of " Sons of Liberty."
JULY fourth, 1876.
BY H. a. HUTCHISON.
The goddess of liberty, sent from above,
On mission of mercy, on errand of love,
Rejected of empire, discarded by throne,
Through kingdoms and monarchies wandered alone,
Till taking her flight to a land o'er the sea,
She found there a people who sighed to be free.
She breathed on the hearts of our patriot sires,
And kindled within them those burning desires
Which ne'er would be quenched or would slumber again,
Until the fair goddess triumphant would reign.
Sustaining the weak and inflaming the cold,
She strengthened the doubtful and cheered on the bold,
And giving our banner the stripe and the star,
She bade them go forth in her service to war.
The mother and sister, and fond-hearted wife,
Restrained not their dear one from joining the strife;
The maiden, suppressing a sorrowful sigh,
Her lover sent forth with a " cheerful good bye,"
And though they were few and their enemies strong,
Yet striking for freedom, and maddened by wrong,
They struggled and suffered thro' dark weary years
Of want and privation, of hopes and of fears,
Till tyranny fled and oppression was past,
And victory perched on our banner at last.
840 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
That banner unfurled to the sun and the breeze;
As proudly It floats o'er the land and the seas,
The beautiful emblem of freedom and right,
To-day we will hail with a shout of delight!
And let the grim cannon be brought forth once more
Not death from its red month in anger to pour,
But only to blend the deep tones of its voice
With shouts of the people who meet to rejoice
O'er this the return of the glorious day,
On which, just a century now passed away,
Our patriot fathers proclaimed them prepared
To die, or sustain Independence declared!
From England and Scotia and Erin so fair,
From Germany's shore, from the Alps bold and bare,
From sunny Italia and beautiful France,
From Spain whose fair daughters win hearts with a glance,
From regions of snow and from tropical isle,
Where summer time reigns with perpetual smile,
Our country's adopted, from all o'er the earth,
To-day will rejoice with her children by birth;
And though they oft dream of the fatherland yet,
Sometimes it may be with a sigh of regret,
Beneath our proud flag to the breezes unfurled,
They'd stand by our country against the whole world!
Tho' memory brings up, in dreadful review,
The armies of gray and the legions of blue,
The heroes who once met in hostile array,
Will mingle together as brothers to-day ;
And if the invader should come to our shore,
I know they would rush to the battle once more,
Each veteran's heart to our whole country true,
Though one wore the gray and another the blue !
Now let the wild tones of the jubilant bells,
Be mingled with music, as sweetly it swells !
And may the soft winds, as they wander afar,
Breathe gently to-day, on each stripe and each star,
And bear the glad tidings all over our lands,
There's union of hearts, there is joining of hands,
In north and in south, in the west and the east,
Where gather the people, at church or at feast,
On liberty's altar their garlands to cast,
And cover with roses the thorns of the past.
May heaven protect, as in days that are gone,
The old ship of state riding gallantly on,
And be we united, whatever befall —
Our country! Our country! the watchword of all,.
CHAPTEE XXIY.
CONCLUSION— COOPEE COUNTY OF 1883.
" With superior boon, may your rich soil
Exuberant nature's better blessings pour
O'er every land, the naked nations clothe,
And be the exhaustless granery of the world."
A splendid country, with a great destiny is this beautiful central
Missouri, whose fortunate location, charming landscape, equable clim-
ate, versatile and generous soils, fruitful orchards and vineyards,
matchless grasses, broad grain fields, rich coal measures, noble forests,
abundant waters and cheap lands present to the capitalist and immi-
grant one of the most inviting fields for investment and settlement to
be found between the two oceaus. During the unexampled western
migratory movement of the last six years, which has peopled Kansas,
Colorado, Nebraska and other regions with an intelligent and enter-
prising population, this remarkably rich and productive country has,
until recently, remained a terra incognita to the average immigrant,
the new states above named getting accessions of brain, heart, muscle,
experience and capital that have given them a commanding position
iu the union. And yet it cannot be denied that Missouri offers to in-
telligent, enterprising and ambitious men of fair capital, more of the
elements of substantial and enjoyable living than any country now
open to settlement. In one of the fairest and most fertile districts of
• this division of Missouri are Howard and Cooper counties. Cooper
county is admirably located within the productive middle belt of the
continent, a strip of country not exceeding 450 miles wide, lying be-
tween the latitudes of Minneapolis and Richmond, reaching from ocean
to ocean, and within which will be found every great commercial,
financial and railway city, ninety per cent of the manufacturing indus-
tries, the great dairy and fruit interests, the strongest agriculture, the
densest, strongest and most cosmopolitan population, all the great
universities, the most advanced school systems and the highest aver-
age of health known to the continent. Scarcely less significant is the
location of this county in the more wealthy and productive portions
of the great central state of the union, which, by virtue of its position
(841)
842 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and splendid aggregation of resource, is bound to the commercial,
political and material life of the country by the strongest ties, and
must forever feel the quickening of its best energies from every throb
of the national heart.
Cooper county is in the right latitude, which is a matter of pri-
mary interest to the immigrant. Lying squarely in the path of empire
and trans-continental travel, in the latitude of Washington and
Cincinnati, it has the climatic influence that has given to Northern
Kentucky and North Virginia an enviable reputation for equable tem-
perature. The climate is a benediction. A mean altitude of eight
hundred and fifty feet above the tides gives tone and rarity to the
atmosphere, and the equable mean of temperature. Most of the typical
short winter is mild, dry, and genial enough to pass for a Minnesota
Indian summer. The snow-fall is generally light, infrequent and tran-
sient. The long genial summer days are tempered by inspiriting
breezes from the southwestern plains, and followed by deliriously
cool, restful nights.
The^annual rainfall is from twenty-eight to forty inches, and is
generally so well distributed over the growing season that less than a
fair crop of grains, vegetables and grasses is rarely known.
The natural drainage of the county is excellent, the deep-set
streams readily carrying off the surplus water from the generally un-
dulating surface, only a limited area being too flat to quickly shed the
surplus rains.
A high average of health obtains among men, animals and plants.
There are no swamps or lagoons to breed malaria. The air and
water are pure, and the conditions to normal health obtain here in as
good measure as any where in the west. The face of the country is
fair and attractive. In the central and eastern portions of the county,
at the summit level, are broad reaches of open plain or prairie land,
from whose margin the country dips with graceful incline outward
and downward in sympathy with the diverging water-courses that flow
down through groves and green, grassy glades, intervals and fringes
of timber, and pretty low-lyiug, winding valleys, to where they are
lost in the larger streams and forests. Here and there along these
Targer streams may be seen a range of low hills, with occasional out-
croppings of the lime rock into wild, weird, picturesque forms, but
the general aspect of the landscape is peaceful and pastoral, and from
every point of view has the semblauce of a magnificent natural park,
to whose native charms the hands of man have added a thousand
graces of art ingrain field, orchard, homestead, hedgerow and lawn.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 843
The water supply of this county is alike ample and admirable.
More than a score of deep-set streams traverse every portion of the
county, and with numerous springs, hundreds of artificial ponds and
many living wells and cisterns, furnish pure water for all domestic
uses. The county is well supplied with timber, much of its surface be-
ing covered with groves and belts of oak, ash, elm, walnut, butternut,
sycamore, hackberry, maple, cherry, mulberry, box-elder, hickory,
linden and kindred woods. The markets are well supplied with hard
and soft woods at $2.00 to $3.50 per cord, and there is a fair supply
of building and fencing timber. A good portion of the county is un-
derlaid with coal, whose frequent outcroppings along the streams and
ravines expose veins which are easily worked by "stripping" and
"drifting." Explorations made by shafts disclose well-defined veins,
and there is not a doubt of very extensive deposits of the best bitumin-
ous coal. The supply of good building stone too is equal to all pres-
ent and prospective needs, massive deposits of well stratified limestone
being found frequently outcropping along the streams aud ravines.
The cost of fencing is materially lower here than in most of the
new or old prairie states. In the wooded districts the fences are
cheaply made of common post or stakes and rails. In the prairie dis-
tricts the older and abler farmers do a large amount of fencing with
the osage orange hedge, which is an unqualified success in this coun-
try. There are miles and miles of fine hedge in this country, and
with the proper care a farmer can grow a mile of stock proof hedge in
four years, at a cost of $125 in labor. The newer farms are being uni-
versally fenced with barbed wire, which is esteemed the quickest,
most reliable, durable and cheapest fencing now in use here. The stock
farmers are especially friendly to barbed wire fencing, some of them
having put up as many as five and six miles in the last three years.
The soils of Cooper county are developing elements of productive
wealth as cultivation advances. The prairie soil is a dark, friable al-
luvial, from one to three feet deep, rich in humus, very easily handled,
and produces fine crops of corn, oats, flax, rye, broom corn, sorghum,
vegetables and grasses. The oak and hickory soil of the principal
woodlands is a shade lighter in color; is rather more consistent ; holds
a good per cent of lime and magnesia, carbonate, lime, phosphate,
silica, alumnia, organic matter, etc., and produces fine crops of wheat,
clover and fruits, and, with deep rotative culture, gives splendid re-
turns for the labor bestowed.
The valleys are covered with a deposit of black, imperishable al-
luvial, from three to eight feet in depth and as loose and friable as a
844 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
heap of compost, grow from sixty to eighty bushels of corn to the acre,
and give an enormous yield to anything grown in this latitude. While
these soils present a splendid array of productive forces, they are sup-
plemented by sub-soils equal to any known to husbandry. The entire
superficial soils of the county are underlaid by strong, consistent, sili-
cious clays and marls, so rich in lime, magnesia, alumnia, organic mat-
ter, and other valuable constituents, that centuries of deep cultivation
will prove them like the kindred loess of the Ehine and Nile valleys,
absolutely indestructible. Everywhere, about the railway cuts, ponds,
cisterns, cellars and other excavations, where these clays and marls
have had one or two years exposure to frost and air, they have slacked
to the consistency of an ash heap, and bear such a rank growth of
weeds, grass, grain, vegetables and young trees, that in the older
and less fertile states they might readily be taken for deposits of the
richest compost.
After two and a half years observation in central and northwest-
ern Missouri, we are prepared to believe that a hundred years hence,
when the older eastern and southern states shall have been hopelessly
given over to the artificial fertilizers of man, and a new race of farmers are
carrying systematic and deep cultivation down into this wonderful alien
deposit of silicious matter, the whole of north and central Missouri will
have become the classic ground in American agriculture, andthese im-
perishable soils in the hands of small farmers will have become a very
garden of beauty and bounty, and these Cooper county lands will
command splendid prices on a strong market.
The lands of Cooper county are nearly all available, because they
are nearly all good. The lowest bottoms are, as a rule, free from
swamps and lagoons, and the highest elevations comparatively free of
rocks and impediments to cultivation. It is safe to say that these
soils, together, give the broadest range of production known to Amer-
ican husbandry. It is the pride and boast of the Cooper county
farmer that he can grow in perfection every grain, vegetable, grass,
plant and fruit that flourishes between the northern limits of the cot-
ton fields and the Eed river of the north. Both the surface indica-
tions of soil and its native and domestic productions indicate its
remarkable versatility and bounty. Hazel brush, red elm, linden, su-
mac, mulberry, wild cherry, white and black walnut, resin weed and
growths, found in nearly every neighborhood of the county, indicate a
rich and versatile soil.
In the line of productions corn takes the lead by a large margin,
the gross crop of the county for the year 1880, according to the United
HISTORY OF HOWAKD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 845
States census, being 2,389,965 bushels. This was grown upon 63,988
acres, which is an average of about thirty-eight bushels per acre.
Winter wheat is grown to some extent, especially in the timber lands,
and yields from fourteen to thirty bushels per acre, but corn and stock
raising are found so much more profitable that the tendency is more
and more to their production. The wheat crop for 1880 was 516,138
bushels. Oats and rye are both profitably grown, the former yielding
from twenty to forty bushels per acre, and the latter from twelve to
twenty-five bushel* per acre, after more or less winter grazing The
yield of oats for 1880 was 263,389 bushels, and the yield of rye 4,225
bushels. The county produced in 1880, 21,252 pounds of tobacco from
twenty-nine acres. Among the other field crops there are flax and
barley, millet and huugarian, broom corn, Irish and sweet potatoes.
The garden of the careful cultivator makes as fine a showing in this
county as anywhere in the west, every vegetable of the middle lati-
tudes coming to perfection in these flexible and generous soils. This
portion of the state is one of the finest of fruit countries. The eleva-
tion, soil, climate, latitude, all favor the perfect growth of the apple,
peach, pear, cherry, plum, grape and smaller fruits of the garden.
The apple is the most successful crop ; peaches give a full crop in two
out of four years. The pear does well on the more tenacious oak and
hickory soils. This part of Missouri is the home of the vine. The
lowland" forests are in many places festooned with a gorgeous growth
of wild grape vines, many of them of great age and size. Nearly all
the standard domestic grapes of the middle latitudes are grown here
in profusion, at a cost of two or three cents per pound, and for flavor,
size and color they will rank with the best grown along the Ohio and
Delaware, or in the Erie islands. Wherever they are given half a
chance both vines and fruit trees are remarkably thrifty.
But a few years ago, much of the outlying commons was covered
with a luxuriant growth of wild prairie grass, of which there were
more than fifty varieties, all of more or less value for pasturage and
hay. Nearly all the natural ranges are now enclosed and under trib-
ute to the herdsmen, and it is safe to say that their native herbage
will put more flesh on cattle, from the beginning of April to early
autumn, than any of the domestic grasses. With the progress of
settlement and cultivation, however, they are steadily disappearing
before the tenacious and all-conquering blue grass, which is surely
making the conquest of every rod of the county not under tribute to
the plow. Blue grass is an indigenous growth here — many of the
older and open woodland pastures rivaling the famous blue grass
55
846 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ranges of Kentucky, both in the luxuriance of their growth and the
high quality of the herbage. Now and then one meets a Kentuckian
so provincial in his attachments and conceits that he can see nothing
quite equal to the blue grass of old Bourbon county ; but the mass of
impartial Kentuckians, who constitute a large per centum of the pop-
ulation here, admit that the same care bestowed upon the blue grass
fields of Kentucky gives equally fine results in Cooper county, whose
blue grass ranges are certainly superior to any in Illinois. This
splendid " king of grasses," which, in this mild climate, makes a
luxuriant early spring and autumn growth, is appropriately supple-
mented here by white clover, which is also "to the manor born ; "
and on this mixture of alluvial, with the underlying siliceous marls
and clays, makes a fine growth, especially in years of full moisture,
and is a strong factor in the sum of local grazing wealth. With these
two grasses, followed by orchard grass for winter grazing (orchard
grass makes a very heavy growth here), the herdsmen of fortunate
Cooper county have that most desirable of all stock-growing condi-
tions— perennial grazing — which, with the fine grades of stock kept
here, means wealth for all classes of stock growers. There is another
essential element of grazing resource here, and it is found in the splendid
timothy meadows, which are equal to any in the Western Reserve or the
Canadas. These meadows give a heavy growth of hay and seed, both
of which are largely and profitably grown for export. Red clover is
quite as much at home here as timothy, and its cultivation is being
very successfully extended by all the better farmers for mixed
meadow pasturage and seed. Here, too, is found a luxuriant
growth ©f herds' grass (red top), which, during the past summer,
has made fine showing, the low, "swale" lands and ravines pre-
senting grand, waving billows of herds' grass, almost as rich and
rank of growth as the " blue stem" of the wild western prairie bot-
toms. With this showing for the native and domestic grasses, it is al-
most needless to pronounce Cooper county a superb stock country.
With millions of bushels of corn grown at a cost of sixteen to
eignteen cents per bushel ; an abundance of pure stock water and these
matchless grasses ; the fine natural shelter afforded by the wooded
valleys and ravines ; the superior facilities for cheap transportation to
the great stock markets, the mildness and health of the climate,
and the cheapness of the grazing lauds, nothing pays so well or is so
perfectly adapted to the couutry as stock husbandry. Cattle, sheep,
swine, horse and mule raising and feeding are all pursued with profit
in this county, the business, in good hands, paying net yearly returns
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 847
of twenty to forty per cent on the investment, many sheep growers
realizing a much greater net profit.
Cattle growing and feeding, in connection with swine raising and
feeding, is the leading industry of the county, leading all other depart-
ments of husbandry by seventy-five per cent. High grade short-
horns of model types, bred from the best beef-getting stock, are kept
by most of the growers and feeders, the steers being grazed during
the warm months, after which they are " full-fed " and turned off
during the winter and spring, weighing from 1200 to 1700 pounds
gross at two and three years old, the heavier animals going to
European buyers. These steers are fed in conjunction with model
Berkshire and Poland China pigs, which fatten perfectly on the
droppings and litter of the feed yard and go into market, weighing
250 to 400 pounds at ten to fourteen months old. These steers and
pigs are bred and grazed by the feeders of their grass and corn-grow-
ing neighbors, and will average in quality and weight with the best
grades fed in any of the older states.
Horse and mule raising is a favorite industn' with many of the
farmers, and has been pursued with profit for years, a large surplus
of well-bred work horses and mules going mainly to the southern
markets each year.
Sheep raising has for several years been a favorite and highly
profitable branch of stock husbandry here, many growers realizing a,
net profit of forty to sixty per cent on the money invested in the busi-
ness, The wool produced in 1880 amounted to 143,770 pounds. This
county is remarkably well suited to sheep growing, the flocks increas-
ing rapidly and being generally free from disease. There are many
small flocks that give a higher per cent of profit than the figures
above given, but even the larger herds make a splendid showing.
Merinos are mainly kept by the larger flockmasters, but the hundreds
of smaller flocks, ranging from 40 to 300 each, are mainly Cotswolds
and Downs, the former predominating, and the wool clips running
from five to nine pounds per capita of unwashed wool.
Sheep feeding is conducted with unusual profit here, the mild
winters, cheap feed, large " stocky " class of wethers fed, and the
very cheap transportation to the great mutton markets especially
favoring the business.
The extent of the industry in this county is only measurably indi-
cated by the United States census of live stock for 1880, which gives
the county a total of 7,638 horses, 3,418 mules, 19,999 cattle, 19,942
sheep and 62,529 swine. This statement, which is unquestionably
848 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
fifteen to twenty per cent below the real number of animals kept in
the county, shows a large increase over the report for 1870. The live
stock exports of the county last year exceeded 1,500 car loads of fat
cattle, sheep, swine, horses and mules, worth in the home market at
present prices considerably more than $1,500,000, and yet the busi-
ness is comparatively in its infancy, not more than half the stock
growing resources of the county being yet developed.
Dairy farming might be very profitably pursued here, the grasses,
water, and near market for first-class dairy products all favoring the
business in high degree. In 1880 there were 263,278 pounds of
butter made.
' Cooper county comes very near to being a stock breeder's para-
dise, the demand for all classes of well bred stock always being in
excess of the supply. In former years the local growers have mostly
depended upon the breeders of the older neighboring counties for
their thoroughbred stock animals, but of late many fine short-horns
have been brought in, and superior stock horses have been introduced,
and there are a dozen of good breeders of sheep and swine, whose
stock will rank with the best in the country.
Stock breeding, grazing and feeding under the favoring local con-
ditions is the surest and most profitable business that can be pursued
in the west, or for that matter, anywhere in " the wide, wide world."
Not a single man of ordinary sense and business capacity in this
country, that has followed the one work of raising and feeding his
own stock, abjuring speculation, and sticking closely to the business,
has (or ever will) failed to make money. It beats wheat growing
two to one, though the latter calling be pursued under the most
favorable conditions in the best wheat regions. It beats speculation
of every sort, for it is as sure as the rains and sunshine. What are
stocks, bonds, "options," mining shares, merchandise, or traffic of
any character beside these matchless and magnificent grasses that
come of their own volition and are fed through all the ages bv the
eternal God, upon the rains and dews and imperishable soils of such a
land as this? If the writer were questioned as to the noblest calling
among men, outside of the ministry of "peace and good will," he
would unhesitatingly point to the quiet and honorable pastoral life of
these western herdsmen. Stock growing in Cooper county, as every-
where, develops a race of royal men, and is the one absorbing, enter-
taining occupation of the day and location. If it be eminently
practical and profitable, so too, it is invested with a poetic charm.
To grow the green, succulent, luxuriant grasses, develop the finest
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 849
lines of grace and beauty in animal conformation, tend one's herds
and flocks on the green, fragrant range, live in an atmosphere of
delicate sympathy with the higher forms and impulses of the animal
life in one's care, and to be inspired by the higher sentiments and
traditions of honorablo breeding, is a life to be coveted by the best
men of all lands. By the side of the herds and grasses and herdsmen
of such a country as this, the men of the grain fields are nowhere.
These men of the herds are leading a far more satisfactory life than
the Hebrew shepherds led on the Assyrian hills in the old, dead
centuries ; they tend their flocks and raise honest children in the
sweet atmosphere of content. They are in peace with their neighbors,
and look out upon a pastoral landscape as fair as ever graced the can-
vas of Turner. The skies above them are as radiant as those above
the Arno, and if the finer arts of the old land are little cultivated by
the herdsmen of these peaceful valleys, they are yet devoted to the
higher art of patient and honorable human living.
The lands are cheap, the location exceptionally fine and the other
advantages over the older States so great that the question of competi-
tion is all in favor of this country. This country is admirably suited
to " mixed farming." The versatility and bounty of the soil, wide
range of production, the competition between the railways and great
rivers for the carrying trade and the nearness of the great markets, all
favor the variety farmer. With a surplus of cattle, sheep, pigs,
mules, horses, wool, wheat, eggs, poultry, fruit, dairy products, etc.,
he is master of the situation. The farmers of Cooper county live
easier and cheaper than those of the older States. The labor bestowed
upon forty acres in Ohio, New York or New England, will thoroughly
cultivate one hundred acres of these richer, cleaner and more flexible
soils. There is little foul growth, few stumps and no stones to im-
pede the progress of the happy cultivator here, and the long, genial,
friendly summers never hurry or confuse farm work. Animals re-
quire less care and feed and mature earlier ; the home requires less
fuel ; the fields are finely suited to improved machinery, and it is safe to
say that the average Cooper county farmer gets through the real farm
work of the year in one hundred and fifty days.
Nature is so prodigal in her gifts to man, that the tendency is to
go slow and take the world easy. Nor is this at all wonderful in a
country where generous Mother Nature dbes seventy per cent of the
productive work, charitably leaving only thirty per cent for the brain
and muscle of her sons. It is only natural that this condition of
things tend to loose and unthrifty methods of farming, and that
850 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the consequent waste of a half section of land here, would give a com-
fortable support to a Connecticut or Canadian farmer. It is in evidence,
however, from the experience of all thorough and systematic farmers
here, that no region hi America gives grander sections to good farming
than this county. There is not one of all the thorough, sj'stematic,
rotative and deep cultivators of the country who has not and does not
make money. No soils give a better account of themselves in skilled
and thrifty hands than these, and it is greatly to their honor that they
have yielded so much wealth under such indifferent treatment.
These Cooper and Howard county lands will every time pay for them-
selves under anything like decent treatment. They are near the centre
of the great corn and blue grass area of the country, where agriculture
has stood the test of half a century of unfailing production, where civ-
ilization is surely and firmly founded on intellectual and refined
society, schools, churches and railways, markets, mills and elegant
homes. The lands of these two counties will nearly double in value
during the next decade. Nothing short of material desolation can
prevent such a result. Everywhere in the older States, there is more
or less inquiry about Missouri lands, and all the indications point
to a strong inflow of intelligent and well-to-do people from the. older
States. Does the reader ask why lands are so cheap under such fav-
orable, material conditions? Well, the question is easily answered.
Up to a recent date, little or nothing has been done by the people of
the State to advertise to the world its manifold and magnificent re-
sources. Still worse, Missouri has, for two decades, been under the
ban of public prejudice throughout the north and east, the people of
those sections believing Missourians to be a race of ignorant, inhos-
pitable, proscriptive and intolerant bulldozers, who were inimical to
northern immigration, enterprise and progress. Under this impres-
sion, half a million immigrants have annually passed by this beauti-
ful country, bound for the immigrants' Utopia, which is generally
laid in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. This mighty army
of resolute men and women, with their wealth of gold, experience and
courage, have been lost to a State of which they unfortunately knew
little and cared to know less. Under such conditions, there has, of
course, been a dearth of land buyers. Happily, Cooper and Howard
counties have been advertised by their local newspapers, their enter-
prising real estate men and other agencies, and have perhaps suffered
less at the hands of ill-founded predudice than many other sections.
It is the good fortune of this beautiful county to have a more cosmo-
politan population than any other portion of the State, and this fact,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 851
together with the enterprise of the people in advertising their local
advantages and resources, has given it a larger inflow of immigration
and new capital than has fallen to the lot of any purely agricultural
county in central and north Missouri.
The people of Cooper county — nearly 22,000 strong — are as
intelligent, refined and hospitable as those of Ohio or Michigan ;
forty per cent of them hail from the old free states, the provinces and
Europe, and a more tolerant, appreciative, chivalrous community
never undertook the subjugation of a beautiful wilderness to noble
human uses. We have passed a year and a half in northern and central
Missouri, visiting the towns, looking into the industrial life of the
people, inspecting the farms and herds, reviewing the schools and
carefully watching the drift of popular feeling, and are pleased to
affirm that there is nowhere in the union a more order-loving and law-
respecting population than that of Cooper and Howard counties.
" The life they live " here is quite as refined and rational as any
phase of the social and political life at the north. Whatever they did
in the exciting and perilous years of the war, they are to-day as frank,
liberal and cordial in their treatment of northern people, and as ready
to appreciate and honor every good quality in them, as if they were
" to the manor born." That they are tolerant and liberal is proven
by the elevation of well known union soldiers to positions of honor
and trust.
A strong union sentiment is everywhere apparent. Many
persons were strong union democrats during the war, never swerving
in their fealt}' to the union, and the old flag floats as proudly in central
and north Missouri as in the shadows of Independence Hall. All
parties are agreed that slavery is dead, and that its demise was a bless-
ing to every prime interest of the country. There is not a man of
character in the county who would restore the institution if he could.
A good majority of the people of this county hail from Kentucky and
Virginia, or are descended from Kentucky or Virginia families, and
have the deliberation, frankness, good sense, admiration of fair play,
reverence for woman and home, boundless home hospitality and strong
self-respect, for which the average Kentuckian and Virginian is pro-
verbial. They have a habit of minding their own business that is
refreshing to see. The new comer is not catechised as to social ante-
cedents or politics, but is estimated for what he is and does. They
don't care where a man hails from, if he be seusible and honest. They
take care of their credit as if it were their only stock in trade. When
a man's word ceases to be as good as his bond, his credit, business
852 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and standing are gone, and the loss of honorable prestige is not at all
easy of recovery.
Sterling character finds as high appreciation here as in any coun-
try of our knowledge. The visitor is impressed with the number of
strong men — men who would take rank in the social, professional and
business relations of any community in civilization. Cooper county
has evidently drawn largely upon the best blood, brain and experi-
ence of the older states. In every department of life may be found
men of fine culture and large experience in the best ways of the world,
and the stranger who comes here expecting to place the good people
of this county in his shadow, will get the conceit effectually taken out
of him in about ninety days. They are not a race of barbarians, living
a precarious sort of life in the bush, but a brave, magnanimous, intel-
ligent people, who, if their average daily life be sternly realistic in the
practical ways of home-building and bread-getting, have yet within
and about them so much of the ideal that he is indeed a dull observer
who sees not in their relations to the wealth of the grain fields and
herds, and the poetry of the sweet pastoral landscape, a union of the
real and ideal that is yet to make for them the perfect human life.
They find ample time for the founding and fostering of schools, the
love of books and flowers and art, a cultivation of the social graces,
and the building of temples to the spiritual and ideal. Cooper county
raises horses and mules and swine, fat steers, and the grain to feed
the million, but is none the less a generous almoner of good gifts for
her children. She has eighty-six free public schools for white and
sixteen for colored children.
Public morals are guarded and fostered by the presence and in-
fluence of fifty churches, representing nearly all the denominations,
and are nowhere displayed to better advantage than in the general
observance of the Sabbath, and in the honest financial administration
of county affairs. There are no repudiators of the public credit and
obligation here. Every public promise to pay is honored with prompt
payment of principal and interest. They have in high measure that
singular and inestimable virtue called popular conscience, and make
it the inexorable rule of judgment and action in all public administra-
tion. It is as unchangeable as the law of the Medes and Persians,
and though public enterprise has impelled the expenditure of a great
deal of money, large sums have also been voted for the building of
railways, for county buildings and appointments, and for bridges,
with a liberal expenditure for incidental uses, all within little more
than a decade ; every dollar of county obligation has been paid at ma-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 853
turity, nobody has had the hardihood to even talk repudiation, and
happy, prosperous Cooper will soon be out of debt, and the last dollar
of her bonded indebtedness will be promptly paid. Better still, she
has surplus cash in her vaults to meet the current expenditures on
public account, and her credit is as good as that of the nation itself.
It is clearly no injustice to other portions of Missouri to pro-
nounce Cooper one of the model counties. She has an untarnished
and enviable credit, excellent schools, light taxes, a brave, intelligent
and progressive population, and presents a picture of material thrift
which challenges the admiration of all. There are a score of men in
the county worth from $30,000 to $500,000. Half a hundred more
represent from $20,000 to $50,000, and a large number from $15,000
to $20,000, while after these come a good sized army whose lands and
personal estate will range from $10,000 to $15,000. This wealth is
not in any sense speculative, for it has been mainly dug out of the
soil, and, in a modest degree, represents the half developed capacity
of the grasses and grain fields. It is not in the hands of any specu-
lative or privileged class, but is well distributed over the county in
lands, homes and herds. It is one of the pleasures of a life time to
ride for days over this charming region of fine old homes, thrifty or-
chards, green pastures and royal herds, and remember that the fortun-
ate ovvners of these noble estates have liberal bank balances to their
credit, and are well on the road to honorable opulence.
Many a reader of this report will be inclined to wonder if it is an
over-colored sketch of the country and people, and ask for the shady
side of the picture. " Are there no poor lands, poor farmers, or poor
farming in Cooper county — nothing to criticise, grumble about or find
fault with in the ways of the 22,000 people within the range of the
letter? " Yes, there is a " shady side " to the picture, and it is easily
and quickly sketched from life. The scarcity of farm labor is appa-
rent to the most superficial observer. The negroes who did most of
the farm labor under the old compulsory system have gone almost
solidly into the towns, and are no longer a factor in the farm labor
problem. The average farm hand has acquired the easy slip-shod
habits of the slave labor system, and is at best a poor substitute.
Four-fifths of the farmers undertake too much, expending in the most
superficial way upon 200 or 400 acres the labor which would only well
cultivate 100 acres, and the result is seen in shallow plowing, hurried
seeding, slight cultivation, careless harvesting, loose stacking, waste-
ful threshing and reckless waste in feeding. The equally reckless
exposure of farm machinery in this county would bankrupt the entire
854 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
farm population of half a dozen New England counties in three sea-
sons. The visitor in the country is always in sight of splendid reapers,
mowers, seeders, cultivators, wagons and smaller implements, stand-
ing in the swath, furrow, fence corner or yard where last used, and
exposed to the storms and sunshine until the improvident owner needs
them for further use.
The exposure of flocks and herds to the cold wet storms of the
winter, without a thought of shelter, in a country where nature has
bountifully provided the material for, and only trifling labor is re-
quired to give ample protection, is a violation of the simplest rule of
economy and that kindly human impulse that never fails to be moved
by the sight of animal suffering. The astonishing waste of manures,
by the villainous habit of burning great stacks of straw and leaving
rich half century accumulations of manure to the caprice of the ele-
ments, may be all right in bountiful old Missouri, but in the older
eastern country would be prima facie evidence of the insanity of the
land-owner who permitted the waste.
The waste of valuable timber is equally unaccountable, if not
really appalling. While economists in the older lands are startled at
the rapid approach of the timber famine, and are wondering where the
timber supply is to come from a dozen years hence, the farmers of
Cooper county, and all north Missouri, are splitting elegant young
walnut and cherry trees into common rails to enclose lands worth ten
dollars to twenty-five dollars per acre ; cutting them into logs for
cabins, pig troughs and sluiceways, and even putting them on the
wood market in competition with cheap coals, complaining the while
of the cost of walnut furniture bought from factories a thousand miles
away.
There are too many big farms here for either the good of the over-
tasked owners or the country. No man can thoroughly cultivate 600,
1,000 or 1,500 acres of land, an}' more than a country of homeless and
landless tenants can be permanently prosperous ; and the sooner these
broad, unwieldy estates are broken into small farms, and thoroughly
cultivated by owners of the soil in fee simple, the better it will be for
land values, schools, highways, society, agriculture, trade, and every
vital interest of the country. Such a consummation would vastly add
to the wealth and attractions of this beautiful and fertile region,
giving it the graces of art, manifold fruits of production, and universal
thrift that attend every country of proprietary small farmers. There
is too much speculation and too little work for the benefit of farming
or economic living. Everybody is trading with his neighbor in live
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 855
stock, grain, lands, town lots, options, or anything that promises
money without work, forgetful that the country is not a clime the
richer for the traffic. Nothing surprises the eastern visitor as much
as the want of appreciation for their country, expressed by so many
of the old and substantial farmers of this region. They get the Texas,
Kansas or Colorado fever, and talk about selling beautiful farms in
this fair and fertile country for the chances of fortune in one of these
regions of the immigrant's Utopia, as if they were unconscious of liv-
ing in one of the most favored lands upon the green earth. A six
weeks' tour of some of the older and less favored states, followed by
atrip of critical observation into some of the newer ones, might give
these uneasy and unsettled men a spirit of happy content with their
present homes and surroundings.
Cooper county has productive capacity great enough to feed a
fourth of the population of Missouri, but before its wonderful native
resources are developed to the maximum, it must have twenty thou-
sand more men to aid in the work. Men for the thorough cultivation
of forty, eighty and one hundred and twenty acre farms; for the
modern butter and cheese dairy; skilled fruit growers to plant or-
chards and vineyards and wine presses ; hundreds of sterling young men
from the northern states, the Canadas and Europe, to solve the farm
labor problem iu a country where reliable labor is scarce and wages
high, and skilled artisans to found a hundred new mechanical indus-
tries. All these are wanted, nor can they come a day too soon for
cordial greeting from the good people of Cooper county, or the
precious realization of a great destiny for one of the most inviting
regions on the green earth.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
BOONVILLE TOWNSHIP.
GEOKGE W. ADAMS,
furmer. One of the most substantial and successful . farmers of
Cooper county is Mr. George W. Adams. His grandfather, John
Adams, was a native of Virginia, hut settled in Kentucky iu the latter
part of the last century. There he lived a number of years and reared
his family; and there his son, William M., the father of George
Adams, was born in Garrard county in December, 1795. In 1816 the
family, including William M., then a young man nearly twenty-one
years of age, came to Missouri and settled in Howard county, on the
opposite side of the Missouri river from where George Adams now
lives. In youth, William Adams acquired an excellent education, and
was afterwards noted among his neighbors as a man of superior men-
tal culture. In 1826 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Palmetory,
originally of Kentucky, and the same year he and his wife settled on
the place in Cooper, where their son, George, still resides, and where
they both lived until their death; he September 28, 1872, and she
September 14, 1878. They had five children, George being the
youngest. He was born December 21, 1837, and grew up on the
family homestead. He attended the ordinary schools, but his father
also took a deep interest in his education, and gave him constant pri-
vate instruction. When about twenty years old he commenced teach-
ing school himself, which he kept up during the winter season for nearly
twenty years, or until 1879. Although giving a part of every year to
school teaching, he is an active and successful farmer, and has made a
regular business of dealing in stock. His farm numbers 400 acres
of good land. He was married March 28, 1864, to Miss Emma Erwin. ■
They have three children — Charles, Emma and Henry.
(856)
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 857
WILLIAM D. ADAMS,
farmer, section 33. Among the substantial and successful farm-
ers of Cooper county, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch
is worthy of special mention. He was born in Mercer county, Ken-
tucky, April 12, 1818. His father, Thomas Adams, was a native of
Virginia, born March 25, 1780, and was a son of Samuel Adams, of
the same state. Thomas, the father of William D., came out to
Kentucky when a young man, and was soon afterwards married to
Miss Margaret J. Dicksou, a young lady of that state, but of Scotch
descent. She was about eight years his junior, being born April 4,
1788. Of this union thirteen children were born, of whom William
D. was the sixth. While he was still in his infancy, in 1818, his pa-
rents immigrated to this state and settled in Cooper county, on a part
of the present homestead of the subject of this sketch. For sixty-five
years, from its first settlement until the present time, this place has
been the property respectively of father and son. Here both parents
lived until their deaths ; the father August 8, 1862, and the mother
seventeen years afterwards, January 9, 1879. In youth William D.
had the advantages afforded by the ordinary neighborhood schools,
and also attended Bonne Femme school, near Columbia, in that early
day one of the best reputed colleges throughout the surrounding
country. Returning from college, he resumed farm pursuits, and on
the 17th day of November, 1863, was married to Miss Mary P.,
daughter of Dr. H. A. Thompson, of this county. Three children are
living to bless their married life ; Arthur, born August 3, 1867 ; Wil-
liam, born November 24, 1873, and Mariah H.,'born December 30,
1877. Mr. Adams is a member of the Presbyterian church. His
farm contains nearly 400 acres, and is well improved as respects both
buildings and fences, as well as arable land. On this his whole life
thus far has been spent, except an absence of about four years,
between 1853 and 1857, during which he was in California.
THOMAS A. BEAR,
farmer, section 8. Henry Bear-, the father of Thomas A. Bear, was a
native of Rockingham county, Virginia, born in 1798, but removed to
Kentucky early in life, and from that state came to Missouri in 1836.
Here he settled on a farm, about eight miles south of Boonville,in Cooper
county, where he followed farming and blacksmithing ; being a super-
ior mechanic, he also manufactured the old-time McCormick reaper to
some extent, up to about 1848. In 1849 he was attracted to Califor-
nia by the gold excitement, but lived only a year after reaching the
858 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.'
Pacific coast, dying in the land beyond the Cordilleras in 1850. He
left a widow, formerly a Miss Jane Kennerly, also a native of Vir-
ginia, and nine children, Thomas A. being the first child. Thomas
A. was but eleven years old at the time of his father's death, having
been born in this county, on the 23d of March, 1839. Brought up
on a farm, he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and has since
given his whole attention to farming. January 11th, 1870, he was
married to Miss Josephine Burrus, of this county. They settled on
their present farm in 1871. They have a neat place ol over a quarter
of section of land, and have it comfortably and substantially improved.
Mr. Bear has never sought an office, and has held none, except that
of school director. Their family of children are Callie E., Ada L.,
Harry A., and Freddie C.
CHARLES C. AND JOHN W. BELL,
of Bell Brothers, wholesale fruit and produce dealers. Prominent
among those who have contributed largely, by their enterprise
and energy, to the growth and prosperity of Boonville as a busi-
ness centre are the Bell Brothers, the subjects of the present
sketch. They are of German parentage, and were born, Charles C,
in Nassau, Germany, August 30, 1848, and John W. in Boonville,
Missouri, November 29, 1856. They are the youngest of five living
children, of a family originally of eleven, of John A. and Catherine
S. (Gross) Bell, who immigrated from Nassau to Boonville in 1848.
The parents belonged to prominent families in the dukedom of Nas-
sau, and both had received advanced educations. The father, John
A., took a thorough classical course, and subsequently held high
positions in the public service. He was quite wealthy when the revo-
lution of 1848 broke out, but the events of that struggle wrecked his
fortune and practically drove him from the country. He sympathized
strongly with the revolutionists, and became so identified with them,
that the only extraction from the difficulties of his situation was in
immigration to America. He therefore disposed of his property as
best he could, but at a great sacrifice, and brought his family to
America. They were shipwrecked on the way, entailing additional
losses and hardships, and were over four months in making the journey.
But he was not a man to break down under misfortunes. Arrived at
Boonville, he at ouce went on a farm, and went to "work with the
courage and energy of a man just starting out in life. He soon became
a prosperous farmer, and was as highly esteemed for his sterling
worth and the superior culture of his mind as any man in the com-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 859
munity. He died here December 11th, 1865. The motto of his life
was: "Do right, and fear not," and this, which his whole career
faithfully illustrated, was placed, at his request, upon his monument,
now marking his last resting place in Walnut Grove cemetery. His
wife survived him but three years, dying August 1st, 1868. He was
born February 2d, 1803, and she, January 19th, 1810. The sons,
Charles C, and John W., were educated in the local schools of this
county. After growing up both attended commercial college, from
which they were duly graduated — Charles C. in 1868 ; John W. from
Bryant & Strattou's Commercial Institute, of St. Louis, several years
ago. In 1868 Charles C. began the fruit business in Boonville, be-
coming the pioneer dealer of the place in this line. Cooper county
being one of the largest fruit producing counties of the state, he had
the business acumen to see that it offered superior advantages as
a packing and shipping centre. This proved not only profitable to
himself, but of the highest value to the fruit interests of the county.
He has since continued to follow it, with the exception of a period of
three years, during which he was engaged as a commercial traveller.
In 1877 John W. became interested as a partner with him in the fruit
business, and they have since conducted it together. It has increased
in volume and importance far beyond their expectations. They not
only ship large quantities of fruit to different parts of the country,
but also make heavy consignments direct to Europe. Of apples,
alone, (dried and green) they ship annually over 20,000 barrels.,
Besides fruit, they also deal largety in produce and grain, particularly
potatoes in the produce line. In point of means they rank among the
substantial business men of the community. Charles C. has lately
erected a handsome brick residence on one of the choice sites of Boon-
ville, a building that is highly creditable to the city. He is a member
of the city council, and takes an active interest in all matters of pub-
lic concern. It is to his enterprise and public spirit that is due the
formation and incorporation of the Walnut Grove Cemetery associa-
tion, and the consequent improvement of that silent city of the dead.
Charles C. served for eleven months in the Union army during the
war.
JOHN BERNARD,
manufacturer of cigars and dealer in tobacco. One of the successful
and enterprising citizens of Boonville, who have risen in the world l>y
their own exertions and personal worth, is Mr. Bernard, the subject
of the present sketch. He is a native of France, and was born in
Lorraine (now a part of Germany), in November, 1819. When a
860 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
lad ten years of age he was brought to this country by his parents,
who emigrated to America in 1829. Landing at New York they re-
mained there until the following spring, when they came west to Can-
ton, Ohio. From Canton they afterwards removed to Bolivar, in the
same state, and lived there until 1838, when they came to St. Louis.
John Bernard, the eldest of the family of six children, attended the
common schools of Ohio, but early went to work to earn something
toward his own support and that of the family. For some time he
drove horses, on the Cleveland canal, prior to the time that General
Garfield was employed in the same class of work. Subsequently he
learned the cigar maker's trade under his father, who was a master of
that trade, and he has followed this with but little interruption from
then until now. He worked at his trade in St. Louis from 1838
(when he began to learn it) up to 1844, at the expiration of which
time he went to Kansas City and was there until December of the fol-
lowing year. From Kansas City he returned to St. Louis by horse-
back, making the trip in thirteen days, and remained in the Mound
City, his old home, following his trade until he came to the city of
Boonville. He established his present business in this place in
the year 1851, and has since conducted it with the most grati-
fying success. He has long occupied a well earned standing among
the leading cigar manufacturers and tobacco dealers of central Mis-
souri. He is the original manufacturer of the celebrated Dexter cigar,
a brand known for its excellence and popularity from Maine to Cali-
fornia, and from the lakes to the gulf. Mr. Bernard's success in life
has not been unattended by substantial evidences of prosperity. By
industry and good management he has accumulated a comfortable
competence to rely upon, when it becomes necessary for him to give
himself over to the rest and ease of old agre. He has held various
offices in the public service. He was a member of the school board
of Boonville for nineteen years, from 1863 to 1882. For many years
he held the office of justice of the peace, and served from tune to time
as member of the city council for the last twenty years or more. In
1862 he was a member of the militia for a short time. June 11,
1848, Mr. Bernard was married to Mrs. Mary Schneider, a widow
lady, and a Hanoverian by birth. They have five children — Kate,
Louis, Susan, Mary and John, Jr.
FREDERICK J. BOLLER
was born April 10, 1844, in Nassau city, Germany, his father being
John Henry Boiler, born January 11, 1802, in Hachenburg, duke-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 861
dom of Nassau, Germany, who, on April 25, 1830, married Miss
Johanette E. L. Lanio, born May 11, 1806, in Nassau city. They
had nine children: Elizabeth W., born February 18, 1831 (wife of
Philip Gross) ; Charles William, born December 28, 1832, and mar-
vied to Miss Paulina Gritzmacher ; Wilhelmina C, born Jauuary 7,
1835 (wife of Frederick C. Wenig ; she died March 24, 1882, leav-
ing one child, Mary, three children being deceased) ; Henry C, born
May 12, 1837 ; William A., born September 8, 1839 ; Johanette E.,
born January 23, 1842 (married Peter Klein), died March 29, 1874;
Augustus W., born November 20, 1846; Laura P., born April 10,
1850 (wife of Chas. Fiedler) ; and Frederick J., the subject of this
sketch, and the seventh in the family. He married Miss Doratha
W. Wehlmina of Cooper county, Missouri, March 18, 1873, and to
them have been born five children: August H., born November 29,
1874; William, born December 28, 1876, died January 6, 1877;
Sophie L., born April 10, 1878 ; Laura L., born September 8, 1880 ;
and Johanette C, born March 23, 1883. John H. Boiler, the father
of Frederick J., came from Germany in 1848, settling at Boonville,
Missouri, and subsequently purchased a farm about three miles west
of the city, on which he remained until his death, July 15, 1864.
He was a Union man, and while on his way home from Boonville,
seated in his carriage, was shot and instantly killed, four bullets
piercing his body. He was among the first men to introduce the
grape culture in this county. His second wife died October 28, 1875.
By his first marriage he had three children ; the oldest died in infancy
in Germany, Henrietta married Peter Rems, of Belleville, Illinois,
and they were both burned to death in their home at that place, July
16,1875; Gotfried C, born July 11, 1828, married Miss Matilda
Katz, of Cooper county, and was killed by bushwhackers, having been
taken from his home, stripped and brutally murdered — beaten to
death, after having received two shots in his temple. F. J. Boiler
has a fine farm of 160 acres on section 32. He raises grapes and
fruit quite extensively, producing about 1,500 gallons of wine annu-
ally. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
HON. HARVEY BUNCE,
vice-president of the Central National bank. Mr. Bunce, who has
long been one of the leading men of Cooper county, and one of its
most influential and useful citizens, when a boy sixteen years of age,
was apprenticed to the ship carpenter's trade, under a firm in New
York city, and worked faithfully under them for four years. From
56
862 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
that time to this his life has been one of unceasing industry, gradual-
ly advancing him in the world, until now he occupies a position in
business affairs and in the estimation of the public that but few of the
youths of his own age, favored by every opportunity that wealth and
the best educational advantages could afford, have attained. His life
is another striking illustration of the old adage that " success is in the
man, not his opportunities." He was born in Queen's county, New
York, October 28, 1816. His parents, Harvey and Keziah Jarvis,
were both natives of that state, and Harvey, Jr., was the elder of the
only two children they reared. In the early years of his youth, Har.
vey Bunce, the son, attended the usual sessions of the common schools,
when not otherwise employed, and by studying as faithfully as he
worked, acquired the rudiments of a good ordinary education. After
learning the ship builder's trade, under Messrs. Bayless & Co., in
New York city, believing there were better opportunities in the west
for men of industry and enterprise, he came to Missouri in 1837.
Here he followed bridge building and carpentering for ten years, and
became widely known, not only as a superior mechanic, but as an ex-
cellent citizen and a man of good business qualifications. In 1847 he
engaged in farming, and one year afterwards was elected county as-
sessor, and was chosen at the next election sheriff of the county,
which position he held by regular re-elections until 1861, when he re-
signed the office. In 1862 he was appointed public administrator, and
afterwards held that office for twelve years. However, for the years
1862-63 he represented the county in the legislature, and in 1864
was a member of the state constitutional convention, that framed the
so-called Drake constitution. In business affairs his success was
equally marked. He soon became one of the farmers of the county
and a leading bank stockholder. In 1866 he was made a director of
the Central National bank of Boonville, and served in that capacity
for fifteen years, and in 1881 was elected vice-president of the bank.
His landed, bank and other property interests rank among the most
important in the county. On the 23d of March, 1840, he was mar-
ried to Miss Mary A., daughter of Major William Moore, an early
pioneer and prominent citizen of this county. They have four chil-
dren— Edward B., Cordelia E., William M. and Mary.
E. B. BUNCE,
county clerk of Cooper county. Mr. Bunce, son of Hon. Harvey
Bunce, was born and reared in Cooper county, and except a four
years' residence in California, he has made this his permanent home.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 863
He was- born April 11, 1844, and was educated in the schools of Boon-
ville. In 1862, then a young man eighteen years of age, he went to
the Pacific coast, and was engaged as a salesman in a wholesale house
in San Francisco most of the time for four years. He then returned
to Cooper county, and in 1867 commenced merchandising in Pales-
tine, continuing business there until the fall of 1868, when he located
in Bunceton, where he sold goods until 1873. From merchandising
he turned his attention to farming, following that occupation with
marked success until his election, in 1882, to the office of county
clerk, the position he now holds. Mr. Bunce is a man of good edu-
cation, thorough business qualifications and strict integrity, and, added
to these, he is of an obliging disposition, gentlemanly and courteous
to the last degree in manners, and possesses every element of a pop-
ular and useful public official. He will doubtless continue to hold a
high position in the estimation of the community where he lives and%
of all who know him. In the month of November, 1867, he was
married to Miss Maggie O., daughter of James H. O'Brien, of Boon-
ville. They have five children — Jennie, Emma J., Harvey, Nannie
G. and Charles.
JOSEPH BYLEK,
farmer, section 18. Mr. Byler, although not a large farmer, is a very
successful one, and handles his place of 204 acres to as good advan-
tage as many do theirs whose farms are far larger than his. He has
it well improved, and cultivates it according to. the most approved
methods, so as to get the greatest yield from the amount of land
planted. He is a native of this county, but his father, Joseph, Sr.,
now deceased, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and came here as early
as 1818, having married before leaving his native state. He settled
on a farm about two and a half miles south of Rankin's mill, where
he resided until his death, in 1857. Joseph, Jr., was the seventh of
the family of nine children, and was reared on the homestead near
Rankin's mill. He was born there, May 7, 1826, and remained at
home until 1849, when he went to California to seek his fortune in the
mines of the Pacific coast. He returned in 1851 and engaged in farm-
ing, and in 1857 was married, June 17, to Miss Henrietta Crawford.
Two years after his marriage he settled on his present farm, where he
has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Byler have but one child — a son —
Harry L. One son — Graham — is deceased. He and his wife are
members of the Baptist church.
864 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JUDGE JAMES MADISON CAMPBELL,
associate judge of the county court. Judge Campbell, who now occu-
pies the honorable and responsible position of an associate judge of
the county court, is a native of the county, and is a descendant of one
of its earVy pioneer families. His parents, Russell and Fanny (Mat-
tox) Campbell, who were from Tennessee, where they were married
in 1812, settled in this county in 1818. After living a few years on
the bluff near Overton, and then for a time south of Saline, they made
their permanent home on the farm where the judge now lives. The
mother died September 5, 1862, in her seventy-first year, and the
father March 1, 1877, in his eighty-sixth year. He was a noble rep-
resentative of the hardy, brave-hearted men of the early days of the
county, whose hands and brain laid broad and deep the foundations,
for the growth and prosperity of the county. His old age was spent
'in the comfort which his earlier years of industry had provided, and
nothing delighted him more than to recount to those around him his
varied experiences in the first settlement of the county. Like most of
those of his time, he was ardently fond of hunting, and even late in life
his greatest pleasure was to take his gun and dog and spend a few
hours in that pastime. Although not a member of any church, he was a
close student of the Bible, and his life was a true exemplification of the
precepts it teaches. His wife, a noble, good woman, was a faithful, true
Christian in the sense that he was, and also an earnest, zealous church
member through most of her life, and until she passed away in death.
The Baptist church was her denomination. They had nine children,
of whom only four are living — James M. (the judge), Leretta, wife
of Sylvester Stiffler; Fanny, wife of 'Squire J. M. Freeman, and
Thomas J., of Brownsville, Neb. James M. Campbell, the sixth of
this family, was born in Saline township July 15, 1825, and grew up on
his father's farm, receiving in youth, by attendance at the neighbor-
hood schools and by study at home, a good practical education.
Reared on a farm, farming not unnaturally became his occupation for
life. When in his thirty-first year, October 21, 1857, he was married
to Miss Susan Gale, daughter of Dr. R. M. W. Gale, one of the oldest
and best physicians of the county. She was born at the Gale home-
stead in Saline township, August 4, 1840, so that the judge and she
were reared together from children ; she died June 12, 1880. They had
four children — Augusta, Theophilus, Dora and Maggie. Augusta,
however, died December 31, 1868; Theophilus died in infancy ; Dora,
born November 25, 1861, is the wife of John A. Mills, having married
October 8, 1879, and they have two children, Eugenie and Speed;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 865
Maggie died November 21, 1878, aged eight years. Dr. Robert M.
W. Gale, the father of Mrs. Campbell, and wife, formerly Miss
Dorothy Shackelford, had a family of eight children, but two of whom
are now living — William T. Gale and his youngest sister, Margaret,
wife of George Connor. Two brothers, Joseph and Robert, died in
the Rock Island military prison during the war; Julia, the wife of Dr.
A. J. Lacy, died in 1870 ; Edwin died at the age of seventeen
years, and Alonzo died in infancy. Dr. Gale was a graduate of
the medical department of the University of Lexington, Ken-
tucky, and came to this county from Scott county, Kentucky.
He was one of the most scientific and successful physicians that
ever practised in this part of the state, and a man widely
known and highly esteemed for his many noble qualities of mind and
heart. Judge Campbell has been a successful farmer, but has now
retired from active farm duties, having rented his farm to his son-in-
law, who is now conducting it. He has always taken a deep interest
in the material development, educational needs and public affairs of the
county, and because of his well-known solicitude for the general wel-
fare, and his thorough acquaintance with public events, as well as of
his qualifications, sterling integrity and popularity, he has often been
called upon to serve the people of the county in various official capac-
ities ; but devoid of all ambition for a political life or for advancement
to official position, he steadily refused to become a candidate for any
office until 1882, when he was prevailed upon by the solicitations of
leading men all over the county to permit the use of his name for the
office of county judge, to which he finally consented, aud was, there-
fore, chosen to that office at the regular fall election, by a majority of
his fellow-citizens highly complimentary to him as an individual and
as a leading citizen of the county. He is now serving the people in
that capacity, and he and his associates, Judges J. J. Hoge and W.
P. McMahau, are earnestly and faithfully striving to so administer the
affairs of the county, so far as the duties of the county court extend,
that when they retire from office they may justly receive the greeting
of the people : " Well done, good and faithful servants." The judge
has been a member of the Baptist church at Big Lick since 1852.
OWEN CARVILLE.
Mr. Carville was a youth sixteen years of age when his parents,
John and Rosa (Murry) Carville, emigrated from Ireland with their
family in 1849, and settled in Boonville, this county. Owen, who was
one of eight children, was born January 1, 1833, and in early youth
866 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
assisted his father on the farm in his native country, and attended the
parish schools, which were of a superior quality. After his arrival
here he followed various occupations until, some years before the late
war, he enlisted as a soldier and went to Salt Lake, Utah, where he
was under the commands, successively, of Colonels Alexander and
Johnson. Returning home from Salt Lake, he enlisted in 1862 in the
union service, becoming a member of company B, 5th Missouri state
militia, in which he served for three years, being promoted from the
ranks to the position of first lieutenant during his second year of ser-
vice, which he held until his term expired. After the war he turned
his attention to farming, and now has a comfortable homestead of 130
acres of good land, substantially improved. November 11, 1867,
he was married to Miss Mary P]dds, a young lady originally of Ken-
tucky. They have six children, Arthur F., Cecilia A., Thomas,
Mamie, Rosa and Alphonso. Both parents are members of the Catho-
lic church.
JUDGE B. C. CLARK,
probate judge of Cooper county. In this world of antagonisms,
changes and weaknesses, it is of rare occurrence, very rare, that one
holds an elective position through life, and, when he dies, whose sou
succeeds to the same trust by the preference of the people, and retains
it through a long", unbroken chain of years, and until he declines to
continue in it longer. Such a record of father and son is a eulogy
upon their good names that the art of rhetoric cannot approach. And
such is the record of the lives of Judge B. C. and his father, Robert
P. Clark, of Cooper county. Robert P. Clark was a man prominent
in the affairs of his native county in Kentucky before he came to Mis-
souri. A short time after he came to Cooper county, this state, he
was made county clerk of the county, which then included also the pre-
sent offices of county arid circuit clerk and recorder. He was the first
clerk after the organization of the county in 1818. This position he
held by regular re-elections for twenty-three years and until his death
in 1841. He was also a delegate to the first constitutional convention
to frame a state constitution. His son, now Judge Clark, who had
been in the office from childhood almost, succeeded his father, and
continued in the position, by the Vepeated indorsements of the people,
for twelve years, and until he resigned, in order to discontinue official
life. From 1853 to 1878 Judge Clark led a quiet, retired and success-
ful life on his farm, but in the fall of the last named year the people
elected him to the office of probate judge, and in 1882 he was re-elected.
Judge Clark was born in this county, July 13, 1819, and as far as
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER CODNTIES. 867
known was the first white person born in the county after its organi-
zation. His father was originally of Clark county, Kentucky. He
came with his family to Howard county, Missouri, in 1817, and to Cooper
county, in 1818. Mrs. Malinda Clark, the judge's mother, was a daugh-
ter of Stephen Trigg, of Kentucky, and died in Cooper county in 1828
or 1830. Judge Clark was the fourth of a family of six children.
After Mrs. Clark's death, Mr. Clark was married a second time, of
which union, one child was born. Judge Clark has lived in this county
continuously from infancy, except a short stay made in California in
1849-50, whither he was attracted by the gold excitement of that time.
He now resides in Boonville, having moved to the city from his conn-
try residence on his election to the office of probate judge. Of course,
he has not ti'avelled thus far along life's way without a companion to
share his pleasures and sorrows ; but, fortunately, with him far more
of the former than of the latter, although the throb of grief has not
been a stranger to his breast. In order of time we should have given
his marriage before, for he was united in wedlock to Miss Margaret,
daughter of James Hutchison, an early and respected citizen of this
county, formerly of Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 9th of Septem-
ber, 1841.
GEN. HENRY M. CLARK.
For nearly forty years General Clark has been connected more
or less continuously with the official affairs of the people of Cooper
county, and few men have led a life of less reproach, or one that has
been characterized by greater fidelity and efficiency in the discharge
of public trusts. He is of Virginia parentage, but of Kentucky birth,
having been born in Jessamine county, that state, January 28, 1825,
and was principally reared in Illinois. His father, James Clark, who
was brought up in Virginia, where he married, was a soldier in the
war of 1812, and settled in Kentucky in an early day. From Ken-
tucky, in 1829, he emigrated with his family to Illinois, stopping first
near Jacksonville, and then near Rushville, but finally making his
permanent home in Hancock county, where he laid off the town of
Plymouth, and lived there until his death in 1835. In 1840, Mrs.
Clark, with her family, moved to Cooper county, and here she died
six years afterwards. Henry M. was the tenth of a family of eleven
children, and after he came to Cooper county, being at the time a
young man twenty-two years of age, entered a newspaper office in
Boonville, where he learned the printer's trade, and subsequently
worked in that occupation in all about four years. In the meantime
he had begun to take an active interest in public affairs, and, in 1845,
868 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
became deputy postmaster of Boonville, and the following year was
appointed postmaster himself. He held this position for fifteen years
through all the changes of administrations, and until 1861, when he
entered the Confederate army. Prior to his retirement from the post-
office, however, he had been appointed inspector-general of Governor
Jackson's staff, and on the commencement of hostilities entered the
field in that capacity. He served through the entire war, being
under General Price part of the time, but was afterwards finder Gen-
eral Smith, in whose command he held the position of inspector-
general., After the close of the war he returned to Cooper county,
and was pardoned by President Johnson. In a short time he went to
Texas, but returned in 1871 and engaged in the insurance business.
He continued in this until 1873, when he was appointed deputy col-
lector of the county, and in 1878 was elected to that office, which he
filled for two terms, being re-elected, and until March, 1883. He is
now acting as deputy in the same office. He was married June 11,
1857, to Mrs. Virginia A. Lewis, daughter of N. W. Mack, of this
state. General Clark is a member of the Masonic order, and a lead-
ing member of the Royal Arch Chapter.
JOSEPH COMBS,
farmer, section 4. That the days when Cooper county might justly
be called a " new country " have long since passed away, is apparent
from the fact that so many of its citizens
" On whose visage, middle age
Has pressed its signet, sage,"
are the sons of fathers who were reared in the county, and who are
now in the twilight of old age, where
"Life's shadows are meeting Eternity's day."
Mr. Comb's father, Christopher B. Combs, came to this county with
his parents, or rather was brought by them, from Kentucky, when but
two years of age, and is now an old man, rapidly nearing the allotted
age of three score and ten. His father, John Combs, who was boru
February 17, 1800, immigrated here with his family, consisting of his
wife, formerly Miss Mary B. Clark, and children, in 1822, and in 1833
settled in the place where Joseph Combs now lives. He died June 3,
1857, but his widow is still living at the advanced age of eighty, having
been born in March, 1803. Here, Christopher B., born in Kentucky,
August 4, 1820, grew up from his second year, and subsequently
married and reared his family. He is now a resident of Lamar, Bar-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 869
ton county, Missouri. Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was born
where he now lives, March 25, 1848, and was reared on the old home-
stead before his parents removed from the county. After the usual
course in the common schools, he attended Kemper's well-known
school during the sessions of 1857-58-59, and also the terms of 1865-
66-67. He then entered the state university at Columbia, where he
had the benefit of a still higher course of studies. October 23, 1868,
he was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of Moss Prewitt, of Colum-
bia, Missouri. They have one child, a son, John. Farming has con-
stituted Mr. Combs' life occupation, and he is now one of the prominent
farmers of this county. Thoroughly educated, he farms according to
the most approved methods, and everything around him bears the im-
press of an enterprising, progressive agriculturist. His farm contains
600 acres, and is well improved. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic
order and a Knight Templar.
HON. JOHN COSGROVE,
member of congress from the sixth district of Missouri. For every
young man without the advantages that ample means aiford, who has
an honorable ambition to rise in the world, there is a lesson in the life
of Hon. John Cosgrove worthy the closest study. It illustrates,
by a striking example, that early opportunities are not indispensable
to a useful and honorable career. His father, although a substantial
farmer, was not wealthy, and in youth the son had only the advan-
tages afforded by the common schools. But notwithstanding this he
determined to raise himself to an honorable place in life. How well
he succeeded is shown by the position he now occupies in the public
affairs of the country, and by the consideration with which his name
is regarded wherever he is known. John Cosgrove was born near
Alexandria, in Jefferson county, New York, on the 12th day of Sep-
tember, 1839. On his father's side he is of Irish descent, his grand-
father, James Cosgrove, having been a native of Ireland. John was
the fourth of a family of nine children born to James Cosgrove, Jr., and
wife, previously Miss Mary Forrella. Both parents were natives of
New York, his father having been born in Jefferson county, June
18th, 1798, and his mother in the same county, December 25, 1806.
The father died in that county, November 16th, 1879, but Mrs. Cos-
grove still survives her husband and is now living in her native state.
John Cosgrove remained at home or in the county where he was
reared, attending the usual sessions of the common schools as he
grew up, until 1859, when, being of an enterprising disposition, he
870 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
was attracted to Colorado by the Pike's Peak excitement. Reaching
Leavenworth, Kansas, he and four others started with a hand-cart
from that place across the plains, but when the Kickapoo reservation
in Kansas was reached, two of the five became disheartened and re-
turned. Young Cosgrove and the two remaining companions, how-
ever, persevered, and finally reached their destination, Pike's Peak.
After remaining there a short time he came to the conclusion that the
life of a miner was not the life for him, and returned to New York,
resolved to prepare himself for the legal profession. But he was
without means or influential friends and his education was still in-
complete. Nothing daunted by this unfavorable outlook, he secured
a district school which he taught in order to obtain the means to ad-
vance his education. He then attended Redwood high school in his
native county, and after this, in 1861, entered the office of Hubbard
& Lansing, a prominent legal firm of Watertown, New York, where
he remained as a student until 1863, when he was admitted to the
bar. But even before his admission to the bar he took an active in-
terest in local politics, being an ardent democrat, and was regarded as
a leader among the young democrats of the place. In 1864 he was
made lieutenant in what was kuown as the " Seymour National
Guards, " apolitical military organization of young men. In the fall
of 1865 he determined to seek his fortune in the west, and picked on
Missouri as the place of his future residence. In this state he stopped,
first in St. Louis, thence in Jefferson City, but was advised to locate
in Boonville. Receiving a letter of introduction there from Hon.
Allen Richardson to Colonel Joseph L. Stephens, of this city, he
came on here, reaching Boonville on the 19th of November. He had
previously stopped at this place in 1859, when on his way to Colo-
rado. He was without a single acquaintance. He at once entered
upon the practice of his profession, and although young and compar-
atively inexperienced, and at a bar where many of the best lawyers of
the state practised, he soon won an enviable position as an attorney,
and secured a lucrative practice. Some years afterwards he was
elected to the responsible office of prosecuting attorney, which he filled
with marked distinction, and for a number of years held the position
of city attorney of Boonville. Becoming more popular, both as a
lawyer and a citizen as he became better known, in 1882 there was a
strong demand made upon him to become a candidate for the demo-
cratic nomination for congress, to which he yielded, and in the con-
vention that followed was nominated with great enthusiasm. In
November he was duly elected, and with a majority eminently flatter-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 871
ing to him personally. Mr. Cosgrove is a man of strong natural
ability, of untiring industry, and of the most unquestioned integrity.
As a lawyer he is widely and well known, careful and painstaking in
his practice and more than ordinarily successful in the practical man-
agement of cases in court As a speaker he is clear, logical and forci7
ble, and often rises to a high order of eloquence when he becomes
thoroughly imbued with his subject. On the 18th of December, 1873,
Mr. Cosgrove was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Augusta Bliss, a
refined and accomplished young lady of Brattleboro, Vermont. They
have been blessed with an interesting family of four children : John
B., James W., Gertrude and an infant. Mr. C. is a member of the
I. 0. O. F. order of this city.
JOHN W. CUNNINGHAM,
farmer, section 8. Mr. Cunningham, although comparatively a new
comer to Cooper county, has been a citizen of the state of Missouri
for the last forty years, having settled in St. Charles county,
this state, from Virginia, in 1843. His parents were both
natives of the Old Dominion, and he was the eldest of their
family of four children. His father, John Cunningham, was
born August 29th, 1800, and died in his native state August 29,
1836. His mother, formerly Miss Mary Kissinger, was born May
20th, 1810, and lived to her fifty-ninth year, dying in 1869. John W.,
who was born in Berkeley, Virginia (now a part of West Virginia),
January 1st, 1826, was raised in his native county, that is up to his
eighteenth year, when he came west and located in St. Charles county,
this state. There he continued and followed farming with excellent
success for nearly thirty years. He was married in that county
October 5th, 1852, to Miss Ellen Spencer, and a family of six children
has been granted to them. William W., Ida, Anna K., John N.,
Milton S., and Thomas W. In 1872 Mr. Cunningham removed to
Howard county, but, remaining there only a short time, came over to
this county, and settled on his present place. His farm contains five
hundred acres of the best quality of land. Having no political am-
bition, he has never sought prominence in public aflairs, and has never
held any office except that of school director of his district. He is a
substantial, successful farmer, and a highly respected citizen.
M. DIRINGEE,
wagon making and general blacksmithing. In 1859 Mr. Diringer,
then sixteen years of age, commenced work in a blacksmith shop to
872 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
learn the trade, at which he continued, without interuptkm, about
two years, and until the breakiug out of the war. Then, like most
young men of Boonville, of German antecedents by birth or descent,
he took the side of the Union, and in July, 1861, joined the home
guards, with which he served five months, and then enlisted, Decem-
ber 21st, 1861, in a company of Federal calvary, commanded by
Colonel Eppstein, under whose command he served three years, or
until December 21st, 1864. After that he resumed work at his trade,
and carried on blacksmithing exclusively in this city until 1870, when
he engaged also in manufacturing wagons, which he has kept up until
the present time, and has been very successful in both lines of industry.
He was a son of Ignes and Magdaline Diringer, both natives of
Alsace, Germany (formerly part of France), and was born in that
province, November 12, 1843. When he was eight years of age the
family came to this country, and his father engaged in farming and
the vineyard business, to which occupation the son was brought up,
and followed until he commenced work at the blacksmith's trade. On
the 29th of October, 1868, Mr. M. Diringer was married to Miss
Margaret Mitchell, formerly of Chariton county. They have three
children, Frank J., Emelia, and Catherine. Mr. D. is a member of tbe
Catholic church.
JAMES W. DRAFFIN,
of Draffin & Williams, attorneys at law. There are few men who
know anything of the judicial annals of central Missouri for the last
twenty-five or thirty years, to whom the name of James W. Draffin is
not as familiar, almost, as a household word. He is the second oldest
practictioner at the Cooper county bar, and for years has ranked
among the foremost lawyers in this section of the state. To attempt
to give an outline of his professional career — the important cases he
has tried, his relations with the bench and bar for the last quarter of
a century and more — would be to enter upon afield which the nature
and limits of this work forbid. Nor is it necessarv ; for his life as a
lawyer is written in the records of the courts, from the supreme
judicial forum of the state to the circuit and minor tribunals of this and
other counties, and with far greater justice to him, and the name he has
made, than we could possibly hope to perform it. Suffice it, therefore,
to say, that his reputation as an upright, conscientious practitioner
is not less enviable thau his standing as an able, successful attorney.
James W. Draffin was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, March
4th, 1830. His father, Thomas Draffin, and mother, whose maiden
name was Mary Douglass, were also both natives of that state, where
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 873
they married and lived until James W. was about twelve years of age.
Then, in 1836, they emigrated to Missouri, and settled on a farm in
this county. Two years afterwards James W. entered Kemper's well
known school in Boonville, in which he continued as a student two
years, applying himself with great energy and diligence. His uncle,
John Draffin, was at the time a prominent lawyer of Lawrenceburg,
Kentucky, and thither young Draffin went on quitting Kemper's
school in 1846, and there began the study of law under his uncle.
He kept up his law studies with the latter until his admission to
the bar in 1852. Returning then to Boonville he entered the law
office of Judge Wash Adams as a student and young practitioner,
where he remained two years, when he began the practice alone. His
thorough preparatory course had well fitted him for the active duties
of his profession, and he soon became known as one of the best posted
young lawyers at the bar. This fact, together with his perfect re-
liability, and the reputation he soon established as a good speaker,
and zealous advocate, was not long in bringing him a lucrative prac-
tice. Afterwards he was the partner, successively, of John Hennwig
Esq., William Douglas, Esq., Hon. G. G. Vest, now United States
senator, and W. D. Muir, Esq. With the last named gentleman he
was associated a number of years, or until 1872, when Mr. Muir
died. W. M. Williams, Esq., is his present partner. Mr. Draffin has
never been the aspirant for office, preferring rather to give his whole
time and study to the law. However, several official positions of
minor importance, the duties of which did not interfere with his pro-
fession, he was prevailed on to accept, which he filled with singular
fidelity and ability. He was married in July, 1859, to Miss Louisa
Tichenor, daughter of Samuel Tichenor, of Newark, New Jersey.
They have eight children, David T., Edward, William M., Willington
J., Whitlow M., Frank D., Martin T. and Mary.
JOHN DURE,,
dealer in saddles, harness, etc. Mr. Durr has a business in the above
named line that would not suffer by comparison, either as to stock or
trade, with any house in a city no larger than Boonville, in this State,
and he has built it up by his own industry and enterprise. When
twelve years of age, he came to this country from Germany, where
he was born November 4, 1837, and disembarking in New York pushed
on to Newark, New Jersey, in which place he worked in such em-
ployment as he could get for about six or eight months. He then
came west to Chicago and worked there about four months, going
874 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
thence to Louisville, where he learned the saddlery and harness
makers' trade. He remained in Louisville working at his trade until
1856, when he came to St. Louis and thence to Boonville. He worked
here for various parties until the spring of 1859, or nearly two years,
at which time he opened a shop of his own, and his business has since
steadily grown until it has attained to its present importance. At the
beginning, however, he had a partner for a short time, and for five
years he was city treasurer of Boonville. On the 28th of December,
1858, he was married to Miss Mary A. Sombart, originally of Ger-
many. They had two children, John W. and Charles F. Mr. Durr
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W. His parents,
John and Mary Durr, were both natives of Germany.
SIDNEY H. EDSON,
farmer, section 5. Mr. Edson's parents, Homer H. and Susan
(Gobuyld) Edson, were originally of New York, but in an early day
settled in Ohio — in Medina county of the last named state. Sid-
ney H. Edson was born February 22, 1821. When he was about ten
years of age, his parents removed to Coshocton county, the same
state, where they remained about eight years, and then went to^ Tippe-
canoe county, Indiana. There Sidney attained his majority, and
in 1845 was married to Miss Margaret Nixon, a native of Ireland.
He followed farming in Indiana until 1851, when he removed to St.
Louis county, Missouri, and farmed there about four years. From
St. Louis county he went to Texas in 1855, but stopping in the Lone
Star state only a short time, he returned to Missouri and settled in
Cooper county, near where he now resides. He has been very suc-
cessful as a farmer and now has an excellent homestead of 335 acres.
He has never sought to take any conspicuous part in public affairs,
although he was called upon by the people of. the vicinity to serve
them as school director, which he did to their entire satisfaction. Mr.
and Mrs. Edson have eleven children, Mary, Homer, Henry, William,
David, Louis, Maria, Albert, Margaret, James and John.
COLONEL JOSEPH A. EPPSTEIN,
postmaster. The wisdom and broad-minded statesmanship displayed
by our government in opening the doors of this country to the people
of all nations, with the guaranty of citizenship and equal rights to all
who came, are eloquently vindicated by the lives of such men as Col-
onel Eppstein. A foreigner by birth, and principally reared in a for-
eign land, he came to this country over forty years ago, and has made
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 875
a record as a citizen and soldier which no American can read but
with pride and satisfaction. As a citizen his life has been active, more
than ordinarily useful, and above reproach ; and, as a soldier, he has
distinguished himself in two of the great wars of the country by his
zeal, courage and unfaltering patriotism. No man in Missouri during
our late unfortunate civil strife was more active and successful in or-
ganizing volunteers for the union than he. And in a struggle of un-
exampled bitterness, which, judging by the crimes committed almost
daily on both sides, often seemed to be waged more for revenge and
plunder than for the principles involved, he so bore himself that he
retained the confidence of all in his honor and integrity, and became
widely known as an officer who would protect the lives and property
of all law-abiding, peaceable citizens, whatever their predilections or
sympathies. Joseph A. Eppstein was born in Germany January 1 , 1824.
His father, whose name was also Joseph, was a prominent manufacturer
of coaches and wagons in his native country, and also had other im-
portant interests, including a fruit and vegetable farm, and a ferry
across the Rhine. In 1840 he and his wife — previously Miss Barbara
Keitz — together with their family of seven children, came to America,
disembarking in this country at Baltimore. From there they came
west by the Baltimore and Ohio railway as far as it ran — about 100
miles — after which they took the canal to Pittsburg, and thence came
by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis. In St. Louis Mr.
Eppstein, the father, left his family and came on up the river to Mon-
iteau county, where he brought his family a month later and settled
on a farm. There they lived until 1845, when they moved to Jeffer-
son City, where the father died in 1846. However, prior to that, in
1844, Mr. Eppstein made a business trip to Germany and was absent
nearly a year. Mrs. Eppstein survived her husband over thirty-five
years, but died in Boonville in 1882. Joseph Eppstein, Jr., was
the second of a family of eleven children, and was sixteen years
of age when he came with his father's family to this country
in 1840. Up to that time his youth had been employed in work-
ing on his father's fruit and vegetable farm, on the ferry across
the Rhine, and in attending school. After they came to this
> country he remained with the family in Moniteau county until
1843, when he went to St. Louis and engaged as a porter in a store in
that city, but was shortly promoted to a clerkship in the same house,
which he filled until 1847. Then, in February of that year, he en-
listed in company C, 3d Missouri mounted rifles, raised for the
Mexican war, in which company he was made sergeant, and served for
876 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
nearly two years, or until in October, 1848. After the expiration of
this service he returned to St. Louis and resumed his position in the
same house he had previously worked for, and in August, 1849, was
given charge of one of their stores, which he conducted until 1850,
when he came to Boonville. Here he engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness with his brother, Veit Eppsteiu, the firm being known as Eppstein
& Brother. This firm continued until 1860, and he then became, by
purchase of his brother's interest, sole proprietor. But when the war
broke out in 1861 he was among the first to rally to the defence of the
union. He at once organized a company of one hundred and thirty-
five men, every one of whom, with a single exception, was a German.
This company was known as the " Boonville corps." He then organ-
ized a battalion and a company of cavalry, but these were only for
local service. Subsequently he organized the 6th battallion Missouri
state militia, and after that a number of companies, both cavalry and
infantry. From March 24, 1862, until in January, 1863, he was
lieutenant-colonel of the 13th cavalry, Missouri state militia, and
then, by consolidation of troops, he became the commander of the
5th Missouri state militia, and served until the close of the war.
During the war he organized over a half dozen different companies.
After the war he resumed merchandising in Boonville, and followed
that, either alone or with his brother, most of the time until 1878,
when he was appointed postmaster, the position he has ever since
held. However, in 1867 and in 1868, he represented the Boonville
district of Cooper county in the Missouri legislature, and served about
seven years as treasurer of Boonville. On the 14th of June, 1846, he
was married to Miss Terressa Bertrand, of St. Louis, but of French
parentage. They have seven children living: Joseph M., William
H., Emil M., Louis B., Alexander, Charles A. and Terressa G.
VEIT EPPSTEIN,
public administrator, and dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and
shoes, hats and caps, notions, etc. It is thirty-three years since Mr.
Eppstein established his present business in Boonville, and during all
these years there has never been a time that he did not enjoy the con- /
fidence of the entire community and a large share of their patronage.
He has one of the leading houses in his line in the city, and carries a
more than ordinarily large and well selected stock of goods. Hand-
ling merchandise of the above named classes has constituted his
occupation for life, and, therefore, he can buy and sell to better
advantage both to himself and his customers thau those whose experi-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 877
ence has been comparatively limited. And it is largely due to this
that his business career has been so successful, and at the same time
so popular with those who deal with him He was born in Germany,
February 15, 1828, and when thirteen years of age came to this coun-
try with his parents Joseph and Barbara Eppstein, who settled in
Cole, now a part of Moniteau county, Missouri, in 1840. Three years
afterwards Veit came to Boonvilleand engaged as a clerk in the store
of Bremmerman & Cuno, with whom he continued until 1846, when he
went to St. Louis and clerked there one year. From St. Louis he
was attracted to New Orleans, Louisiana, whence he went, and re-
mained in that city until the summer of 1849. He then made a visit
to the dear old Fatherland beyond the Ehine, where he tarried amon°-
the scenes and associations of his boyhood days until the following
summer, when he returned to Boouville, Missouri. Here the same
year he and his brother, Colonel Joseph Eppstein, established the
business in which Veit is now engaged. Since then they have to°-ether
or singly conducted it without intermission until 1873, when Veit be-
came the sole proprietor and has conducted it by himself ever since.
He was married November 20, 1851, to Miss Fannie, daughter of
Anthony Fox, who came to this county in 1835. They have seven
children — Louisa, wife of David Woolridge ; Rosa, wife of George
W. Sahm; Mary, wife of George Harris; Veit, Jr., Fannie, Sallie
and Laura. Mr. Eppstein was public administrator from 1872 to 1876,
and was re-elected in 1880, his present term to expire in 1884. He
has been a member of the city council a number of times. In church
connection Mr. Eppstein is a member of the Catholic church.
COLONEL JOHN S. ELLIOTT,
president of the Commercial bank. Among the prominent and suc-
cessful business men of Cooper and Howard counties, none are more
deserving of special notice, by reason of their personal worth or what
they have accomplished in life, age considered, than Colonel John S.
Elliott, now of Boonville. A son of the late Colonel Newton G.
Elliott, of Howard county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
work, he had the training both of the schools in youth and afterwards
in practical affairs, in early manhood, to fit him to more- than an
ordinary degree for a useful and honorable career. And his course
•thus far has fully borne out the expectations his early opportunities
inspired. Already his experience and success have been such as not
only to prove him a man of superior abilities, but to give him promise
of an exceptionally bright future. John S. Elliott was born in How-
57.
878 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ard county, Missouri, March 16, 1844, and was educated in Central
college in Fayette. Subsequent to leaving college he became inter-
ested with his father in the stock business, in which he continued
until 1869, when he became the contractor of the Tebo and Neosho
railroad company for the construction of the road from Moberly to
Fayette, which he built, completing his contract in 1872. He still
has the contract with the company — now the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas, or Missouri Pacific — for furnishing that part of its line with
ties, timber, etc. Both in the stock business and as a railroad contractor
his excellent business qualifications, and his energy and good judgment
were productive of the most gratifying results ; he was eminently suc-
cessful in both ventures. In 1881 he engaged in the banking business
in Boonville, becoming president of the banking house with which he
is now connected, one of the strongest and most popular financial
institutions in central Missouri. He is also president of the Boonville
water works company, in which he is a large stockholder. Notwith-
standing Colonel Elliott's, life has been one of great activity in business
matters, he has also found time to give some attention to public affairs.
An earnest democrat in politics, but the farthest removed from intol-
erance or narrowness of political views, his disinterested and valuable
services to his party are everywhere recognized, and while he desires
no public office, prior to the last election he consented to become a
member of the democratic central committee of this congressional dis.
trict, a position he now holds. In 1881 he was appointed lieutenant-
colonel and an aid-de-camp on Governor Crittenden's staff. Colonel
Elliott is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. On the 15th of
November, 1882, he was married to Miss Laura Speed, an accom-
plished and amiable young lady, daughter of the late William P.
Speed, for many years one of the most prominent and highly esteemed
citizens of Cooper county.
W. B. ELLIOTT,
of Moore & Elliott marble yards, cemetery fixtures, etc. Among the
young business men of Boonville who have worked their way up
without having had any means to begin with is Mr. Elliott, of the
above named firm, who, in connection with Mr. Moore, has a large
marble and cemetery fixtures shop, with a full supply of tombstones,
monuments, iron railings, etc. His present business was established
in 1880, and has already become one of the leading establishments in
this line throughout the surrounding country. W. B. Elliott was
born in Marion county, Kentucky, July 7, 1857, and his father,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 879
Berryman Elliott, and mother, whose maiden name was Nancy J.
Prewitt, were also, both natives of that state. However, when W.
B. was but three years of age his parents came to Missouri and settled
in Howard county, where they lived nine years, with the exception of
one year, during which they resided in Schuyler county. In 1869
they went to Boone county, where they still live, his father being a
farmer by occupation. In youth W. B., the son, attended the com-
mon schools and worked on the farm, but when twenty years of age,
in 1877, went to Columbia and commenced to learn the marble cutting
trade, and worked there nearly three years, after which he worked a
while in Boonville, and then for a short time in Fulton, but returned
to Boonville in 1880, and became a member of the present firm.
January 5, 1881, he was married to Miss Nelia O. Cobb, of Columbia.
They have one child, Mary E. Both are members of the Episcopal
church.
WILLIAM EDWARD EVANS, M. D.
Those who achieve success in life without having bad the advan-
tages of early opportunities are undoubtedly entitled to great credit, but
those who, having such opportunities, prove themselves worthy of them
hy making their lives a marked success, are entitled to not less
respect ; for, unless one have the natural qualities to succeed, early
advantages are of no avail, and if he have the qualities that win suc-
cess, he would succeed whatever his early surroundings might be.
The man, not the opportunities, as Franklin says, makes the success.
Early advantages only aid him to accomplish that which he would
accomplish sooner or later anyhow. Doctor Evans is one of this class
of successful men. He had the advantage of comparatively early edu-
cation, both general and medical, and his career, both as a physician
and citizen, has been one of decided success. He is regarded as one
of the most scientific physicians in Cooper county. His general edu-
cation was acquired in the schools of Boone county and in the state
university. Professionally he was graduated from the medical de-
partment of the university of Virginia, in 1868, and afterwards, in
1869, he took the ad eundem degree in Bellevue hospital, New York.
He was born in Boone county, Missouri, July 4, 1846. Thus, at the
age of twenty-three, so far as general and technical education is con-
cerned, he was one of the best qualified members of his profession in
central Missouri. He at once entered actively into the practice,
forming a partnership with Doctor Gr. W. Elliott, of Rocheport. He
continued there until 1874, when he came to Boonville. Here his re-
putation as an able and successful physician is so universally conceded
880 HISTOKT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
that it is unnecessary to speak of it. Doctor Evans was married on
the 23d of May, 1871, to .Miss Josie Grossman, an accomplished
daughter of T. L. Grossman, a leading citizen of Boone county. They
have one child, Clarence E. The doctor and his wife are both mem-
bers of the M. E. church, and he is a prominent member of the A. F.
and A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. Doctor Evans's father, Willis
G., was a leading and worthy farmer of Boone county, and Mrs.
Willis G. Evans, whose maiden name was Van Horn, was originally
from Virginia. They reared a large family, and the doctor was the
second child. He was reared in that county, and lived there until he
came to Boonville.
PETER J. FEANKEN,
farmer, section 33. Mr. Franken is a native of Germany, and was
born June 14, 1835. At the age of nineteen, in 1854, he started to
this country with his parents, but his father, Irwin, died on the way.
The remainder of the family came on and settled in Cooper county.
Up to 1882, Peter J. lived in Clark's Fork township, this county,
where he followed farming ; but that year he bought his present place
of nearly 200 acres of good land and moved on to it, since which he
has devoted himself to cultivating and improving his new home. He
is an industrious farmer, aad possesses the qualities that can hardly
fail to bring him abundant success in life — energy, frugality and
good judgment. November 4, 1863, he was married to Miss Mary
Lessuth. They have two children, Robert F. and Katie H. Mr.
Franken is a member of the Catholic church, and is the present
township road overseer.
HENRY C. GIBSON, M. D.,
physician and surgeon. Dr. Gibson is the oldest practitioner of his
profession as well as one of the ablest physicians in Boonville. He
began the practice here in 1848, thirty-five years ago, and since that
time, with but little interruption, has continued to visit the sick and
relieve the suffering, wherever relief was not beyond the power of a
skilled and faithful physician. Dr. Gibson's father, William Gibson,
was a native of North Carolina, and came to this state with his parents
when a youth, while it was still a territory. The family first settled
near Potosi, but shortly afterwards moved to Cooper county, where
William, after he reached manhood, married Miss Rhoda, daughter of
Stephen Cole, formerly of Kentucky. Dr. Gibson was one of the
family of children of this marriage. Mrs. Gibson died a number of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 881
years afterwards, and her husband was married a second time. Henry
C., now Dr. Gibson, was born in Cooper county August 25, 1825,
and after remaining on his father's farm, where he attended the neigh-
borhood schools, in 1843, when eighteen years of age, he began the
study of medicine in Boonville under Dr. F. W. G. Thomas. He
pursued his studies here until 1846, when he went to Lexington,
Kentucky, and attended the Transylvania medical college during the
session of 1846-47. He then entered the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, from which he was after-
wards duly graduated. Eeturning thereupon to Boonville he at once
entered actively upon the practice of his profession, and soon secured a
lucrative practice, and established a wide reputation as an educated,
successful physician. Devoted to medicine as a science, not less than
to its practice, and desiring to keep up with the progress of the pro-
fession as represented by the advancement of learning in the schools,
as well as in experience, he went back to Philadelphia in 1852 and
attended the university again, and also the Jefferson medical college
of that city. Returning home in 1853, he has since made his profes-
sion the sole object of his labor and study ; for, notwithstanding his
practice occupies by far the greater share of his attention, he still
takes time to study and keep up with the improvements in both the
theory and practice. He was married January 11, 1856, to Miss
Mittie Nelson, originally of Virginia, sister to James M. Nelson. She
died in 1857, and fifteen years afterwards he again married, Mrs. Mary
L. McCarthy, daughter of Caleb Jones, an early settler of this county,
then becoming his wife. Of this union three children are living : Mary,
Nannie J. and Martha S. The doctor is a prominent member of the
A. F. and A. M. William Gibson's wife was a Mrs. Harris, daughter
of Stephen Cole.
BENJAMIN F. GIBSON,
farmer. Stephen Cole, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Gibson, was
one of the two first settlers with their families in Cooper county.
William Gibson, the father- of Benjamin F., came to this county in an
early day, and here married Miss Ehoda Cole, of which union there
are now living two sons : Benjamin and an elder brother. Benjamin
grew up on his father's farm, and received his education in Kemper's
family school of Boonville. Farming has constituted his occupation
through life, and he now owns an excellent farm of 505 acres, sub-
stantially and comfortably improved. He has been twice married.
His first wife, formerly Miss Emeline Adams, to whom he was mar-
ried December 17, 1856, died March 13, 1859. She was a daughter
882 HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of Wm. M. Adams. He was married to his second wife September 4,
1860. Previous to her marriage she was a Miss Kittie Bennett,
daughter of General Bennett, of Boone county. Of this union three
children are living : Levi W., Mary M. and Rhoda K. His last wife
was also taken from him by death. She passed away October
28, 1872.
JOHN N. GOTT & SON,
manufacturers of plug and smoking tobacco. To own and success-
fully conduct a large tobacco manufactory, as is well known, requires
no secondary order of business qualifications or small amount of
means. The fact that Captain Gott & Son have one of the leading
manufacturing establishments in this line in Central Missouri, and
are conducting it with marked success, speaks enough, therefore, for
their standing as capable and successful business men. And more
than ordinary credit is due to Captain Gott, himself, for he
started out in life without means or influential friends and has worked
his way up by his own exertions and worth alone. He was born in
Ionia county, Michigan, December 25, 1833, and was there reared
and educated in the common schools. His parents, Charles and
Maria Gott, were originally of New Jersey, but settled in Michigan in
an early day. In 1856, John N. Gott came to St. Louis, secured a
position in the wholesale hardware house of Wilson Bros. & Co., of
that city, which he filled until the breaking out of the war. In 1861
he enlisted in the 33d Missouri infantry and served until the spring
of 1866, rising by regular promotion to the rank of captain; his last
commission, however, being received after his discharge, having been
confirmed as a special mark of distinction for long and meritorious
service. In 1866, he came to Boonville and engaged in the brick
business, in which he continued two years, when he was appointed
receiver of public moneys in the United States land office of this city.
He filled this office five years with marked ability and entire satisfaction
to the government, and in 1874 became book-keeper in the Central
National bank of Boonville, discharging the duties of that position
two years. He then occupied the position of book-keeper in Brew-
ster & Hillard's tobacco factory, the manufacturing establishment he
now owns and conducts. On the death of Mr. Brewster, he bought
out the establishment to which he has since devoted his whole attention.
This factory makes the famous " Lone Star " and "Boss" smoking
tobacco, also the " Nancy " twist and plug, "A 1 " and the " Peach
Juice." These goods have a wide reputation and the trade of the es-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 883
tablishment is rapidly increasing. On the 13th of November, 1859,
he was married to Miss Angeline, daughter of Dr. Edward Lawton,
of Boonville. They have two children, Charles P. and Henry H.
Mr. Gott has held various minor official positions.
EUGENE J. HALLER
was born on December 7, 1848, at Schwenningen, A. N., in the king-
dom of Wurtemberg, Germany, the oldest of four brothers now all
in this country. He received a fair education at the public school
in his home and by private teachers. It was his intention, as well as
his father's wish, to prepare himself for a school teacher, but the death
of his father in 1861, leaving Haller's mother with four small boys in
not the very best of circumstances, prevented him from entering a
seminary. In 1869, young Haller found employment in a notary's
office, and in 1865, after an experience of three years, he became a
salaried clerk, holding, up to 1868, several positions in lower civil
offices and in the circuit court of Tuebiugen, to the full satisfaction of
his employers. In 1868 his mother died and Haller concluded to em-
igrate to the United States. He and one of his brothers, with others,
left home on July 5, 1868, arriving at St. Louis, their point of destin-
. ation, on August 8, 1868. Not finding suitable work there, Haller
came, recommended by F. W. Ludwig, Esq., of Boonville, then a
member of the board of immigration, to Boonville, on October 15,
1868, and was installed as " printer's devil " at the Waechler am Mis-
souri office, a new German paper started only a few months previous,
working there till 1873, when failing health and other circumstances
caused his' withdrawal. Receiving an appointment as notary public,
which has since been renewed repeatedly, he assisted F. W. Ludwig
in his attorney and claim agency business. In the fall of 1874, the
above mentioned paper became the property of said F. W. Ludwig,
who changed its name to Central Missourier, and Haller was made
foreman and assistant editor till October 15, 1877, when he bought
the paper. He has been running it ever since as sole editor and pro-
prietor very successfully. The paper has a large circulation, a good
advertising and other patronage, is well supplied with types and
presses, and compares favorably with any other German paper outside
the large cities. It is published weekly ; size, 26 x 40 ; subscription
price, $2 per annum. Mr. Haller can point with pride to his career ;
be is one of our self-made men and his further success can not be
doubted .
884 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
CAPT. GEORGE B. HAEPER,
county treasurer of Cooper county. Captain Harper's life has been
one of constant activity and industry, and few men have made their
way in the world through so many years of vicissitudes and varying
circumstances with less reproach. He was born near Petersburg,
Virginia, August 16, 1826, and was the fifth of a family of eight chil-
dren, reared by William H. T. Harper and wife, Sallie W., previously
a Miss Moore. Both parents were of Dinwiddie county, Virginia,
the county in which Petersburg is situated, and there the father died
in 1832, and the mother in Missouri in 1857. In 1839, however, the
family of children and their mother came to Missouri, and settled on a
farm near Boonville. George B. was then thirteen years of age, and
two years afterwards, having in the meantime acquired the rudiments
of a good ordinary education, he began clerking for Hathaway & In-
gram until 1845. He then became identified with the mercantile busi-
ness in Miami, Missouri, but eight months afterwards was compelled
to quit business on account of bad health. In 1847 he was able to
return to store work, and clerked for a Glasgow firm a large part of
that year, but in the fall went to New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent
the following winter in the Crescent City. In the succeeding spring
he came north, and travelled extensively on horseback through Illi-
nois and Indiana, and thence south again through Kentucky to Nash-
ville, Tennessee, and back to Columbus, Kentucky, and then returned
home to Cooper county. After his return he resumed clerking in a
store, and continued in that employment until 1849. He was twenty-
three years old when the California gold excitement broke out, and
had already travelled more than most old men of that day, but, not-
withstanding he knew what the hardships of a traveller's life wero,
he undertook the journey across the plains, and over the rugged
heights of the Rocky mountains. He followed mining and other pur-
suits on the Pacific coast about four years, or until 1853, and then
returned to his old home again in Cooper county, where
" The honest watch-dog greeted him with a welcome bark."
In the following fall he and his brother engaged in merchandising in
Ridge Prairie, Saline county, where they remained until 1856, when
they sold out and came back to Boonville, and established the drug
and book business now parried on by J. A. Howard, which they had
charge of until 1861. However, in 1859, George B. became teller
and book-keeper in the Boonville branch of the bank of St. Louis,
but when, the war broke out he enlisted in company G, McCulloch's
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 885
regiment, Confederate service, and continued under the three-barred
flag until the final surrender, having been captaiii of company G, 2d
Missouri cavalry, a considerable 'time before the close of the war.
After the restoration of peace he clerked in the commission house of
Dameron & Bros., of St. Louis, for about three years, and then be-
came cashier of a bank in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in which he con-
tinued until 1878. From that time until his election as county treas-
urer of Cooper county, in 1880, he clerked in Boonville, and besides
filling the office of county treasurer he is also assisstant book-keeper
in the Central National bank of this city. The positions of private
and public trust that Captain Harper holds among a people who have
known him from boyhood, shows the character of man he is. Besides
his spotless integrity, he is a man of superior business qualifications,
and a gentleman in the best sense of the word.
ANTHONY HAYNES, A. M.,
principal of Cooper Institute. Anthony Haynes was born in King
and Queen's county, Virginia, January 12, 1836, and was a son of
Anthony Haynes, Sr. , and wife, Lucinda, whose family name before
her marriage was Randall. When Anthony, Jr., was in his infancy,
his parents removed to Richmond, Virginia, and afterwards, in 1844,
came to Missouri, and spent the ensuing winter in Dover, of this state.
In the spring of 1845 they removed to St. Louis, for the purpose of
educating their elder boys, and starting them in business. They re-
mained there two years, after which they returned to Dover, leaving
their two older sons established in business in St. Louis. From this
time the family resided in Dover seven years, but during their resi-
dence there the father died, and, in 1854, the widowed mother and
the three remaining children removed to Columbia, in order that the
children might avail themselves of the advantages afforded by the col-
leges of that place. Anthony Haynes, the son, immediately entered
the Missouri university as a student, where he remained four years,
at the expiration of which he was graduated, July 4, 1857, with
marked distinction. He then located in Georgetown, Missouri, and
his mother with the two other children returned to Dover. In Sep-
tember, 1857, he established the Georgetown Female Seminary, which
he conducted with flattering success until interrupted by the civil war.
While living in Georgetown, he was married September 10, 1861, to
Miss Mary Montgomery, eldest daughter of Doctor T. J. Montgom-
ery. On account of the unsettled condition of affairs in that section
of the state during the war, and the virtual suppression of all kinds of
886 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
business, Professor Haynes, in the spring of 1863, removed to St.
Louis, where he established Haynes' Female Academy, which he con-
ducted for two years, having, at the*expiration of that time, eighty
regular pupils. After the restoration of peace in 1865, he located in
Lexington, Missouri, and, during his first year there, taught Haynes'
Female Seminary, and the second year, Haynes' High School for boys
and young men. In the summer of 1867 he was elected to the presi-
dency of the Elizabeth Hull Female Seminary, and under his
presidency that school reached a high point of prosperity. He was at
the head of that institution three years, after which, owing to sickness
in his family, he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. James A. Quarles.
In 1870 he removed with his family to Boonville, and in the fall
of the same year took charge of the Cooper institute, over which he
has presided for thirteen years. He has become a permanent settler
in Boonville, and established a permanent school, which maintains an
average attendance of seventy-five students. He has now living
seven children, all girls. Mr. Haynes has taken an active part for
several years in the educational work of Missouri. While he has
already been engaged in the private school, he has given much atten-
tion and work to the furtherance of the interests of public education.
He has taken a prominent stand with other educators of the state in
this work, is an old member of the State Teachers' Association, and,
at this writing, is the secretary of that body. He has been largely
instrumental in the permanent establishment of a Teachers' Normal
Institute in Cooper county, which has an annual attendance of seventy-
five teachers.
EMMETT R. HAYDEN,
attorney at law. Mr. Hayden was born and reared in Cooper county.
When a young man twenty years of age he was admitted to the bar,
now thirty-six years ago. His opportunities to fit himself for the
profession were excellent. In youth he had the advantages afforded
by the schools of Boonville, then, as now, among the first in this
part of the state. When he came to study law he had the constant
inspection of his father, a prominent attorney of that day. Judge
Adams, his uncle, also took a warm interest in his success. With
these advantages and possessed of a naturally quick, active mind, it
is not perhaps to be wondered at that he became qualified at so early
an age to enter the most difficult and responsible of all the learned
professions. Still it deserves to be set down greatly to his credit that
he proved himself so worthy of his opportunities. And his career
since has not disappointed the hopes his early years inspired. A man
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 887
of exceeding modesty, avoiding what weaker men look to as the only
hope of success — notoriety — plain and unpretentious in manners,
and in all that he does, while he has not attracted the attention that
many have of far less merit, yet, among those whose opinions are
worth the most, he is regarded as an exceptionally safe, sound lawyer.
He belongs to that class who are lawyers for the love of the law as
the great science of human rights and of justice among men, and not
for gain or fame. In other words he is neither a business man nor a
politician in the legal profession, but a lawyer alone. Emmett R.
Hayden was born in Boonville, Missouri, January 8, 1827. His father,
Peyton R., was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, but came to
Missouri in 1817 and settled in Boonville in 1819. Mrs. Hayden,
formerly Miss Maria Adams, was a daughter of John Adams,
one of the early settlers of this county, and a sister to the late Judge
Washington Adams, of the supreme court. Emmett R. was the
fourth of a family of ten children, of whom four are now living.
His father, born February 8, 1796, died in Boonville, December
26, 1855. His mother, born in this county, died February 4,
1875. They were married in the year 1819. As has been intimated,
Emmett R. was reared in Boonville, and this city has continued to be
home. Having been admitted to practice in 1847 he ranks as the
oldest member now living of the Cooper county bar — the Nestor of
the profession in this county. Ten years after his admission he
wooed and won Miss Alice, the accomplished daughter of Judge Scott>
of the supreme court. They were united in marriage, November 6,
1857. This union has been blessed with seven children ; Maria,
William S., John B., Elizabeth, Alice, Emmett R. , Jr. and Mary O.
REV. FATHER JOHN A. HOFFMANN
was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, near the city of St. Louis,
February 2, 1850. His parents, Peter Hoffmanu and wife, whose
maiden name was Frances Ballweber, are both natives of Bavaria,
Germany, but came to this country in 1846 and settled in St. Louis,
where they reared a large family and now reside. When the son,
now Rev. Father John A. Hoffmann, was a youth twelve years of age,
he began to take private lessons in Latin and Greek, which he con-
tinued for six months* and then became a student in the Christian
Brothers' college, where, besides his classic studies, he entered upon
a regular commercial course. There he remained until the fall of
1863, when he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and in the St. Frances De
Sales seminary of that city pursued the regular curriculum of scho-
/
888 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
lastic Studies, including Latin, Greek, English and German, prepara-
tory to becoming a priest. He remained until the fall of 1869, when
he returned to Missouri and took a course in philosophy in St. Vin-
cent's college, located at Cape Girardeau. The following year he
resumed his studies in the Milwaukee seminary of St. Frances De
Sales, and December 29, 1872, was duly ordained a priest and was
located in St. Louis until April 29, 1875, when he took charge of
the church at Boonville, Missouri, where he has since continued.
WAID HOWAED, M. D.,
physician and surgeon. The idea so common that'the successful and
leading men in the professions are those who entered them in early
manhood, finds a striking reputation so far as the medical profession
is concerned, at least in the career of Dr. Howard. By the assent of
all he is one of the most thorough and popular physicians in Cooper
county, yet he had been merchandising up to his thirty-ninth year
before he began the study of medicine, and was forty-two years old
when he commenced practising. A man who can enter upon a new call-
ing in life us he has, and upon one so difficult to master and so uncertain
of success, and notwithstanding this place himself in the front rank
of his profession, must be possessed of more than ordinary talents,
as well as extraordinary energy and resolution. Yet such is the pro-
fessional history of Dr. Howard in as plain language as it can be writ-
ten. The chronological record of his life is as follows : He was born
in Cooper county, Missouri, March 19, 1822. In youth he received a
good, practical education in the ordinary schools of his native county.
He grew up on a farm and followed that occupation until he was
twenty-five years of age. Then he began merchandising at Gilroy,
this county, moving subsequently to Tipton, Moniteau county, and
fbllowed the mercantile business until 1861, or until he was thirty-
nine years old. Resolving then to enter the medical profession, he
determined to go about it in the most sensible, practical way, and
therefore put himself under the immediate tutorship of one of the
most scientific, able members of that calling who ever honored Mis-
souri by their residence in this state — Dr. E. H. Gregory, of the
St. Louis medical college. Dr. (then Mr.) Howard went to St. Louis
in 1861, prosecuting his studies with unflagging energy until 1864,
attending the above named medical college in the meantime, where he
graduated with the most complimentary expressions from the faculty
of the institution as to his qualifications and fitness of the work he
was then to enter upon. And his career since has shown that these
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 889
assurances from those under whom he studied were not meaningless,
empty compliments. After his graduation he went to Montana and
practised his profession in Diamond City for a time, but the scenes
aud associates of his old native county were too near to his heart for
him to make his home among strangers. Accordingly, he returned to
Cooper county and began the practice in the vicinity of Bunceton
where he continued about ten years, and received a large and lucrative
practice, establishing a wide reputation as a successful, scientific phy-
sician. Fro^m there he came to Boonville, and here his name in the
profession had already preceded him. Of his standing in this city it is
unnecessary to speak, for all know that he ranks among the first physi-
cians of the county. Dr. Howard has been twice married. His first
wife was previously Miss Frances E. Smallwood. They were married
April 2, 1846. She died, October 9, 1861. Of that union three
children are now living: Frank J., Alice G., aud Matilda R. Six
years afterwards. he was again married, Mrs. L. L. Oldham, nee Mc-
Mahon, becoming his wife. The doctor aud his family are connected
with the M. E. church south.
P. L. HURT, M. D.,
physician and surgeon. Dr. Hurt began the practice of medicine in
Lisbon, Howard county, in 1867, when a young man twenty-two
years of age, since which he has been constantly and actively engaged
in the practice, and has long enjoyed the reputation of a capable, suc-
cessful physician. He remained at Lisbon a short time and then lo-
cated in Arrow Rock, Saline county, but ten years ago came to
Boonville, where he now enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice.
He studied medicine under Dr. Scrogin, of Howard county, and after
taking the regular course of Jefferson medical college, of Philadel-
phia, was graduated from that institution in 1867. His father, Mar-
tin C. Hurt, was a native of Kentucky, but came to Howard county
with his parents in early "youth. After reaching manhood he was
married to Miss Permelia Philpott, of Chariton county, and P. L.,
now Dr. Hurt, was born of this union August 26, 1845. The son
was brought up on his father's farm, in Chariton county, and after
taking the usual course in the common schools, entered Central col-
lege, in Fayette, where he completed his education.
JOHN H. HUTCHISON, deceased.
Among the families who have been intimately and prominently
identified with the industrial and business progress of Cooper county,
890 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and with its social life, from the pioneer days of the country down to
the present time, none are more entitled to mention in the pages of
this volume than the one represented by the name which heads the
present sketch — John H. Hutchison. He came to this country in
the bloom and vigor of young manhood, away back when the smoke
of the Indian wigwam was the most familiar sign of the presence of
human habitations in the virgin wilderness. For nearly thirty years
he bore a leading part in the great work of transforming the county
from an almost trackless wild into one of the fairest portions of the
state. And when he suddenly was cut off by the cholera in Califor-
nia, where he had gone during the gold excitement on the Pacific
coast, he left a worthy family to represent him in the continuation of
the work here, with which he had been so long and usefully identified.
Nor have his descendants proved unworthy of him, nor of the part
they have borne in the material and social affairs of the county. John
H. Hutchison was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, June 9, 1798,
and was a son of William and Margaret Hutchison, old and highly
respected residents of that county. In youth he received an ordinary,
practical education in the neighborhood schools, and on attaining his
majority, in 1819, came out to Missouri, making his home first in
Howard county. On the 15th of August, 1822, he was married to
Miss Sallie Moore, daughter of Major William Moore, of Palestine
township, Cooper county, and the same year settled in that town-
ship. Having been brought up to a farmer's life, he continued to fol-
low this occupation with but slight interruptions until his death. As
a farmer he was very successful, and he rose rapidly in the confidence
and esteem of those around him. A man of the strictest integrity
and of superior intelligence, he was very naturally called upon to
serve the people in official positions. In 1832 he was elected to the
office of sheriff, and filled that position until 1836. Such was the es-
timate placed upon his character, qualifications and ability that he
was then elected to represent the county in the state legislature, and
in this high office he acquitted himself with marked honor, both to
himself and his constituents. The family of Mr. Hutchison con-
sisted of five daughters and three sons, viz. : Elmina A., Sarah Ardell,
Mary Eliza, Nancy Jane, Martha E., William W., Walter R. and
Leonard. Of these, all are now living, except Sarah A. (Mrs. Wil-
liam P. Speed) and Leonard. The mother died August 29, 1849, and
the following year the father, with his eldest son, went to California,
where the father died of cholera on the 20th of the following Sep-
tember. William W., the son, who accompanied him, was thus left
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 891
an orphan boy, but sixteen years of age, in the wilds of the Pacific
coast, and without money or friends. But he battled bravely alone-
among the miners and pioneers of that far-off country, in the days
when the revolver and the bowie knife were the only effective laws of
the land, and is now one of the leading stock men and mine proprie-
tors of Arizona territory. His first visit to Missouri was only a year
ago, returning to the land of his birth, which he had left in early
youth, far advanced beyond the meridian of life. Walter R. Hutchi-
son, the other surviving son, has been connected with the banking in-
terests of Boonville for many years ; and the fact that he holds the
responsible position of cashier of one of the leading banks of that
city, is a sufficient proof of his standing as an efficient, capable bank
officer.
JAMES H. JOHNSTON,
of Cosgrove & Johnson, attorneys at law. Those but little more than
past the meridian of life can remember when the men who are now
conspicuous in affairs — the leaders in business, in the professions,
and in public life — were comparatively unknown, were, to use a
well-worn phrase, " young men, obscure and inexperienced." But as
the wheel of time moved round, they came up, and those that were
ahead gave way, and finally passed out of sight. So, too, there are
those among the young men of to-day who are destined to take the
places of the leaders of the present time, to make for themselves
names as honorable and as proud to bear as any now have, or have
hitherto attained. And if we look around us iC is not difficult to
point out those whose future promises to be among the brightest.
Whoever has studied the lives of men who have attained to distinction
can detect at a glance the signs in a young man, if there be any, of a
life of future prominence and usefulness. Industry, integrity, a good
mind, and an honorable ambition to rise in the world, are qualities
that but seldom fail to take one, who possesses them, conspicuously
to the front. And although Mr. Johnston is still comparatively a
young man, these qualities in him have already given evidence that
his career will prove no exception to the general rule. But sixteen
years have elapsed since he became twenty-one years of age, the ex-
perimental, youthful third of a man's active life ; yet he has already
established himself as one of the leading young lawyers of this part of
the state, has held the offices of prosecuting attorney through three
consecutive terms, and has been warmly and strongly supported for
the circuit judgeship. He would be a dull observer, indeed, who
could not read the probable future of such a record. James H. John-
892 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ston was born and raised in Cooper county, his birth having been on
the 20th day of January, 1848. His father, Hugh A., is also a native
of this county, where he still resides ; but his mother, whose maiden
name was Eleanor Ware, was originally from Tennessee. James H.,
after receiving a good, practical English education, at the age of
eighteen began the study of law, in 1866, under Ewing & Smith, of
Jefferson City, under whom he prosecuted his studies two years, and
was then admitted to the bar in Cole county. Returning thereupon
to Boonville, in association with D. W. Ware he entered actively upon
the practice of his profession. His partnership with Mr. Ware lasted
three years, after which he continued to practise alone until 1882,
when he became associated with Hon. John Cosgrove, present member
of Congress, as a partner. As a lawyer Mr. Johnston is well grounded
in the elementary principles of the law, and well up in the decisions
of the supreme court of this state and of the other tribunals of last
resort; in the practice he is careful, painstaking and methodical, and
in the management of causes in court is self-possessed, clear-headed
and quick to see and take an advantage when not inconsistent with
professional ethics. As a speaker he is auimated and not unfre-
queutly eloquent to a rare degree, yet never illogical and always true
in argument to his theory of the case. His success as a practitioner
is well known. He was city attorney of Boonville in 1873, and
prosecuting attorney of Cooper county from 1874 to 1880, six years.
In 1878 the Cooper county delegation in the judicial convention
(democratic) enthusiastically supported him for 'circuit judge, but he
withdrew his name from before the convention. In 1872 Mr. John-
ston was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Rev. Avon D.
Corbyn, formerly of this city. They have four children : Jennie C,
Lizzie E., Kelley R. and Mary J. Mr. J. is a member of the I. 0.
O. F. and of the A. O. U. W.
T. A. JOHNSTON.
This gentleman is the principal of the old and widely known
Kemper family school. The Johnston family, which is well repre-
sented in Cooper county, and in various parts of the United States
and Scotland, is very ancient. General Joseph E. Johnston, of Vir-
ginia, one of its most honored members, has furnished to the subject
of this article the following account of its origin and outline of its
history : —
" The founder of the family was a Norman, who, in the time of
William the Conqueror, or soon after, settled in Scotland, in Dum-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 893
frieshire, in the valley of the river Annan. His descendants were
heads of a powerful clan prominent in the border wars. The parish
called Johnstowne gave the name — it constituting the estate of the
Norman above named, who, in French fashion, called himself de
Johnstowne, or Johnstoune. Tbe u was soon dropped, making
Johnstone. De was afterwards dropped, as was done in Norman
names all over England. The e was dropped in accordance with En-
glish custom, but has been restored in Annandale in recent years.
The ascension of James VI, of Scotland, to the English crown, which
terminated the border wars and the practice of the border clans of
subsisting by plunder, compelled most of the Johnstons to quit An-
nandale. Many went to Edinburgh ; some to the north of Ireland."
From the north of Ireland Gavin Johnston came to the United
States and settled in Pennsylvania before the revolutionary war
where he was killed by Indians. His family removed to the vi-
cinity of Camden, North Carolina. From there, after the close of the
war of independence, Alexander Johnston removed to the vicinity of
McMinnville, Tennessee. After his death, and immediately after the
second war with Great Britain, in 1817, his sons Robert, James and
Alexander removed to this county, where they and many of their de-
scendants have lived ever since. Mr. Johnston's father is John B.
Johnston, the son of the above named Alexander. He has lived, since
he became of age, continuously on a farm adjoining the one settled by
his father when he first came to the county. On this farm the sub-
ject of this sketch was born and reared. While he was still a boy the
civil war broke out, in which he engaged for a short time near the
close, on the side of the south. After the close of the war he ad-
dressed himself to the business of completing his education. Having
attended the Prairie Home institute for two sessions, he entered the
Kemper school as a student in 1867 and graduated in 1869, doing
also the last year's additional work as tutor in the school. During
the next two years he retained the position of tutor, pursuing at the
same time an advanced course of study. In 1871 he entered the state
university and graduated in one year with the honors of the class.
He immediately returned to take the position of associate principal in
the Kemper school, with the expectation of making that his life work.
In that work he has continued. In 1877 he was married to Miss
Carrie Bea, of Saline county, daughter of the Beverend P. G. Rea, of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1881, on the death of Pro-
fessor F. T. Kemper, with whom he was associated, he succeeded to
the principalship of the Kemper family school. This position he has
held ever since. 58
894 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND "COOPER COUNTIES.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN JONES,
dealer in lumber and contractor and builder. Mr. Jones, a leading
lumber dealer, and builder aud contractor, of Boonville, has followed
bis occupation here for nearly twenty-five years, and has been engaged
in the lumber business since 1866. He began in the world without a
dollar, and by industry and good management has succeeded in
placing himself in easy circumstances. He was born in Merrimac
county, New Hampshire, September 10, 1828, and was a son of Na-
thaniel and Ithoda Whittier Jones, both natives of that state. His
father was a farmer by occupation, and to that calling Benjamin was
brought up, which he followed with his father until he was nineteen
years of age. He then went to Abbington, Massachusetts, where he
learned the carpenter's trade under Ira Floyd, working there two years.
From there he went to each of the following named places, working
at his trade in each place, viz. : Lawrence, Massachusetts ; thence to
Glover, Vermont ; thence to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin ; thence to Hast-
ings, Minnesota, and thence to Boonville, Missouri, in 1859, where he
has since lived. During the war Mr. Jones served one year in the
home guards, or militia. He was married to Miss Mary Frost, of
Glover, Vermont. They have two children, George A. and Herbert
H. Mr. Jones has served two terms as a member of the city council,
and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a thorough mechanic, a
capable, enterprising business man, and an upright, honorable cit-
izen.
FREDERICK T. KEMPER.
This eminent educator was born in Virginia in 1816, and died in
Boonville March 9, 1881. His family is of German descent, and has
long been prominent in Virginia. Ex-Governor Kemper, of that state,
is his brother. Mr. Kemper came to this state at an early age, and
completed his education at Marion college, near Palmyra. In 1844
he came to Boonville and founded the successful and famous school
which bears his name. In 1854 he married Miss Susan H. Taylor, of
Hinsdale, New Hampshire, who, with four children, Grace, Stella R.,
Susan A. and Mary G., survive him. In every relation in which Mr.
Kemper came in contact with men, his influence was a commanding
one. Especially was this true of his work as an educator. His con-
ception of the nature and magnitude of the work went far beyond any
of his compeers. With him it was no flimsy imparting of antiquated
or useless knowledge, but the starting into orderly activity of every
power, physical, intellectual, or moral, which the student possessed;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 895
not a laying up of stores, useful or useless, but a marshalling and de-
veloping of powers, which, when once fitted for use, can achieve for
their possessor whatever may be useful or desirable. This being the
end proposed, his methods were perfectly adapted to it, and wonder-
fully successful in securing the anticipated results. Men of affairs in
every part of the country point back to the period spent in his school-
room as the time when they first received sharp impressions, definite
bias, and that impetus which enabled them to meet successfully the
problems of life. As his conception of education was beyond the or-
dinary understanding, so his methods were frequently misunderstood,
but the best proof of their truth and value lies in the fact that they
have lived down all opposition, and still flourish in unimpaired vigor.
And yet, while his educational views were different from the common,
no one valued scholarship more highly than he, or was more fully im-
bued with its spirit. From his earliest youth he was a student, and
kept up the habit to the end of his life. In its best form scholarship
has two phases. At first the mind looks out upon the beautiful order
of nature and, seized with curiosity, begins to acquire ideas. With
the acquisition the habit grows. Gathering from every source, it does
not rest till all the fields of thought have been visited, and their fruits
brought into its treasure house. But the process does not stop there.
The mind, fed and strengthened by its acquisition, becomes an origi-
nator itself. So it was with Mr. Kemper. His mind travelled with
ease in all paths of knowledge, and ju»t as the traveller at first, care-
fully trying his way along an unknown road by direction and guide-
book, can at last discard all such helps, for the goal is reached, and
he walks no longer by faith, but by sight ; so he rose grandly to the
heights of original thought and investigation, discarding the imperfect
systems and methods of meaner men. He was equally great in other
points of character where he was less tried. In the family, the church,
society, as a citizen, he was equally influential and useful ; so that at
all points society, and especially the youth, was profited by his life
and bereaved by his death.
OBERON A. KUECKELHAN,
farmer and stock raiser. One of the most prominent and successful
farmers and stock raisers of Cooper county is the gentleman whose
name heads this sketch. His farm contains nearly three-quarters of a
section of fine laud, aud is handsomely improved and kept in excellent
condition. It is situated about six miles from Boonville, and ap-
proached from that city is one of the best appearing places throughout
896 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the surrounding country. Mr. Kueckelhan is an educated, progres-
sive and enterprising farmer, and " Aut Ocesar, aut nullus" is his
motto as an agriculturist. He is a native of Cooper county, and has
spent his whole life thus far in the county of his nativity, except while
absent temporarily on business. His father, Dr. A. Kueckelhan, whose
sketch appears elsewhere, is a well known and highly esteemed citizen
of this county, now a resident of Lamine township. Mr. Kueckelhan
was born in Boonville June 1, 1841, and was reared there up to his
twelfth year, when his father located on a farm, where the son grew
to majority. He had the advantages of good schools in youth, and
received an excellent education. Having formed an ardent admiration
for the honorable and independent life of a farmer, he adopted that as
his calling, and has since followed it with great zeal and success.
Settling down permanently on his present farm, he went to work with
a determination to make it one of the best farms in the county, and
he has not failed in his purpose. In November, 1862, he was married
to Miss Lucy Wing, of this county. She died December 11, 1873,
leaving him four children : William K.,. Annette W., Lucy M. and
Oberon A. He was married a second time the 19th of July, 1877,
Miss Lucy A. Williams then becoming his wife. She was born Decem-
ber 7, 1856. Minnie and Wade H. H. are the children by this union.
A trip across the plains and a stay in Texas awhile during the war are
his only important absences from the county. Mr. and Mrs. Kueckel-
han are both church members.
DK. J. T. McCLANAHAN,
physician and druggist. On both his father's and mother's sides Dr.
McClanahan comes of families of physicians. His father, Dr. Finis
McClanahan, is one of the oldest practitioners in this section of the
state, and is now practising in Tipton, His mother's father, Dr. John
Gray, was for many years one of the leading physicians of Cooper
county. The grandfather of Dr. J. T., Lacy McClanahan, settled in
this county from Tennessee prior to 1820, and here Dr. Finis McClan-
ahan subsequently mai-ried. His wife before her marriage, was Miss
Dicy, daughter of Dr. Gray, who came from Kentucky to this county
in 1840, but was originally from North Carolina. Dr. J. T., the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born July 6, 1853, and the following year his
parents moved to Tipton, Moniteau county, where the son was reared
and educated. Coming of an ancestry of physicians, both paternal and
maternal, it is not surprising that he also became a physician. He
read medicine under his father for a number of years, and then attended
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 897
the Eclectic Medical college of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in
1874. After his graduation he located in Boonville, where he has
since lived and practised his profession. In 1882 he engaged in the
drug business, which he still conducts in addition to his practice. He
was married April 23, 1874, to Miss Amanda Hagan, of Moniteau
county. They have two children : Owen and Hattie. Dr. McClena-
han is a member of the A. O. U. W.
MILTON McCOY, D. D. S.,
dental office. One of the best class of citizens of Boonville, who has
achieved success in his profession without having had the advantage of
early opportunities, is Dr. McCoy. He began the active duties of life
in the later years of his youth by learning the blacksmith trade, which
he followed until he was twenty-two years of age. However, prior to
that he had attended the schools of his neighborhood, and while work-
ing at his trade applied himself, during his spare time, to his books,
so that he succeeded in acquiring a good practical English education.
When in his twenty-second year he commenced the study of medicine,
which profession he afterwards practised for over fifteen years. He
then made a special study of dentistry, becoming a graduate in that
profession, to which he has devoted himself for the last twenty years,
having long occupied a position as one of the leading dentists of cen-
tral Missouri. Dr. McCoy was born in Kanawha county, West Vir-
ginia, January 24, 1824, and was the seventh of a family of eleven
children. His father, Samuel McCoy, was a native of Charlottes-
ville, Virginia, but when a boy went to Kentucky, where he grew up
and married Miss Elizabeth Graves, and subsequently moved to West
Virginia. There the family was reared, and there Samuel McCoy, the
father, died in 1860, but Mrs. McCoy survived her husband until 1878.
Milton, now Dr. McCoy, lived in West Virginia until 1853, when,
having studied medicine and practised that profession some years in
his native state, he came to Missouri and located at Tipton, Moniteau
county, continuing his practice there until 1863, when he adopted
dentistry as his specialty. In 1863 he graduated from the Missouri
dental college with marked distinction, and has established for himself
a wide reputation as a scientific successful dentist. For the last
twenty years he has resided in Boonville, where he has kept his office
and continued his practice. On the 8th of April, 1852, he was mar-
ried to Miss Joanna Craig, of Putnam county, West Virginia. Ten
years afterwards, however, she was taken from him by death, leaving
him rive children, three now living : John C, Mattie K. and Bettie J.
898 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
On the 5th of November, 1863, he was again married, Mrs. Martha C.
Walters, nee Kinney, originally of Pennsylvania, becoming his second
wife. The doctor and his wife are both members of the church, he of
the Baptist and she of the Presbyterian. He is also a member of the
I. O. G. T. His son graduated in the Missouri dental college in 1875,
since which they have been practising together.
TRUMAN W. McFARLAND,
farmer, section 18. In 1818 Jacob McFarland settled in the same
neighborhood and near where Truman, his grandson, now lives.
The grandfather came from Haywood county, North Carolina, where
he was born and reared two years before settling in this county, and
first located in St. Genevieve county, of this state. He was born
in North Carolina, in 1772, and had been twice married before
migrating west, his second wife, the grandmother of Truman, having
been, before her marriage, a Miss Nancy Cathy, of that state. He
died here October 13, 1846 ; she, in 1870. Reuben, the father of
Truman, was born twelve years before his parents left the Old North
State, October 17, 1804, and was therefore a youth of fourteen when
they settled in this county. Here, after he attained his majority, -he
was married , January 17, 1828, to Miss Unice Rice, also originally of
North Carolina. They had a family of six children, of whom Tru-
man was the youngest, he being born February 12, 1841. The
mother died here December 24, 1874, her husband surviving her
about seven years, dying January 26, 1882. Both grandfather and
father were successful farmers, and highly respected citizens. Tru-
man grew up on the place where he was born and still lives, and
February 12, 1866, was married to Miss Vina, daughter of Finis E.
Wear, of this county. They have had a family of four children, but
three of whom are living. The following are the names of their
children: Mary E., Elizabeth E., Mettie R. and Hattie M. Mr.
McFarland has spent his whole life on the homestead where he now
lives, except from 1868 to 1875, during which he resided in Henry
county, this state. His farm contains over half a section pf land, and
is well improved. Like his father and grandfather he is an enter-
prising, successful farmer, and a worthy excellent citizen. He has
long been a member of the Presbyterian church.
JAMES C. MACURDY,
proprietor of Macurdy's art gallery and photograph parlors. Among
the men of Cooper county who have risen to prominence and success
J.C.Macurdy, Photographer, Boonville Mo.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 899
in their respective callings, Mr. Macurdy occupies a conspicuous posi-
tion. Early in life he devoted himself to photography, and for over
twenty-five years has pursued this art with an energy and intelligence
that could hardly have failed of placing him among the most promi-
nent and successful representatives of his calling throughout the
country. He was born in Kinsman, Trumbull county, Ohio, January
27, 1837, and was a son of John W. and Catherine (Mathews) Ma-
curdy, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother born and
reared in Ohio. John W. Macurdy was a leading and well-to-do
dairy farmer of Trumbull county, and died there, February 14, 1882.
His wife still survives him and lives in -that county. James C. was
brought up to his father's occupation, and in youth received a gdod
ordinary English education in the public schools. At an early age he
evinced a taste for the artist's calling, and us he grew up this inclina-
tion strengthened into a fixed purpose to devote himself to it.
Accordingly, on attaining his majority, he turned his attention to
portrait and landscape photography, and rapidly rose to a high posi-
tion in his profession. Such was his reputation when the war broke
out that he was engaged by the government to accompany the army
as an official photographer. He continued in this commission until the
close of the war, when he located at Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he
remained for two years. In 1868 he came to Boonville, Missouri.
Here he has achieved the most signal success. One of the best artists
in the state when he came to this city, the fact soon became gener-
ally known by the character of work he did, and his reputation
rapidly and widely extended. His patronage steadily increased, and
he soon commanded a business that would compare favorably with
that of the better class of galleries in larger cities. Nor has he sim-
ply proven himself a thorough and eminently successful photographer.
In professional enterprise and artistic taste he has shown a high
order of ability and culture. Recently he has erected a handsome
art gallery and photograph building, which for size, beauty of appear-
ance and elegance of finish is not surpassed in the state, and will com-
pare favorably with the finest structures of the kind in the whole
country. From its spacious and superbly appointed entrance room
on the first floor, to the handsome sky-light apartment above, includ-
ing a suite of elegant and richly furnished parlors, it is a perfect
triumph of art, beauty and good taste. Certainly the citizens of
Boonville owe to the enterprise of Mr. Macurdy no ordinary debt of
gratitude for this handsome ornament to their city. If others would
show the same degree of ability and enterprise in their respective
900 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
callings, Boonville could justly claim to be one of the most beautiful
cities in the country. On the 1st of June, 1871, Mr. Macurdy was
married to Miss Bettie C, daughter of John Holt, Esq., of Callaway
county, Missouri, originally from Halifax county, Virginia. They
have a family of two children, Ward and Elgie.
MEIERHOFFER BROTHERS,
cooper manufactory. Frank and Charles Meierhoffer, aged re-
spectively twenty-six and twenty-four, own and control one of the
largest coopering establishments, if not the very largest, west of St.
Louis, which they have built up from nothing as original capital,
except their own industry and enterprise. Their present business was
established in 1878, having at that time only a small shop. In five
years, however, so rapid has been their success, that they now work
from eighteen to forty hands, and their former shop building has been
succeeded by a large house, seventy by twenty-four feet, and three
stories high. They ship barrels, etc., extensively to western markets,
and their trade is increasing almost daily. Such men as these are of
incalculable value to Boonville, for, besides the large number of
families that look to employment under them for support, thousands
of dollars are sent here for the products of this factory, which enter
into the wealth, and contribute to the prosperity of the place. Both
brothers learned the cooper's trade under their father, Jacob Meier-
hoffer, who followed the occupation in Boonville, together with turning
and model making for many years. He was a native of Switzerland,
but came to this country in 1852, a short time after which he located
in Boonville. The elder brother, Frank, was born in this city, Feb-
ruary 7th, 1857, and the younger, Charles, August 4th, 1859. Both
had the advantages in youth afforded by the common schools of Boon-
ville, and acquired the rudiments of a good, ordinary education.
Charles Meierhoffer was married September 13, 1881, to Miss Hattie
D. Nichol, of Palmyra, Missouri. He is a member of the
Knights of Pythias. Aside from coopering they also deal
largely in sand, lime and plasterers' hair. Frank married Rebecca
Lahrmann, of Lawrence, Kansas, in 1882 ; she was born in Boonville.
He is a member of the A. O. U. W.
D. D. MILES, M. D.,
homcepathic physician and surgeon. In the homcepathic practice, Dr.
Miles is second to no physician in the county. His general education
is thorough, and his professional education was acquired in the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 901
Homeopathic College of New York and in Bellevue hospital. His
experience has been extensive and successful, and his reputation is
well established. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 8,
1830. His father, Dr. David Miles, was a native of South Carolina,
but lived in Ohio from an early period. His mother, whose maiden
name was Susanna Dibra, was originally from Germany, but was
reared in this county. They raised a family of six children, of whom
Dr. D. D. was the eldest. Dr. D. D. was brought up in his native
county. After attending private schools in early youth, he entered
Earlham college, at Richmond, Indiana, one of the principal Quaker
institutions of the country, where he remained as a student three
years. While in college his father moved to Wabash county, Indiana,
and on leaving college in 1852, went to that place and began the
study of medicine under his father, who was a prominent practitioner
and had a large medical library. He continued the study for two
years, applying himself with great energy, and, having had the ad-
vantage of constant instruction from his father, at the expiration of
that time he entered into the active practice of his profession. He
continued the practice until 1862, when he went to New York and
entered Bellevue hospital as a student, remaining there one term.
Returning to Wabash county, Indiana, he and Dr. S. D. Jones, his
brother-in-law, established the Rural Home Water Cure. Afterwards,
in 1863, he went back to New York and entered the Hygo Thera-
peutic college, from which he was subsequently duly graduated. After
his graduation he became the physician in charge of the Knightstown
Springs, Indiana, continuing there through the summer. He practised
the following year in Wabash county, and in the fall of 1865 came to
Boonville, where he has since lived and practised his profession.
Here he has had charge of the health office for five years, and was
medical examiner for the United States pension office an equal length
of time, and until he resigned the position. He takes a deep interest
in educational affairs, and has been president of the school board of
the city for two years. In all matters relating to the general good he
is public spirited and active. Dr. Miles was married in 1855 to Miss
Mary Jones, originally of Montgomery county, Ohio. They have six
children : Stephen E., now a physician, located at Holden, Missouri ;
William, now of New York city, and one of the leading telegraph
operators of the country ; Oscar, now attending Earlham college, and
Misses Ellen and Leonore, both at home. Resolved to keep up with
the progress of his profession, Dr. Miles attended the Homeopathic
Medical college, of Chicago, in 1881-2, from which he was graduated
with distinction.
902 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER CODNTIES.
RETURN L. MOORE,
general agent for the Missouri Pacific and the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas railways ; also of Moore & Elliott's marble works, etc. Mr.
Moore's business career dates back only seven years, and these have
been the early experimental years of his business life, for he is still
but twenty-eight years of age, yet he has already made an enviable
record as a successful, progressive business man. His father, Charles
F. Moore, is a substantial, enterprising farmer of this county, and
here R. L. was born, June 22d, 1855. He was raised on his father's
farm, dividing his time in youth between farm employments and
attending the schools of the neighborhood. A country bringing-up
had the effect upon him to implant within him the qualities so essential
to success in life — steady, industrious habits, and a wholesome,
provident manner of living. As he neared the approaching years of
early manhood, he naturally began to cast about for an occupation
for life, and, being of an enterprising, aspiring disposition, determined
to devote himself to business pursuits. Recognizing the importance,
indeed, the necessity, of a good education to a successful business
career, he resolved to provide himself with that qualification first, and
accordingly began a course in the William Jewell college, which he
continued until he had acquired an excellent English education. After
leaving college, in 1876, he engaged in the grain business in Boon-
ville, and followed that line of trade for two years, until he was
appointed to an official position in the Missouri, Kansas and Texas rail-
way office. In December, 1880, he was appointed chief clerk in the
Missouri Pacific railway office, and in a short time was made agent
and operator of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas office, in which he also
acted as clerk. These positions he filled until he became general
agent for both roads in this city, the duties of which he is now dis-
charging. Full of industry and enterprise, he has not contented
himself with the labors and responsibilities of a single line of duties,
but has also given his attention to other business interests, among
which is his partnership interest in the marble works firm of Moore &
Elliott, mentioned in Mr. Elliott's sketch. In March, 1880, he was
married to Miss Myra Burnett, of this county, and they have two
children, Irving C. aud Wilbur M. Mr. Moore is a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
JOHN P. NEEF,
dealer in books, stationary, etc. The general book-store business is
conceded to be one of the most difficult to master, and, at the same
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 903
time, one of the most uncertain of success of all the various lines of
trade. To understand it one must have, in addition to the informa-
tion necessary in ordinary commercial pursuits, at least, some general
knowledge of literature, and this cannot be acquired in a day or a year.
And it is peculiarly uncertain of success because popular taste with
regard to books is so varying ; and of all the dead stocks a merchant
can have, a stock of books not in demand is by all odds the deadest, so
far as realizing anything on them in an emergency is concerned. But
notwithstanding these well-known features of the business, and other
drawbacks far greater than these, Mr. Neef has built up a thoroughly
successful book-store, and in addition to this has performed a service
to the community that would be hard to over-estimate — has estab-
lished a large circulating library, from which hundreds of volumes are
constantly going on their missions of educating, elevating and refining
the people. His book-store, including the stationery department, is
, one of the finest in Boonville, or among those of the surrounding
country ; and his circulating library contains over 600 volumes of
standard works. Such is the business of the man to-day who, at the
age of twenty-one and as late as 1854, apprenticed mselhif in the bar-
ber's trade and worked at it until 1866 — a citizen eminently respected
by all for his business ability, intelligence, public spirit and un-
questioned integrity. J. P. Neef was born in Germany, December 7,
1833, and in youth had the advantages afforded by the ordinary
schools of his native country until he became fourteen years of age,
when his parents came to this country, bringing him and his brother,
now deceased, their only two children. His father, J. G. Neef, was
a farmer by occupation, and having settled in Cooper county on com-
ing to America, followed that industry here until his death, which
occurred in 1854. Mrs. Neef, whose maiden name was Catherine M.
Schaeffer, survived her husband nearly twenty years, the date of her
demise being as late as 1872. J. P. followed farming with his father
until he was eighteen years of age, after which he clerked in different
ill)
stores until he was twenty-one, when he began to learn the barber s
trade in St. Louis. He acquired that occupation, and afterwards
worked at it in Boonville from 1857 to 1866. He then began the
grocery business combined with notions, and gradually turned it into
his present book and stationery store. He commenced his circulating
library in 1868, which has steadily grown to its present importance,
and is still increasing. Patience, industry, economy and close atten-
tion to business, together with an honorable ambition to advance him-
self iu the world, have brought him to his present enviable position as
904 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a business man and citizen. He was married November 3, 1858, to
Miss Caroline Fuchs, originally of Germany also, but who came to
this country when about eighteen years of age. Mr. Neef is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Evangelical church and of the I. O. O. F.
JAMES M. NELSON,
president Central National bank. For many years Mr. Nelson has
been prominently identified with the more important material and other
interests of Cooper county. From 1840 to 1860 he was one of its
leading farmers, and during the last decade of that period he also be-
came interested in banking and other business enterprises, since which
time he has occupied a conspicuous position among the foremost busi-
ness men of Boonville and the surrounding country. His life has been
one of great activity, and regulated as it is by unimpeachable integrity
and good management, the usual results — ample means and the re-
spect and confidence of all who know him — have naturally followed.
Not only do such men perform a duty they owe to themselves and
their families, but they are of invaluable service to the community in
which they live, for the prosperity of every section of the country de-
pends upon the prosperity of its individual citizens ; and if each one
proves worthy of success in life, supplies himself by honest exertions
with an ample competence, the community invariably becomes a pros-
perous one. Such are the men that build up countries, make great
and prosperous states. James M. Nelson was born in Fauquier county,
Virginia, June 16, 1816. His parents were both of the same county,
and there reared their family, where they subsequently died, George
Nelson, the father, in April, 1860, and his wife, Elizabeth, whose
family name was originally Porter, in September, 1870. James M.
was the eldest of ten children reared to majority, and he grew up to his
sixteenth year in his native county ; but in 1832 went to Rappahan-
nock county, and followed clerking in a business house in Amissville
about three years. He then returned and attended school for two
yeais, thus greatly advancing and improving his education. Follow-
ing this, in 1837, he went to Copiah county, Mississippi, where he
remained a short period, but not finding that as favorable a locality for
a young man to succeed as he hoped, he then came to Missouri, and
stopped first in Howard county, but shortly afterwards made Cooper
county his permanent home. Locating in this county in the spring
of 1840, he at once engaged in farming about two miles west of Boon-
ville, and continued in that occupation, as above stated, about twenty
years, being rewarded with abundant success. In 1858 he, Dr. W.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 905
H. Trigg and others organized the banking firm of W. H. Trigg &
Co., in which he remained until 1861. However he was president of
the Boonville branch of the bank of St. Louis, Missouri, from its
organization until its re-consolidation with the St. Louis principal bank.
Afterwards, when the Central National bank was organized he became
its vice-president, and so remained until 1881, when he was elected
president, the position he now holds. He is now also one of the direct-
ors of the St. Louis National bank and has been since its organization.
Besides his farming and banking interests he has been prominently
identified with other important business and public enterprises, among
which he was president of the Osage valley railroad and also of the
Cooper countv agricultural fair association. He was married to Mrs.
Margaret Kussell, whose maiden name was Wyam, a widow lady, and
they have been blessed with four children: Lewis C, Nadine, Arthur
and Maggie.
JOHN OTTEN,
with William Johnson, clothier and merchant tailor. From boyhood,
nearly forty-five years, Mr. Otten has been engaged in the clothing
and merchant tailoring business, either as proprietor or clerk, and he
is recognized as one of the best posted men in these lines in central
Missouri. He was born in Hanover, Germany, April 12, 1828, and
was the eldest of a family of four children reared by Henry Otten
and wife, previously Miss Mary A. Dohrman, both natives of that
country. When John Otten was a boy eleven years of age his
parents came to this country, bringing their family, and after spend-
ing eighteen months in St. Louis, young Otten came to Boonville and
engaged in the tailor's trade with C. H. Dohrman, with whom he con-
tinued until Mr. Dohrman's death, about two years and a half after-
wards. He then took charge of the business himself, and conducted
it until 1850, when he went to Fayette, Howard county, and engaged
in the same line of business. But about one year afterwards he had
an advantageous partnership offered him with Mr. Millinbrook, of
Boonville, which he accepted, and this firm carried on the clothing
and merchant tailoring busiuess nearly three years, when Mr. Otten
became established in business alone, and so continued until 1854.
That year, however, he sold out and accepted a clerical position, and
since 1855 has been continuously engaged in clerking in his chosen
calling until the present time. January 19, 1849, he was married to
Miss Johanna Wertman, originally from Germany, and they have
four children : Hannah, Mary, Frank W. and Sophia. Mr. O. is a
906 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
member of the M. E. church, and was a member of the city council
in 1845. Mr. O.'s father died in 1877, but his mother is still living.
JAMES Q. RAGLAND,
of Smith & Ragland, livery. The above named firm, of which Mr.
Ragland is a member, succeeded Whitelow & Shimer in business iu
March, 1882, and now carry on one of the best and most complete
livery establishments in Boonville. Their building is large and well
constructed, and they have forty head of horses and over twenty
different vehicles, both their live stock and rollins; stock being: of the
best quality, and everything is kept in the best of order. James Rag-
land is a native of Boonville, and was born February 5, 1854. His
father, William N. Ragland, was originally of Virginia, but came to
this county in 1843, and here he lived until his death, which occurred
March 10, 1867. Mrs. Riigland, James' mother, whose name before
her marriage was Miss Bettie Quarles, was also from the Old Domin-
ion, and is still living in Columbia at an advanced age. James was
brought up in Boonville and was educated in Kemper's well known
family school. In 1874, then twenty years of age, he engaged in
farming in this county, in which he continued until he became a part-
ner in his present business. Besides his livery business, he is also
largely interested in farming, he and his brother now being the owners
of 1,000 acres of good land. December 19, 1876, he was married to
Miss Helen Corbyn, daughter of the Rev. A. D. Corbyn, and they
have two children: John K. and Helen.
GEORGE REPPLEY.
p
The subject of this sketch was born in Baden, Germany, Decem-
ber 22, 1827, being the son of George and Mary Reppley, both of
Germany — the former born in 1798 and the latter in 1808. Of their
original family of ten children — five sons and five daughters — but
three sons and one daughter survive — George, Jacob, Mattix and
Lena — the three latter being residents of Germany. George emi-
grated to America in 1848, and the same year settled in Boonville.
In 1851 he became employed by R. D. Perry, of that place, taking
charge of a vineyard, which he conducted for twelve years. Entering
into a copartnership with Mr. Perry, he subsequently leased this vineyard
for a term of ten years, later purchasing the lands. He is now ex-
tensively engaged in the culture of grapes, and also has a good orchard.
His annual manufacture of fine wines amounts to about 800 to 1,200
gallons, his apples finding a ready sale among home consumers. The
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 907
different varieties of grape include the Concord, Catawba, Delaware,
Virginia seedling and Herbemont, besides sundry others. On Easter
Tuesday of 1846, Mr. Reppley was married to Miss Helena Sahm,
and to them were born eight children — Dora, wife of Henry Grym,
of Boonville ; Herman, now in Connersville, Illinois ; Laura, Frank,
a resident of Grafton, Illinois ; George and Lena, twins, the former
also in Grafton ; Willie and Tena. Mrs. Reppley died January 4,
1872. Mr. R. was again married on Easter Tuesday, 1874, to Mrs.
Christina Kemp, of Boonville. They have three sons : Albert,
Otto and Oscar. Mrs. R. has one son by a former marriage — Emil.
George Reppley, Sr., departed this life in 1872, and his widow in 1876
or 1877.
SAMUEL WILSON RAVENEL,
editor and proprietor of the Advertiser. That young men of promise
have not ceased to be attracted to Central Missouri from the south,
whence this section of the state has, from the beginning, drawn the
main current of its talent and energy, becomes apparent upon the
slightest investigation. In every community are found those whose
presence verifies this fact. In Boonville, a prominent instance of its
truth may be cited in the person of Mr. Ravenel, the subject of the
present sketch. He is from the solar star of the southern constella-
tion of states — South Carolina, and came out to Missouri in 1871.
His character and the record he has made, young as he is, are alike
worthy of the hero land that gave him birth. He was born in
Charleston, that fired the opening shot of the civil war, April 12th,
1848. He was, therefore, but thirteen years of age when his ears
were made familiar with the clash of arms in deadly conflict. Up to
that time, great pains had been taken with his education, for his
father was a man of superior intelligence and culture, and was fully
alive to the importance of giving his son a thorough education. Even
for sometime after the war began, he persevered in keeping the son at
school. Young Ravenel had the advantage of courses of study in
the higher branches, in both Pineville and Wellington academies, of
his native state. But soon the heavy smoke of war, like a pall of
death, settled over the whole state, and the light of knowledge which
was wont to radiate from the schools, as from a constellation of mid-
noon suns, was lost in the Cimmerian blackness of deadly strife.
Who could teach or who could study, when every breeze that floated
across the state came laden with the clang of arms and the groans
of dying friends — perhai^s brothers, sons or fathers ? When firesides
were to be defended there was no time to talk of schools. A call
908 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
came for sixteen-year-old boys to volunteer their young lives in the
defence of their Southern homes, and one of the first to respond to,
this call, with an alacrity and intrepidity, worthy of the youths of
South Carolina, was Samuel Wilson Ravenel, then just, sixteen
years of age. He became an accepted and honored young soldier of
the South, and followed the flag he had sworn to defend wherever it
led, until it went down in a maelstrom of death to rise no more.- He
was' paroled with Gen. Johnson's army, at Greensboro, North
Carolina, April 26, 1865, being then on the staff of Major
General W. B. Taliaferro, of the regular Confederate army.
After this he returned to South Carolina, and was engaged in
cotton planting until he came to Missouri, in 1871. In this
state he became connected with the civil engineer corps of the
Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway eompany, and was connected
with it in the construction of the road as far south as Denni-
son, Texas. In 1873 he came to Boonville, being identified here
with the engineering service, in building the railroad bridge over the
Missouri. On the completion of the bridge Mr. Ravenel engaged, •
in business, in this city, and on the 15th of April, 1878, was
elected general manager of the Boonville Advertiser, acting, while
manager, as its local editor also. In March of the following year he
leased the office, and has since been conducting the paper as editor
and proprietor. His success thus far as a newspaper man- has been
very successful, both as business manager and editor, and he is rapidly
taking rank among the influential journalists of the state. As a
writer he is clear, vigorous and to the point in whatever he discusses — a
style that never fails to make a lasting impression upon the reader ;
in the treatment of matters of public concern he is independent,
frank and outspoken, but never vulgar, abusive or discourteous.
His paper is democratic, as he himself is. Mr. Ravenel com-
manded the Waddill national guards, Boonville, from 1879 to 1882,
the full term of service. He is a member of the R. A. C, of the
A. F. and A. M. and also of the A. O. U. W. He represents
Cooper county on the democratic congressional committee. Mr.
Ravenel' s parents, Thos. P. and Elizabeth M. (Wilson) Ravenel,
are both natives and residents of South Carolina ; the father
born Jan, 4, 1824, and the mother, Feb. 7, 1827,
HON. THERON M. RICE.
Hon. Theron M. Rice, member of the forty-seventh congress
from one of the wealthiest and most populous districts in Missouri,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 909
owes his commanding usefulness in life and his political elevation to
the exercise of those sturdy virtues, which were a part of his charac-
ter, and to unwearied diligence in the pursuit of worthy aims. The
energy and devotion with which in early life he applied himself to the
Jearning of the schools, arid which led him to the acquisition of a
learned profession, were followed by similar earnestness and vigor,
in the serious conflicts of later years, making his record a noble one,
and pointing him out as one of the honored citizens of a State that has
not been slow to recognize and reward the achievements of her sons.
Tberon M. Rice was born September 21, 1829, in Mecca, Trum-
bull county, Ohio, a section of that State noted for its intelligence
and for the strong abilities of numbers of her citizens, who have dis-
tinguished themselves in state and national politics. Favored by
good common school advantages, and working on his father's farm
in the intervals of study, the young man grew to mental and physical
vigor, with such surroundings as stimulated his ambitions and gave
them proper direction. At the age of eighteen he entered Chester
academy, in Geauga county, in his native state, and for four year*
maintained himself in that institution by teaching in winter and
.prosecuting his studies in summer. Four years of this discipline were
followed by a period of teaching exclusively, but in later years he
had carefully studied law, and prepared himself with all the re-
sources at his command for work in his chosen profession. At the
age of twenty^four he was admitted to practice, and immediately
thereafter formed a law partnership with his former preceptor, and
opened a law oflice in Canfield, Ohio, continuing two years with a
fair share of success. He Jiad, however, decided on removing to
the West. The career of Joshua R. Giddiugs, in whose district he
was born, and of Ben F. Wade, led him to believe that young men
increased their chances for promotion in a new country. In 1858
he disposed of his interests, in Ohio, and removed to California,
Moniteau county, Missouri, where he entered upon the law prac-
tice and continued with success until the breaking out of the civil
war. At the -beginning of that conflict he organized a company which
afterwards became a portion of the 26th Missouri infantry, under
the command .of Colonel George B. Boone. The history of this
regiment of Missouri troops is well known, as it participated in the
siege of Corinth and Vicksburg, the battles of Iuka and Missionary
Ridge, the operations around Atlanta and the famous march to the
sea, under the lead of Sherman. As a soldier, Mr. Rice performed
his duties with the same good judgment which had before distin-
59
910 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
guished him and with a soldierly daring and intelligence that won him
position to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of his regiment. Succeed-
ing the war and the disbandmentof his regiment, Mr. Rice returned to
his old home in Moniteau county, making his residence at Tipton,
where he again applied himself to the practice of law and again met
with good success. In the fall of 1868 he was elected judge of the first
judicial district of Missouri, and served a full term of six years. His
course while on the bench was such as to deepen the respect which
was felt for him, and to strengthen the hold he had upon the confi-
dence of his fellows. At the expiration of his judicial term he again
applied himself to the practice of his profession with increased good
will and continued success. Although he had never been a politician
or sought political preferment, he was prevailed upon to make the
canvass for congress on the greenback ticket in 1880, and secured his
election over John F. Phillips. His election may be largely at-
tributed to his personal popularity, and the desire in his district to
secure his services in a legislative capacity. While serving his con-
stituents in congress, in 1882, he was nominated by the greenback •
convention of the state for the office of supreme judge, a nomination
conferred upon him without his solicitation, but which he accepted in
obedience to the unanimous desire of the convention. Owing to the
fact that two tickets were run in opposition to that of the democrat
party in the state, thus dividing the vote that would otherwise have
been united upon him, all prospect of his election was sacrificed, hut
he received a vote highly complimentary to him as a public man and
as a citizen. Mr. Rice has been twice married, and has six children
to inherit an honored name. The home of Mr. Rice is now at Boon-
ville, Missouri, where he resides in the confidence and esteem of his
friends and constituents.
E. ROESCHEL,
pharmacist and druggist. Those in the least familiar with the civil
institutions and customs of the leading countries of Europe, are well
apprised of the fact that the regulations and conditions there are
much stricter for admission to any of the regular professions or occu-
pations, than in this country. Especially, is this true of Germany,
where the requirements often seem unnecessarily severe ; yet, when
one becomes qualified to meet them, he is then beyond all ques-
tion competent and thorough in his chosen calling. Mr. Roeschel,
who was reared in Germany, learned the drug business in that
country, and graduated in pharmacy in the city of Giessen.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 911
This fact alone is a sufficient assurance that he is a skilled druggist
and pharmacist, but added to this is the additional fact that he has
had nearly forty years' practical experience. It is not more than the
truth demands to say that he is one of the finest druggists and phar-
macists in central Missouri, and his success in business shows that he is
equally capable as a business man. He now has one of the largest retail
drug houses in this section of the state. He was born in Germany, March
3d, 1824, and was educated in the schools of the better class in that
country. After learning the drug business, he came to this country
in 1850 and stopped at Belleville, Illinois, about six months, but then
cape to Boonville, since which he has followed his regular business
and for a number of years has also been interested in grape culture —
having now a large and nourishing vineyard near this city. During
the war he served about six months in the militia, but still kept up
his other interests. In June, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary
Hass, originally of Chicago, but she died one year afterwards. In
1855 he was again married, Miss Rosina Hass, sister to his first wife,
becoming his second companion. He has three children — one, Mary,
by his first wife, and two, William and Henry, by his present wife.
Mr. Roeschel is a successful business man and a highly respected
citizen. •
GEORGE ROEDER,
manufacturer of carriages, buggies, wagons, etc. Mr. Roeder landed
in this country from Germany in 1854, then twenty-one years of age,
and was without means or other help to make his way in the new,
strange land except his own ability and disposition to work, and an
intelligent and capable mind to plan and manage business affairs. He
had learned the blacksmithing trade in his native country and in that
he began work in America, the hardest, and as some think, the slowest
of all the occupations in which to accumulate means and to become
prominent in business. But industry, economy and good manage-
ment will tell in any calling, and accordingly he soon had a shop of
his own ; then after a while he was able to engage in the carriage and
wagon manufacturing business, and for years past he has been one
of the leading, successful, and solid citizens and business men of
Boonville. He has a large, handsomely constructed two-story brick
manufacturing building, and works about a dozen hands in his estab-
lishment. He turns out some as fine carriages, buggies, coupes, etc.,
as can be made in central Missouri, and his wagons have a wide repu-
tation for durability and light running. He keeps a large variety of
rolling stock of every description constantly on hand. He was born
912 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in Germany September 14th, 1833, and at the age of fifteen began to
learn the blacksmith's trade. He followed that occupation in his
native country until he came to America in 1854. After landing in
this country and before coming to Boonville, he worked in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and Pekin, Illinois — in each about eighteen months.
He then came to Boonville and started a blacksmith shop, carrying it
on about seven years, and in 1860 began his present business, which
has brought him the most gratifying success. February 14th, 1860, he
was married to Miss Wilhelmina Schaeffer, originally of Germany.
They have four children — Louis, Emma, Laura and Augusta. Mr.
Boeder is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Lutheran church.
JOHN F. KOGERS,
sheriff of Cooper county. Those who hold the office of sheriff in their
respective counties are usually men of more than ordinary popularity,
for it is a position in which personal popularity counts far more than
in any other public trust. In other official stations, special knowledge
in the line of the duties to be discharged goes very far towards deter-
mining one's selection, although personally he may not be so popular.
But with the sheriff, if he is a good business man and possesses the
qualities to more than an ordinary degree that make one esteemed by
all who know him, his tenure of office is secure, at least to the limit of
the law. Such a man is John F. Rogers, the sheriff of Cooper county.
Indeed, personal popularity is a characteristic of the family wherever
they live. His uncle and father were each for many years sheriff of
their county in Virginia, and two of his brothers have time and again
held the like office in this state and Virginia, his brother, F. A.
Rogers, one of the most popular men this county ever had, having
been sheriff for three terms, between 1872 and 1878, and, as all know
here, the Cooper county brothers merit to the highest degree the
popularity they enjoy. John F. Rogers was born in Belmont county,
Ohio, April 6, 1840, his parents having immigrated there from Vir-
ginia. However, four years after his birth, they returned to Fauquier
county of their native state, where the father, Hugh Rogers, had been
reared, and for many years was a leading farmer and largely inter-
ested in merchandising. In 1857, Hugh Rogers moved to Missouri
with his family, and settled in Cooper county. Here he diedt hree
years afterwards, his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Simpson,
having been borne to her grave a few months before. They left a
family of six children, John F. being the third son then living. John
had received a good, ordinary English education before leaving Vir-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 913
ginia, and on coming to this county with his parents, taught school
here the succeeding winter and the following spring and summer. He
then engaged in farming, which he followed until 1870, when he em-
barked in the mercantile business. In this he continued four years,
and thereupon resumed farming, to which he adhered until his election,
in 1880. He was married December 31, 1861, to Miss Annie, daughter
of the late Dr. Harriman, of Pilot Grove, but originally of Woodford
county, Kentucky. They have two children : Frank and Etta. Mr.
E. is a member of the Masonic order, now master of Cooper lodge
No. 36, being also a member of the Koyal Arch Chapter. He is a
genial, whole-souled, good man, as every sheriff ought to be if he
cares to retain the favor of the people ; is a brave-hearted, efficient
officer, and a clear-headed, successful business man.
GEOKGE SAHM & SONS,
boot and shoe manufacturers and merchants. This firm is probably
the largest manufacturing and mercantile establishment in the line of
boots and shoes in central Missouri, the value of its manufactured
goods alone footing up over thirty thousand dollars per annum. And
it is all the outgrowth of the industry and intelligence of a man who
thirty-five years ago, then a mere youth, came to America, practically
without a dollar, and apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade.
George Sahm, then a penniless German apprentice-boy in a strange
land and without friends, is now one of the leading business men of
central Missouri. Such a record his descendants may well read with
pride, and cherish as of more manly honor to their name than if they
had inherited a title and a decoration from some noble nobody in their
country. George Sahm was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 1,
1832, and remained in his native country until he was sixteen years of
age. He then determined to seek his fortune in the new land beyond
the Atlantic, and he came and found it. He first worked three years
at the boot and shoemaking business in Sandusky county, Ohio, dur-
ing which time he became a thorough master of his chosen occupation.
From there he carrfe to Boonville and worked here as a journeyman at
his trade three more years, at the expiration of which time he setup a
shop for himself. That was in the spring of 1855, and by industry
and economy he. soon became able to add a trade stock of boots and
(, shoes to his establishment. His business steadily grew, and he stood
by it as true as a Trojan to the walls of Troy, so that by 1877 he was
able to begin the manufacture of his own stocks and also for the gen-
eral markets on a large scale. How he has succeeded in this also, is
914 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
shown by the statement made above. Tn 1876 his son, George W.,
became his partner, and in 1880, Henry, another son, was admitted
to the firm. They now employ constantly over thirty hands in their
establishment. If all the German and American and other boys in
this country would do as well as Mr. Sahm has, the United States
would be the grandest, richest country, beyond comparison, the world
ever saw. He was married July 8, 1854, to Miss Catherine Dick,
originally of Germany. Heaven has blessed him with children as he
has blessed himself with wealth. He has seven : George W., Mollie,
Henry J., Joseph, Julia, Louis and Katie. Mr. Sahm has held vari-
ous official positions, among which are those of a school director and
city councilman, each several terms.
George W. Sahm, his eldest son and first partner, was born
in Boonville on July 16, 1855, and was educated in Kemper's well-
known school of this city. In 1870 he began to learn the shoe-
maker's trade under his father, which he acquired by two years' hard
work at the bench. He then took charge of his father's store and
managed it until 1876, when he became a partner in the establish-
ment. January 9, 1878, he was married to Miss Rosa, daughter of
Colonel Eppstein, of Boonville. They have one child: Corean.
George W. is a member of the A. O. U. W.
ANTHONY SMITH and NICHOLAS MEISTRELL,
of Meistrell & Smith, general merchants. This is one of the principal
firms of general merchandise in Boonville, and has a large trade
throughout the surrounding country. Their stock of goods includes
every variety of articles usually found in a general store, is well se-
lected, and is ample to supply the demands of the trade. They also
have a large store at Gooch's mill, southeast of the city, about twelve
miles, which they established in 1871. Both are enterprising, suc-
cessful business men, and both are what may be fairly called self-made,
so far as their success in life is concerned, for neither had any means
to begin on that he did not earn by his own industry. They now rank
among the leading business men of Cooper county, and are respected
by all who know them as upright, honorable men, and useful, public-
spirited citizens. Anthony Smith was born in Chariton county, Mis-
souri, November 22, 1843, and was a son of John Smith and wife,
whose maiden name was Catherine Loch, both natives of Germany,
who came to this country in 1839 and settled in Chariton county.
Anthony's father was a farmer and blacksmith. That occupation the
son followed until 1864, when he engaged in teaming for three years.
HISTORY OE HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 915
He then, in 1867, returned to Boonville, and here began his present
business. On the 30th of April, 1868 he was married to Miss Cathe-
rine H. Franken, originally of Germany. They have seven children :
Henrietta M. B., Urban A., Arthur J., Olive S., Augusta A., Oscar
F. and William M. A. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the
Catholic church. Nicholas Meistrell was born in Howard county,
Missouri, January 26, 1841, and was a son of Nicholas Meistrell and
wife, Barbara, previously a Miss Smith, who came from Prussia to
Howard county, Missouri, in 1839. When young Nicholas was a
small boy his father, who was a farmer, moved to Chariton county,
where the father died a few years afterwards, and in 1853 the mother
with her children moved to Cooper county. Until 1860 young Meis-
trell was engaged principally in farming, but that year he came to
Boonville, and the following year enlisted in company G, 1st infantry,
Missouri state militia. But prior to that he had performed service in
the Missouri state guards, a union organization. He served in the
Missouri state militia until the close of the war, being mustered out in
1865 as regimental commissary sergeant, to which position he had been
promoted some time before. After the close of the war he returned
to Boonville, where he clerked in a dry goods store until 1867, when
he engaged in his present business with Mr. Smith, his brother-in-law.
On the 21st of November, 1865, Mr. Meistrell was married to Miss
Margaret Franken, originally of Prussia. They have five children:
Edward A., Henry, Mary, Joseph and Annie. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Meistrell are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Meistrell was for
two years a member of the city council.
JOHN W. SMITH,
of the livery firm of Smith & Ragland. Mr. Smith, of the above
named firm, whose business is outlined in the sketch of Mr. Kagland,
is a business man who has, by his own industry and enterprise, taken
a prominent position in the business life of this city, and is highly
esteemed by all for his many excellent qualities. Energetic and per-
fectly upright, he possesses in a marked degree the two leading
elements essential to honorable success in life. He was born in Cooper
county, September 27, 1853, and was educated in the common schools.
Having been brought up on a farm he adopted that occupation as his
calling in life, which he followed in connection with stock dealing un-
til he became interested in his present business. His experience in
dealing in stock was such as to particularly fit him for the livery busi-
ness, and as he was successful in the former, so he is meeting with
916 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
excellent success in his present line. Still a young man, with the start
he now has, and with his past experience to aid him, his future prom-
ises to be a more than ordinarily bright one. His father, David
Smith, is one of the most highly respected citizens of the county.
DAVID SMITH,
farmer, section 16. Of the old citizens and successful farmers of
Cooper county none are more worthy of special mention than the sub-
ject of this sketch. David Smith was born in Madison county, Ken-
tucky, February 10, 1794, and is one of the only two now living of a
family of nine children born to James and Margary Smith, who settled
in Kentucky from Ireland in a very early day. Both parents died
many years ago in the state of their adoption. David Smith remained
in his native county until 1816, and being then twenty years of age
came west to seek his fortune in anew country, and settled in Howard
county, this state, where his only brother, James, also settled and still
lives. He continued a resident of that county, where he settled —
on Bonne Femme creek — for seven years, and then in 1823 crossed
the river and located permanently on his present farm, in this county,
where he has lived for the last sixty years. He has prospered as a
farmer, and has reared a large and highly respected family. His
homestead contains nearly three-quarters of a section of laud, and is
in a superior state of improvement. His residence, erected in 1853,
thirty years ago, is a very handsome structure, and the fact that it
has been so long built, and is still apparently as good as when con-
structed, is an index to the general character of his improvements.
He was married April 3, 1835, to Miss Sophia McNichol, of Boone
county. They have twelve children : Thomas, Mary, Benjamin, John,
Solon, Frederick, David, Jr., Argila, Louvisa, Ida and Forest. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith are members of the Presbyterian church. Forest,
the youngest sou, is still with his father on the farm, and a large share
of the responsibility incident to the successful management of the
place devolves upon him.
JUDGE C. W. SOMBART,
of the C. W. & J. Sombart Milling and Mercantile Company. Laying
aside all the nonsense of life, and looking at it in a plain common
sense light, he nearest fulfils an intelligent, practical mission, who, by
industry, economy and good management, achieves a substantial suc-
cess, and, when his race is run, leaves a sufficient provision for those
who are to succeed him, to enable them to make their way in the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 917
world without having to encounter undue hardships, or to struggle
against undue difficulties. Every man owes this much to himself and
to his family, and unless all creation is without design, unless men
are mere accidents, and are governed wholly b}' the so-called laws of
chance, this is the primary, essential object of his existence, at least
so far as this world is concerned. Hence, the man who has the prac-
tical intelligence to appreciate this fact, and who goes forward in an
even, persevering, honest way, in the discharge of his duty in life, ig
justly entitled to the considerate respect and esteem of all right think-
ing people. Such a man, we may say, by the assent of all, is Judge
Soinbart, of Cooper county. Strictly honest and of untiring industry,
he has labored in season and out of season for nearly fifty years, from
penniless youth to approaching old age, rewarded by an ample com-
petence of this world's goods. Such a career any man would well be
proud of, and, unfortunately, many cannot boast. He was born in
Prussia, May 2, 1820, and, in 1837, came to this country with his
parents, settling in Boonville, this county. He followed farming until
1849, when he was attracted to the Pacific coast by the California gold
excitement. He remained in California until the fall of 1851, engaged
in mining, and then returned to Cooper county, where he and his
brother, J. Sombart, bought a flouring mill, and began their milling
career, which has extended over a period of thirty-two years, and has
been characterized by the most marked success. They commenced
with a small, old-fashioned mill a short distance below their present
stand, but a few years afterwards acquired the property they now own,
and by additions and improvements from time to time, have increased
it in value and importance until now it is one of the finest and largest
mills in the state, outside of St. Louis, and is probably the best and
most valuable piece of mill property in central Missouri. It has a
daily capacity of two hundred barrels of flour, has seventeen pairs of
Stevens' rollers, a hundred and twenty horse power Corliss engine,
two twelve six inch flue boilers, twenty feet long and four feet in
diameter, and is in every way supplied with the latest and best
machinery. Within the last two years they have improved it to the
value of over $30,000, and it is now prepared to make by the same
process, and the same class of machinery, the quality of flour made
by the celebrated mills of* Minneapolis, perhaps the finest in this or in
any other country. In short, the Sombart Brothers have gradually
built up from a small beginning one of the great mills of the west,
and they are justly classed among the successful and leading millers
of the country. The flour they make sells in the market side by side
918 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
with the Minneapolis flour, notwithstanding the mills of that city use
the hard spring wheat of the north. Most of the flour of this firm is
shipped to St. Louis and New York, in both of which markets it is in
great demand. Such is the reward of intelligent industry, and of
frugal, economical management. If the citizens of any community
generally would do as well as these gentlemen have done, the country,
prosperous as it is, would be beyond comparison far more prosperous.
Aside from his milling interests, Judge Sombart has been engaged in
various lines of business, and although having no ambition for public
position or political distinction, has been called to serve the people in
various capacities, and among the rest as judge of the county court,
a position he filled with strict fidelity and efficient business-like ability.
On the 6th of January, 1852, he was married to Mrs. Catherine Thro,
originally from Germany, and they have seven children: William A.,
Kate, Charles A., Fannie M., Frank S., Robert V., and Hannah E.
CAPT. JULIUS SOMBART,
of the C. W. & J. Sombart Milling and Mercantile Company. Mr.
Sombart is a brother to Judge Sombart, of the preceding sketch, and
all that is said there with regard to the character of the latter, applies
with equal truth to the former. Mr. S. possesses in more than a
usual degree the distinguishing traits of the German character, steady,
patient industry, intelligent, practical economy, and sensible, good
management of the affairs in hand. If real enterprise consists in
building up a country, in making it wealthy and prosperous by its
individual citizens becoming so themselves, through industry and
frugal management, then Julius Sombart is one of the real enterpris-
ing men of Cooper county, and if this is not enterprise, what is? The
men who build up a country, not the men who stand around and talk
enterprise, are its real enterprising citizens ; and by his own exertions
Mr. S. has added as much perhaps to the wealth and prosperity of
this county as any man in it. He was born in Germany, in June,
1825, and came over with the family in 1837. In youth he learned
the blacksmith trade, which he followed several years, but, in 1849,
in company with his brother, C. W. Sombart, and others, he went to
California, returning three years afterwards, and then entered upon
his milling career with his brother, as noted in the latter's sketch. In
1861 he served in the Missouri state militia about three months, and
afterwards enlisted in an independent company, of which he was first
lieutenant for a time, and during part of the service had command of
the company. In this he continued about seven months, and then re-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 919
sumed private business, to which he has since devoted his whole time and
attention. He was married in 1856 to Miss Louisa Breneisen, ori<n-
nally from Germany, but she died a number of years afterwards,
leaving him five children : William J., John E., George H., Joseph
L. and Nora L. Mr. Sombart's father was also a native of Prussia,
and for some time, while he lived there, was an engineer in the service
of the government. His mother, before her marriage, was Miss Julia
Westhoff, likewise originally of that country.
AUSTIN P. SPEED,
proprietor of Speed's livery establishment. Mr. Speed, although com-
paratively a young man, being now just past his thirty-second year,
has long since taken rank among the most prominent business men of
Boonville, and of this section of the state. His early advantages were
more than ordinarily good — he came of one of the best families of
Cooper county, and, as he grew up, received an advanced school and
university education. At the age of eighteen he started out in life on
his own responsibility, securing as his first employment a position in
the ofiice of the Missouri Republican as superintendent of carriers,
which he held for three years, and until he resigned it to accept the
office of assistant manager of the St. Louis branch of Dun's commer-
cial agency, the principal commercial agency of the United States.
In that he continued two years, when his resignation was offered and
accepted, in order that he might become superintendent of the Boon-
ville, St. Louis and Southern railroad, of which Colonel J. L. Stephens
was at that time president. This position he filled for five years and
then engaged in private business, buying out a livery establishment in
Boonville, which he has since conducted. His building is a handsome
new three-sfcory brick, built by him expressly for the purpose. In its
construction, regard was had as much to its architectural appearance
as to its adaptability to the purposes for which it was intended. The
result is that, situated as it is, in the heart of the city, it compares
favorably, in style and finish, with the best class of business houses.
He has over fifty head of stock devoted exclusively to his livery busi-
ness, and his stable has a capacity for seventy-eight head more. His
stock of horses is of a very superior quality, and includes some as fine
driving and saddle animals as there are in central Missouri, a section,
by the way, celebrated for its fine stock. Space cannot be given to
describe them in detail, but suffice it to say that they are conceded to
be one of the best collections of livery animals, number considered, in
the state. The rolling stock and harness are all that the most fastid-
920 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ious could require. For brilliancy of turnouts, Mr. Speed can put
rigs on the road that would ornament any drive-way in the west. His
stock of vehicles includes every variety of the best qualities and latest
styles of buggies, carriages, coupes, etc. He also has an extraordi-
narily elegant and richly finished hearse, probably the finest in the
state outside of St. Louis. Mr. Speed also has a telephone wire from
his office communicating with all the hotels, depots, business houses,
offices, etc., in the city, and with Old and New Franklin in Howard
county. His business is conducted with as much circumspection and
dignity as that of any business house in Boonville, and illustrates in a
striking manner the truth of the old adage that "the character of the
ma:i makes the character of the business." As a citizen he is up-
right and public-spirited, and as a neighbor he is kind, and true al-
most to a fault. Still a young man, his life promises many years of
usefulness to the community and to his family and friends. Mr.
Speed's personal biography may be given in a few words. He was
born in this county May 28, 1851, and was the third of a family of
seven children, three of whom only are now living. His parents were
both natives of Kentucky, but came to this county early in life, where
they married and reared their family. His father, William P. Speed,
was born in 1816, and came to Cooper county in 1840. He died here
June 27, 1863. He was a man of sterling integrity, superior intelli-
gence and a successful, prominent farmer, respected and esteemed by
all who knew him. His wife survived him about eighteen years,
dying in this county November 28, 1881. Her maiden name was
Sarah Ardell Hutchison, daughter of Colonel Jack Hutchison, an
early settler of this county. She was a lady of moi'e than ordinary
culture, and was a noble, Christian wife and mother. Coming of such
parents, it is but natural that young Speed should have developed the
many excellent qualities he has proven himself to possess. After at-
tending the ordinary schools in early youth he had the benefit of a
course of study in Butler academy, of Louisville, Kentucky, at the
conclusion of which he entered the university of Lexington, in that
state, where he acquired a more advanced education. From Ken-
tucky he came to St. Louis, since which his career has been briefly
traced above. On the 22d of December, 1870, he was married to
Miss Susie P. Jeter, a refined and accomplished young lady of St.
Louis, and their union is blessed with five children, Lloyd J., Willie
P., Estella, Cora and Memmie. Mr. S. is a member of the A. 0.
U. W., and in 1883 was elected a member of the city board of al-
dermen.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 921
JUDGE JOHN D. STAEKE,
collector of Cooper county, Missouri. A life of industry, uprightness
and good management has placed Judge Starke among the first farmers
of Cooper county, and his well known business qualifications and per-
sonal popularity have secured for him one of the most responsible of-
ficial positions in the gift of the people. Judge Starke is essentially a
self-made man, for he started out in life in early manhood with but
little to commence on, save his own ability to work, an ordinary, good
education, and a brave-hearted resolution to succeed. How well he
has kept his purpose and realized it, is shown by his situation in life
to-day. He was born in Kanawha, Virginia, now part of West Vir-
ginia, August 3, 1842. His fathe rwas Dryden Starke — nativeof that
state — and his mother's name before her marriage was Miss Sarah
Pryor, of the distinguished Pryor family of Virginia. When John D.
was less than a year old his parents moved to Missouri and settled in
Cooper county. Here the son was reared, and was educated in the
common schools. He grew up on his father's farm, and naturally be-
came a tiller of the soil himself, which he followed faithfully, intelli-
gently, and with the most satisfactory success ; and, although now
called to look after the public affairs of the county, he still devotes a
part of his time and attention to his agricultural interests. In 1880
he was elected a member of the county court, filling the office with
such ability and fidelity that at the next election, in 1882, he was
elected to a still more responsible position, that of tax collector of the
county, an office requiring, above all others in county affairs, good
business qualifications and the most unimpeachable, spotless integrity.
This trust he is now discharging. On the 5th of October, 1861, he
was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Thomas L. Stratton. Judge
and Mrs. Starke have seven children : Sarah P., Dryden L., Josephine
B., Mary E., Nora Lee, Pauline and Howlette Eogers.
COLONEL JOSEPH L. STEPHENS, deceased.
The life of Colonel Stephens was valuable above the lives of
most men, not more for the practical good he did, which of itself is
beyond estimation, than for the great lesson it taught — that what
the world prizes most — wealth and distinction — may be attained
without doing a wrong act, indeed, with unceasing efforts to help
others and to promote the general welfare. At a time when the be-
lief was rapidly spreading that only those could rise to fortune who
were wholly sordid and were unscrupulous enough to employ any
922 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
means to accomplish their end, he led a singularly pure and generous
life, and, although it was an unusually short one, it was extraordinarily
successful. Starting out on his own responsibility while still a youth
and without means or the advantage of influential friends, before he
reached the meridian of manhood he had become one of the first citi-
ens of the state — among the first in proved ability, in wealth and
in public affairs, and above all in the respect and confidence of the
people. His purposes were upright and his methods just. If a dis-
honorable act had been the price of his success he would never have
succeeded. Possessed of a high order of ability and of unswerving
integrity, he was above the temptations that often wreck the moral
character of weaker men. Animated by an honorable ambition, and
of untiring industry, his career was onward and upward from the be-
ginning, and, doing " good unto all men and evil unto none," he at
last closed a life, brief though it was, that has had but few equals in
all that goes to form a useful and noble man. As a lawyer he occu-
pied a conspicuous position at the bar while he practised, and after-
wards as a financier he was a brilliant success. In public life he was
more sought after than seeking, and if the preference of the people
had not been sacrificed to the exigencies of a convention, he would
have been the governor of the state. In all movements looking to
the material development of the section with which he was identified
he was the recognized leader both for his ability as an organizer and
for his public spirit. Among the many enterprises that perpetuate
his memory is the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad, for
which the public is indebted almost alone to his genius and energy.
Of him personally another has said: " All in all, Joe Stephens, as he
was familiarly known, was a brave, generous and true gentleman.
Springing from a race of commoners he was never above the people,
but lent a ready ear to every tale of distress, and his money was
freely given for every deserved charity. His tastes were purely do-
mestic and he lived a remarkably blameless life, for never was a sus-
picion of wrong-doing breathed against his name. Chivalrous and
simple-minded in his intercourse with men, his trust was frequently
betrayed, but he cherished no malice toward any man and died with-
out a known enemy." Joseph L. Stephens was a native Missourian,
born in Cooper county, January 15, 1826. His father, Lawrence C.
Stephens, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Margaret C.
Moore, was born in North Carolina. They were married in Cooper
county, Missouri, and were among the first settlers and most re-
spected citizens of this portion of the state. His father was a farmer
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. , 923
and a man of far more than average ability. He represented his dis-
trict in the legislature and filled various public offices. He died in
1873, leaving a widow and seven children, of whom Joseph L. was
the second. In his youth Joseph assisted his father upon the farm
and attended the common schools. Even while engaged in farm du-
ties he assiduously employed his leisure hours in study. Without
entering upon the classics he was yet sensible of the immediate and
practical value of a thorough English and literary course, and there-
fore made every effort to make his acquirements thorough and exact.
His education was completed at the high school of Boonville, when
he was found to be well versed in grammar, logic, ancient and modern
history, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and other English
branches.
In 1844, at the age of eighteen, he commenced the study of law
in the office of Hon. John G. Miller, a man of superior attainments,
and an able jurist who had represented his district upon the floor of
congress for two terms. To the study of his chosen profession the
young student applied himself with great assiduity, spending a few
months home of each year teaching school as a means of supporting
himself while prosecuting his legal studies. While still a student,
our country became involved in the Mexican war, and in response to
General Gains' call for volunteers he enlisted in a company raised in
this county. The youngest in a company of 110 men, his popularity
made him the choice of all for its captain. The company was a por-
tion of the force designed for the relief of General Taylor. It was
mustered into the United States service by Colonel Robert Campbell,
and ordered to quarters at Jefferson barracks. While there dis-
patches conveyed the intelligence that Taylor had already been re-
lieved, and the company was sent to Boonville subject to order. In
1847 he had completed his legal studies and entered upon the practice
of his profession with flattertng success. Among the distinguished
members of the Boonville bar at that time were Benjamin Tomp-
kins, J. W. Draffin, Emmett R. Hayden, William Douglass, John B.
Clark, Sr., John G. Miller, Abiel Leonard, Peyton Hayden, John C.
Richardson, W. D. Muir, and Washington Adams, the last six of
whom are registered among the dead. An earnest and formidable
speaker, a close, logical thinker, as well as a good student and care-
ful, painstaking practitioner, Captain Stephens soon commanded a
widely extended and lucrative practice. In 1857 he became associated
in practice with George G. Vest, present United States senator from
this state, which partnership continued until broken up by the war.
924 HISTOKY OI HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Captain Stephens afterwards became a member of the bar in the
court of claims at Washington, D. C, and of the bar in the supreme
court of the United States, continuing in practice there until 1864,
when a painful, and it was feared dangerous, affection of the throat
forced him, in compliance with medical advice, to abandon the pro-
fession of his choice in which he had spent over seventeen years, to
which he was devotedly attached, and in which he had long enjoyed a
high reputation. Previous to the war he had been a 'member of the
banking house of William H. Trigg & Co., of Boonville, a
house doing an extensive business in central Missouri, which divided
the capital stock on account of the war. In the management of that
institution, however, he took no personal part any further than as its
advisor and attorney. In 1864 he opened a private banking house in
this city, and the year following organized the Central National bank,
one of the most successfully and honorably conducted institutions in
the state. Besides the presidency of this bank he held directorship
in the following named banking houses : The St. Louis National ;
National Valley, of St. Louis ; Moniteau National, California, Mis-
souri; Bank of Tipton ; Pleasant Hill National bank, and the First
National Bank of Fort Scott, Kansas.
In 1876, when the Missouri Pacific affairs became complicated,
Colonel Stephens was appointed receiver of that road, and he dis-
charged the duties of his position with so much ability as to attract
the attention of leading railroad men all over the country. After-
wards he continued to be largely interested in the road, and at the
time of his death was intimately connected with its management.
Prior to this, however, he had constructed and then owned the Osage
Valley and Southern Kansas raih"oad, from Boonville to Versailles,
which afterwards passed into the hands of the Missouri Pacific. In
1866, for the first time in his life, he was induced to become a can-
didate for an elective office. A stern dpponent of the Drake consti-
tution, he consented to enter the canvass more to aid in striking the
ban of disfranchisement from the majority of his fellow-citizeus,
which that instrument had fastened upon them, than for his own pro-
motion in public life. He made the canvass of Cooper, Morgan, and
Moniteau counties for the state senate and at the election ran ahead
of his ticket. Owing, however, to the disfranchisement law of the
time, he was defeated by George W. Boardman, then register of the
United States land office. In 1872 he was one of the most prominent
candidates for governor of the state before the democratic conven-
tion which finally nominated Silas Woodson. His real strength was
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 925
conceded to be unequalled by that of any other candidate, but to
break a dead-lock in the convention a new man was sought and the
choice fell upon Judge Woodson, which resulted in his election.
After that Colonel Stephens gradually disappeared from politics,
though rising higher and higher in public estimation by his honorable
connection with public enterprises. In 1877 he was appointed by
Governor Phelps a lieutenant colonel and chief of his Excellency's
military staff, practically an honorary position. In 1878 he was ap-
pointed commissioner at large for the state of Missouri to the Paris
exposition, and he faithfully and ably represented his state in that
distinguished position*
In 1853 Colonel Stephens was married to Miss Martha Gibson,
of Boonville, a lady of superior education and refinement. Of this
union six children were reared: William Speed, Gibson,' Lon V.,
Alexander, Mittie and Rhoda. In 1875 Mrs. Stephens died, lamented
by the people of Cooper county, and mourned by a large circle of
relatives. Colonel Stephens was again marrried, Miss Jones, an ac-
complished and worthy lady, becoming his wife, in 1877. She is a
daughter of the well known author of New York, Eichard Jones,
more generally known by his book, "Wild Western Scenes." The
present Mrs. Stephens has two children by her late husband. Colo-
nel Stephens was taken off suddenly by death at his home in Boon-
ville in the month of August, 1881. He had been suffering consid-
erably from asthma previously, but was able to attend to business
the day before. His serious illness was of only about two hours'
duration. The news of his death cast a gloom over the entire com-
munity and the whole state. Among the innumerable tributes paid to
his memory by friends all over the country, none are nearer just or
truer than that of Senator Vest who had known him so long and so
well : " I who know this man better than all others know him, except
a very few, will bear witness in the dread presence of death that his
impulses were good, his life useful and his loss to the world very
great."
LON V. STEPHENS,
assistant cashier Central National bank. Sufficient means to enter di-
rectly into the business affairs of life for himself and influential family
connections are undoubtedly great advantages to a young man in
beginning his career, but unless he has the qualities himself that would
bring success sooner or later, even without these advantages he can-
not long hold the position, much less steadily advance above it,
that they enable him to take. Lon V- Stephens, one of the leading
60
926 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
young business men of Boonville and of central Missouri, as a son of
the late Colonel Joseph L. Stephens, was not without means and in-
fluential friends to aid him so far as such advantages go in starting
out in life, but better and far more important than these he inherited to
a striking degree the qualities that made his father's name synonomous
with success, and with all that is honorable and useful as a citizen and
as a man. Industrious, almost to a fault, possessed of superior ability
and as upright in purposes and practices as his father was, Lon V.
Stephens continues in his character to an exceeding measure the ele-
ments that would make his career a successful and useful one whatever
his early circumstances might be. Without means or influential
friends in early life, these qualities raised his father to eminence and
great wealth before he had reached the meridian of manhood, and
the same qualities in the son could not fail to produce the same i-e-
sults. Though now only in his twenty-seventh year, as the assistant
cashier of the Central National bank, one of the principal banking insti-
tutions of central Missouri, as well as in other important business
stations, he has already given the most convincing proofs of his ability
and qualifications as a rising young business man and financier. And
the confidence and esteem with which he is regarded in financial cir-
cles and among all classes, show that his merits are not unobserved,
nor unappreciated. His future is certainly one of great promise.
Lon V. Stephens was born in Boonville, December 21, 1856, and
was reared in this city. After the usual course in the primary
schools, at the age of fourteen he entered Kemper's well known
family school, in which he remained as a student two years, or four
terms, applying himself to his studies during that time with untiring
diligence. At the expiration of his fourth term in the Kemper insti-
tution, he was found to be more than ordinarily well qualified to enter
upon his college or university course, and accordingly he then went
to Virginia and became a matriculate in Washington and Lee univer-
sity of that state. During the years 1877 and 1878, he pursued the
more advanced studies required in that great institution of learning,
after which he returned to Boonville. In 1879 he became editor and
proprietor of the Advertiser, of this city, which he conducted with
singular ability and success until 1880, when he accepted the position of
book-keeper of the Central National bank, retaining, however, to the
present time, his interest in the Advertiser. From book-keeper he
subsequently became assistant cashier of the bank, the position he
now holds, and he is also a prominent stockholder in and a director
of this institution. On the 5th of October, 1880, Mr. Stephens was
HISTORT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 927
married to Miss Maggie, daughter of James M. Nelson, the president
of the Central National bank. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are both mem-
bers of the southern M. E. church.
WILLIAM SPEED STEPHENS,
cashier of the Central National bank. Among the young men of cen-
tral Missouri, whose future seems bright with promise, none are more
conspicuous than William Speed Stephens of Boonville. A son of the
late Colonel Joseph L. Stephens, and just now eutering his thirtieth
year, he has already given proof conclusive that he is worthy to an
emineut degree of the name he has and of the advantages and oppor-
tunities resulting from his descent. He was born in this city June 26,
1854, and received his early education in Kemper's family school.
After five years of careful preparatory study he entered Washington
and Lee university in Lexington, Virginia, continuing there during
the years 1874, 1875 and 1876. Shortly before the time he was to
have graduated from the law department of that institution, his father
was appointed receiver of the Missouri Pacific railroad, and he was
called home to take charge of his father's interests in the Central
National bank, of which he became cashier. Here he commenced a
business career that has rarely been equalled for the rapidity with
which he has risen to prominence in banking and business circles. So
widely known had he become throughout the state, prior to the last
election, and so popular as a capable and thoroughly responsible finan-
cier, that he was strongly urged for the democratic nomination for
state treasurer, and in all probability would have been nominated had
he not declined to be a candidate on account of being under the age
required by law, and from business and personal considerations quite
as decisive. Contemporaneous with his connection with the Central
National bank, he has also been interested in steamboating on the Mis-
souri river and has acted as secretary and treasurer of the Central
Missouri Mining Company. He has likewise held the post of secre-
tary and treasurer of the St. Louis and Southern Railway Company,
and has borne his share with his brother, Lawrence V. Stephens, in
administering on the Extensive estate of their father. He has shown
himself the able and discriminating friend of worthy, private and public
enterprises, and has developed a genius for organization and care in the
administration of extended undertakings, that stamps him as a growing
and rising man of superior abilities. On the death of his father, in
August, 1880, he and his brother qualified as administrators and gave
the required bond of $1,000,000. As curators they gave an additional
928 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
bond of $350,000, and such was their standing in the community
and the confidence and kindly friendship their conduct had inspired,
that these enormous bonds were readily given. William Speed
Stephens was married June 23, 1880, to Miss Jennie C. Thompson,
an accomplished young lady.
DR. FRANKLIN SWAP,
dentist. Besides being a thorough and successful dentist, Dr. Swap
has long been a leading citizen of Boonville, having been prominent
as a Union officer during the war, and having held the office of city
register some thirteen years since. He was born in Albany, N. Y.,
August 19th, 1830. His father, William Swap, and mother, Belinda,
whose family name before her marriage was Carl, were both natives
of the Empire State, and there they married and reared their family.
However, Mrs. Swap died in about 1837, and in 1848 Mr. Swap
removed to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his
death in 1881. When the family left New York, Franklin, now the
doctor, was about eighteen years of age, and in the meantime had learned
the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed in all about eight years.
In 1854, having married three years before, he removed with his family
to Taylor county, Iowa, where he studied dentistry, and after acquir-
ing that profession practised it until April, 1862. It then having
become apparent that the war was going to be a long and desperate
struggle for the preservation of the Union, demanding the patriotic
services of every man who could shoulder a musket, he enlisted iu
the army, entering the ranks as a private soldier. By regular promo-
tions, however, he was raised to the rank of captain, which position
he held when Lee delivered his sword to the " First Captain of the
Age" at Appomattox. He then resumed the practice of his pro-
fession in Taylor county, Iowa, but having been stationed in central
Missouri during the war, in fact, having been provost marshal of eight
counties in central and southern Missouri — Cooper, Morgan, Hamil-
ton, Cole, Miller, Maries, Hickory and Camden — he had had an excel-
lent opportunity to acquaint himself with the advantages this section
offers for men of energy and enterprise in almost every calling of life,
and accordingly he determined to cast his fortunes in central Mis-
souri. In December, 1865 he came to Boonville and opened an office
and here he has since lived and practised his profession with marked
success. As a citizen he has proved of great value to the community.
In public enterprises and in all movements looking to the general
good, he has always taken an active interest, and as an evidence of his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 929
public spirit as a citizen and his recognized business ability, it may be
mentioned that he was elected to and filled the responsible office of
secretary of the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railway com-
pany during the time its road was being constructed. For thirteen
years he was secretary of the school board of Boonville — from 1867
to 1880, being one of the members of the first board after the reor-
ganization and vitalization of the free school system in this State.
That Dr. Swap is a man of more than ordinary natural ability, is
evidenced by his success in whatever he has enlisted himself — in his
profession, as a soldier, and in civil affairs. He is respected wher-
ever known as an upright man and useful citizen. On the 2d of
August, 1851, he was married to Miss Mary E. Mitchell, of New
York. They have had six children, of whom four are living : Frank
W., Charles, Ida A. and Emma B. Dr. Swap is a member of the
I. 0. 0. F.
JAMES E. TALIAFERRO,
clerk of the circuit court for Cooper county. Although Mr. Taliaferro
is only thirty-four years of age, when he completes his present term of
office he will have served in the position he now holds thirteen years,
having been appointed deputy in 1870, and having continued in that
capacity until his election to the principal clerkship in 1882. This
record speaks a volume for him both as an officer and a man. He
was born in Cooper county, Mo., August 19th, 1849, and is a son of
James G. Taliaferro, for many years one of the substantial and highly
respected citizens of this county, but now a resident of Moniteau
county, and originally from Madison county, Va. Mrs. Taliaferro,
whose maiden name was Lucy A. Woodward, was a native of Madi-
son county, Ky., and of the well-known Woodward family of that
State. James T., the son, was reared in this county, and at a com-
paratively early age acquired a good practical education in the com
mon schools of this county. On the 1st of October, 1877, he waa
married to Miss Anna R., daughter of Dr. Quarles, a prominent citizen
and physician, who was killed in the first battle of Boonville. She
died November 2, 1879, leaving one child, Eddie Q. Mr. Taliaferro was
married again April 28th, 1881, Miss Fannie, daughter of Jackson
Monroe, formerly clerk of the county court of Cooper county, then
hecoming his wife. They have one child, Monroe. Mr. Taliaferro is
a member of the I. O.O. F., and of the Encampment of that order,
and also of the A. F. and A. M., and of the Royal Arch Chapter.
930 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
RICHARD R. THOMPSON,
undertaker. Mr. Thompson has been engaged in his present business
nearly twenty years, and besides being one of the leading under-
takers of Cooper and the surrounding counties, he is a successful,
upright business man. His long experience as an undertaker, and
his naturally humane disposition fit him to more than an ordinary degree
for the appropriate discharge of the delicate duties relating to the
last sad rites of the dead. He keeps constantly on hand a variety of
caskets, etc., to suit all tastes, and has every convenience for taking
charge of and bearing to their last resting place the loved and lost
one at a moment's notice. Mr. Thompson came to Cooper county
with his parents in 1836, he then being a young man twenty years of
age. His father, whose name was also Richard, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Sallie Yeatman, were both natives of Vir-
ginia, where they were reared and married ; and there Richard R.
was born, in Warrenton, March 13, 1817. Eight years after com-
ing to this county his father died, but his mother survived her
husband twenty-four years. When fifteen years of age, Richard R.,
having by that time acquired the rudiments of a good ordinary edu-
cation, commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, which afterwards
he had become master of when he came to Cooper county with his
parents, in 1836. Here he worked at his trade, soon becoming a lead-
ing contractor and builder, until 1864, when he engaged in his present
business. He was married, January 11, 1848, to Miss Mary E.,
daughter of John and Bitha Kelly, who settled in this county in an
early day. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have two children — Cornelia
and Faunie. Mr. T. has been a member of the M. E. church for the
last fifty years, and has been steward and trustee for forty years.
Mrs. Thompson, his mother, lived to the advanced age of nearly
eighty-nine years, having been born in Westmoreland county, Virginia,
October 7, 1779, and having died in this county June 28, 1868. But
his father died at the age of sixty-eight, having been born in West-
moreland county, Virginia, July 17, 1776, and having died in this
county January 27, 1844. They were married June 27, 1798.
DR. WILLIAM H. TRIGG,
retired physician, and now of W. H. Trigg & Co. The life of Dr.
Trigg has been an unusually active one, and, at the same time, more
than an ordinarily successful one. In youth he commenced in the
world on his own account by working at such employment as he could
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 931
get ; by hard study he was soon qualified to engage in school teach-
ing ; then he studied medicine and became a practising physician ;
after a while he was able to engage largely in merchandising ; bank-
ing then was shortly added to his other interests ; and now he is one
of the leading business men and wealthy, prominent citizens of the
county, and has been for years. Such a life-record is well worthy a
place in the " History of Cooper County." William H. Trigg was
bora in Wilson county, Tennessee, January 24, 1808. His father,
Daniel Trigg, was a native of Virginia, born in Bedford county, in
March, 1776. When a young man, Daniel Trigg went to Tennessee
with his father's family, and there subsequently married Miss Nancy,
daughter of Rev. William Hodge, of North Carolina. Of this union
seven children were reared, of whom William H., the doctor, was the
second.' Daniel Trigg, the father, died April 28, 1830, and Mrs.
Trigg, September 22, 1823. In youth William H. worked in various
occupations and attended such schools as were convenient. He also
attended school under William McKnight, of Rutherford county, Ten-
nessee, with whom he boarded, and subsequently taught school him-
self. About this time he commenced the study of medicine under
Dr. Hodge, of Sumner county, and afterwards continued it under
Drs. Hodge & Blackmore, of Gallatin, Tennessee. After several
years' study, in 1830 he commenced the practice of his profession in
Wilson county, where he was reared, and remained there one year.
Thence he went to Kainesville, Tennessee, and the following year lo-
cated in Gallatin, of that state, where he practised until 1834. In
February of that year he came to Boonville, where he at once entered
upon the practice of medicine again, and followed it until his business
became so important as to require his whole attention. Here, during
the first year of his residence, he began merchandising, and was a
member of the firm of Boyers, Blythe & Trigg. This continued two
years. He then became a partner in the firm of Wyan & Trigg, which
lasted until the death of Mr. Wyan, in 1842. In 1846 Dr. Trigg en-
gaged in the banking business, which he followed without a partner
until 1858, when Messrs. Nelson, Stephens and others became his
associates, and the house was then known as W. H. Trigg & Co.
This firm was dissolved eight years afterwards, in 1866. In the
meantime, however, in 1861, he, in association with others, organized
a mercantile company under the name of W. H. Trigg & Co., which
did business in Boonville until 1864, when they went to Courtland,
New York, where they carried on business until the fall of 1865. Re-
turning then to Boonville, they resumed business here, and also added
932 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
i
banking as a branch of their business. Two years afterwards, how-
ever, the banking department was dispensed with, and since then
they have confined themselves to their mercantile interests exclu-
sively. This house is one of the largest retail establishments in
central Missouri, and has an extensive and profitable trade through-
out the surrounding country for many miles. On the 14th of April,
1835, Dr. Trigg was married to Miss Sarah GK, daughter of Jacob
Wyan, an old settler of Cooper county. She was born December 25,
1818. They have four children: Josephine H., Julia A., Anna M.
and William W. As a business man, Dr. Trigg has achieved a degree
of success that stamps him as a man of superior ability and enter-
prise. And as a citizen, he has always been public-spirited and
among the foremost to offer help, both material and otherwise, in all
movements calculated to promote the general interests of the city and
surrounding country. His prosperity has been well earned, and
none envy him the enjoyment of it, because all know that it has been
honestly and honorably obtained.
HON. JOHN R. WALKER,
attorney. The Walker family, of this state, of whom Hon. John E.
is a representative, came originally from Virginia, and all trace their
lineage back to Samuel Walker, a native and resident of that state
during the latter half of the last century, but who emigrated to North
Carolina, and afterwards to Overton county, Tennessee, where he
died at an advanced age in 1834. He reared a family of five sons
and one daughter: Samuel, Wiuston, Armstead, John, Harrison and
Ellen. These afterwards settled in Kentuckv, where Samuel died,
but his son, Charles, now lives in Pettis county, Missouri. Harrison
moved from Kentucky to Indiana, where he died, leaving two sons
and a daughter. John and Armstead settled in southwest Missouri,
where they raised large families, and Winston, the grandfather of
Hon. John E., came to Cooper county, Missouri, where he died,
August 30, 1855, aged seventy-five years. He left three sons, Samuel,
Henry E., and Anthony S. Anthony, after he grew up, married Miss
Mary E., daughter of Judge Anthony F. Read, of this county, but
origiually of Kentucky. Judge Eead's wife, formerly Miss Nelly
C. Ewing, was a daughter of Urban Ewing, and niece of Eev. Finis
Ewing. Anthony S. Walker and wife reared five children, viz. :
James H., of Bunceton, this county; Hon. .John R., of Boonville ;
Addison A., of Pleasant Green, this county; Mrs. Mary E. Hick-
man, of Columbia, Missouri ; and Mrs. Florence Conkwright, of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 933
Sedalia. Anthony S. Walker, the father of these, was for many years
a leading citizen and large property holder of Cooper county, and
was widely known and highly esteemed as a man of the most unques-
tioned purity of character and of superior intelligence. He was, in
every better sense, an upright citizen and a kind, hospitable neighbor.
He died in this county, September 26th, 1863. Mrs. Walker, his
wife, came of a family several of whose representatives have occupied
distinguished positions in the business and public affairs of their
respective states, and of the country. Judge John Read was an able
jurist of Tennessee. Hon. James G. was a leading member of
congress from Indiana, and others have attained to distinction in other
parts of the union. Mrs. Walker herself was a lady of marked intel-
ligence, and of more than ordinary culture. She died in June, 1872.
John R., the son, was burn in Cooper county, Missouri, March 18th,
1846, and, after taking the usual course in the neighborhood schools
in early youth, in 1861 entered Kemper's well known school in Boon-
ville, where he continued two years. After this he was admitted to
Yale college, and spent three years of hard study in that great insti-
tution of learning. Returning home in 1866, the following year he
went to Bates county, and was occupied there several years with
business connected with the landed interests of his father's estate.
While there, in 1870, he was elected to the legislature, and proved
one of the ablest and most popular members of the house. In 1873
he came back to his old home in Cooper county, and began the study
of law under Hon. John Cosgrove, being afterwards admitted to the
bar in 1874, whereupon he entered vigorously upon the practice of his
profession. In 1880 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the
county, and filled that position for two years with more than ordinary
ability. He is now one of the prominent attorneys of Booiiville,
and in the coming years will doubtless be called upon to serve the
people in various positions of distinction and public trust. He was
married October 13th, 1880, to Miss Alice Ewing, a refined and
accomplished daughter of Judge E. P. Ewing, the eminent jurist,
who for many years ornamented the supreme bench of Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker have two children, Alice E. and John R. Mr.
Walker is a member of the Masonic order.
NICHOLAS WALZ,
dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, carpets, notions, etc. Mr.
Walz' career is another illustration of the fact that close attention to
business, economy and good management will eventually bring success.
934 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
He has a large establishment in the above named lines, and has an
extensive and profitable trade, which is steadily growing ; all is the
result of his own exertions, for he had nothing to begin on but his
own disposition and ability to work. He was born in Germany, July
29th, 1838, but at the age of thirteen came over to this country with
his parents, and located with them in Chicago, Illinois. He remained
there until 1855, when he went to Mendota, Illinois, but stopped
there only two years, coming thence to Boonville in 1857, where he
has since lived. Here he engaged in clerking for Mr. Heimsen, and
in less than three years had saved up enough to buy him out, which
he did in 1855, and has since conducted the business alone, and with
marked success. He was married January 22d, 1862, to Miss Julia
Brenneiseu, originally of Germany. They have eight children, John
E., Louisa, Herman, Charles, Julia, Laura, and Henry. Mr. Walz
was a member of the city council three terms, and is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Boonville Turn.
FREDERICK C. WENIG,
dealer in general merchandise. Mr. Wenig, who is a native of
Germany, born February 1, 1834, was reared and educated in his
native country, receiving more than an ordinary education, especially
in the department of mathematics. When still a youth he was engaged
by a mining company, in that country, in the capacity of surveyor,
which position, together with clerical work hi the office of the
company, he continued in until he left for this country, in 1860.
Arriving here he first stopped in Ironton, Ohio, and in 1861 came to
Boonville, but shortly afterward went toPella, Iowa, where he clerked
about two years and a half, being a part of the time in a flouring
mill. From there he went to Belleville, 111., and followed clerking in
business firms until 1865, whereupon he came to Boonville, and in a
short time established his present business. He is a well qualified,
energetic business man, and enjoys the unshaken confidence of the
people, and no inconsiderable share of their patronage in his business.
He was married, July 29th, 1861, to Miss Wilhelmina Boiler, originally
of Germany ; but she was taken from him by death, in April, 1882, and
he has but one child living, Mary. Mr. Wenig is a member of the
A. O. U. W.
WARNER WHITLOW,
railroad contractor, For over thirty years Mr. Whitlow has been a
citizen of Cooper county. Commencing as a teamster, as Erastus
Wells commenced in St. Louis as a bus driver, he soon became a
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 935
trader or dealer iu horses and mules, and then, in connection with this,
engaged in the livery business in Boonville, which he carried on for
fifteen years, with marked success, selling out in 1882 to Messrs.
Eagland & Smith. Since then he has become a prominent railroad
contractor, in which business he is engaged at the present time. He
was born in Barren county (now Metcalf county), Kentucky, April
25th, 1824, and was a son of Pleasant and Elizabeth (Yates) Whit-
low, of that state. He was reared in his native state, where he
remained until 1849, when, resolving to seek his fortune further in
the west, he came to Missouri and located in Platte county. In 1852
he made a visit home, and, on returning to his adopted state the same
year, changed his place of residence from Platte to Cooper county,
since which he has been identified with the industrial and business
life of this county. On the 25th of October, 1849, he was married
to Miss Narcissa Hardin, of Kentucky. They have but one child
living, a daughter, Miss AddieLee.
WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS,
of Draffin & Williams, attorneys at law. Among the comparatively
young attorneys of this judicial circuit, who have already begun to
take prominent and leading positions in their profession, is Mr.
Williams of the above named firm. He has been engaged in the
practice about ten years and has already made an honorable record as
an able, successful attorney. He was born in Boonville February
4th, 1850, and is a son of Marcus Williams and wife, previously Miss
Mary J. Lettlepage, both of this city, Young Williams was reared
in Boonville, and was educated in Kemper's well-known school.
When seventeen years of age he received the appointment of deputy
collector of Cooper county, the duties of which he discharged so success-
fully and with such satisfaction to all concerned that he was retained
in the position five years, during which he also studied law. He then,
of his own inclination, retired from the office of deputy collector and
gave his whole attention to the study of law, availing himself of the
tutorage of Mr. Draffin his present partner. One year after entering
Mr. Draffin's office as a student he was admitted to the bar with marked
distinction, since which he has actively practised his profession. As
an indorsement of his qualifications and ability as a lawyer, is the
significant fact that a short time after his admittance to the bar
he became the partner in business of his former tutor, one of the
oldest and ablest lawyers of the circuit. On the 16th of December,
1875, he was married to Miss Jessie, daughter of Dr. E. C. Evans,
936 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of Sedalia, Missouri. They have two children, Bessie and Koy D.
Mr. Williams is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the
Masonic order, also of the Chapter and Commandery of that order.
THOMAS B. WRIGHT,
attorney at law. Thomas B. Wright was in his twentieth year, and
still at the parental hearthstone in Howard county, when the signal
shot that shook the Union was fired on Fort Sumter. But he re-
mained not long afterwards at home. The same spirit of patriotism
that animated the young soldiery of the Revolution, and of all the
wars of the republic, prompted him to become a volunteer in the de-
fence of his country's flag. He enlisted in company B, 5th cavalry,
Missouri state militia, in 1861, and followed the victorious banner of
stripes and stars until it waved in triumph throughout the length and
breadth of the land. In 1862 he was made lieutenant of the com-
pany, and served in that capacity until about the close of the war.
However, early in the spring of 1865, he came to Boonville, and, in
conjunction with Captain George Miller, organized a company for
home protection. But in June of the same year he was detailed for
service as provost marshal of Greenfield, Missouri,, which duty he
discharged until the succeeding summer, when, peace having been
restored, he returned to his home in Howard county. Like most of
the young men in central Missouri, of his age, the war prevented him
from getting as early a start in civil life as otherwise he would have
done. He was born in Howard county, Missouri, September 27,
1841, and but for the war would have been well started on his pro-
fessional career by 1865, for he had acquired an excellent education
in the ordinary schools and in Mount Pleasant college, at Huntsville,
Missouri, prior to 1861. Still, the rule that good soldiers make good
citizens, has proved true in his case. He came to Boonville in 1866,
determined to make up the best he could for time given to his country.
Having devoted himself assiduously to the study of the law, for a
number of years, he was admitted to the bar in 1868, with marked
distinction. Since then he has been actively engaged. in the practice
of his profession in this circuit, with his office at Boonville. In 1874,
he was elected mayor of the city of Boonville, serving two years.
During the years 1872-73 and 1881-82, he was the city attorney of
Boonville. Mr. Wright was married in June, 1870, to Miss Martha
E., daughter of Doctor G. A. Williams, formerly of this county.
They have two children living : Lucien and Alice. His father, Joseph
Wright, was of Tennessee, born in April, 1799, and died in Howard
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 937
county, in 1879, whither he had moved in 1819. His mother, whose
maiden name was Eliza Wilds, was at the time of her marriage to
Joseph Wright a Mrs. Yount, a widow lady of Howard county. By
her first husband she had three children, and by her second three
also, of whom Thomas B. was the second. She died in 1854.
HENRY ZEIGEL,
farmer. Mr. Zeigel is of German parentage, his father, Andrew
Zeigel, having been born and reared in Baden-Baden, Germany ; and
his mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Bassler, was of the same country.
His parents, after coming to this country, settled in Jefferson county,
New York, where Henry was born in September, 1843. Afterwards,
in 1857, they came to Cooper county, this state, where they subse-
quently died. Henry, however, was principally reared before his
parents left New York, and was brought up to the occupation of a
farmer, which he has since followed. His farm contains 160 acres of
good laud, and he is an industrious, frugal farmer. He served during
the war on the Union side, and was under Colonel Eppstein, in com-
pany A, 5th cavalry, Missouri state militia. In December, 1871,
he was married to Miss Malinda McGuyre, of this county. They
have three children living : Oscar L., Henry W- and Frederick A.
BLACKWATEE TOWNSHIP.
C. G. COOK
came originally from Jackson county, Tennessee, where he was born
February 24, 1849. His father, William Cook, a native of the same
state, born about the year 1810, lived there until his death. He mar-
ried Miss Louisa Cunningham, of Tennessee, she having been born in
1818, and they had seven children — five boys and two girls — of
whom six children are living: William, George W., Michael B., Ma-
tilda, Henrietta and C. G. Mrs. Cook was married a second time,
about the year 1861 or 1862, to Peter Wood, also born in Tennessee.
They had five children : James, Milton and Lawson (twins), Clinton
and DeWitt, all living in this county. In 1871, leaving his native state,
the subject of this sketch emigrated to Missouri and settled in Cooper
county, at the bridge on Blackwater creek. He then'moved toEidge
Prairie, and subsequently came to his present place of residence. Mr.
938 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Cook learned the blacksmith's trade in Simpson county, Kentucky, and
at this time follows that occupation in connection with farming, his
present shop having been established about three years. He owns
100 acres of improved and cultivated land in this township. January
10, 1871, he was married to Miss Milly Cook, a daughter of James A.
Cook, of Cooper county, who was born in 1830 or 1835. Mrs. Cook's
birth occurred December 7, 1852. They have had five children:
Dotia, born January 17, 1872 ; Rufus, born August 29, 1874 ; Daisy,
born January 16, 1876; Iolia, born February 22, 1878, and Caroline,
born August 5, 1881. Mr. Cook is a member of the M. E. church
south, with which he has been connected for eighteen years. He also
belongs to Hope lodge, No. 144, I. O. O. F., of Ridge Prairie. At
present he is president of the board of school directors of this town-
ship, and has held other minor offices.
MARTIN DORFIINGER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 18, was born in September, 1823, in
Baden, Germany, his father being Frederick Dorfiinger, also a native
of Germany, born May 24, 1784. He lived there until 1846, when,
emigrating to the United States, he settled in Ohio, and in Mahon
ing and Trumbull counties, where he lived for seven years. Subse-
quently he came to Missouri and located near Pilot Grove, Cooper
county, where he made his home until his death, on May 12, 1869.
In 1811 he was married to Miss Veriua Hurst, of Baden, Germany,
born in 1784. She died on August 9, 1841. They were blessed with
seven children, two of whom are living: one, Elizabeth, now in Ger-
many, and the subject of this sketch. The latter remained with his
father until his removal to this country, after which he spent seven
years in travelling. In October, 1852, he took up his location in this
county, which has since been his home. July 12, 1853, he was mar-
ried to Miss Anna Baker, a daughter of Jacob Baker, of Germany,
she having been born November 29, 1831. Of the original number
of seven children born to them, six are living : Elizabeth, Fritz, Anna,
Martin, William and George. One daughter, Elizabeth, is deceased.
Mr. Dorfiinger is the owner of 240 acres of land, so situated as to form
almost a peninsula. This is well adapted for stock purposes.
W. S. HEIM,
a native of Pennsylvania, was born March 21, 1825, being the son of
John and Magdalena (Smith) Heim, also of Pennsylvania. The former
was born in 1784, and resided in the state of his birth until his death
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 939
in 1859. To them were born eleven children, of which number seven
survive. The subject of this sketch remained at home until twenty-
one years of age, and in 1847 Miss Caroline Eeber, daughter of Samuel
Keber, of Pennsylvania, became his wife. By this marriage there
have been three children : Francis, Melissa and Milton. Mr. Heim is
the owner of 103 acres of land in section 4. This land is well im-
proved and watered, and will compare most favorably with any in
this township. He is worthy of much credit for the manner in which
he conducts his farming operations. Religiously he is a Lutheran.
C. T. RUCKER,
merchant at Blackwater, was born on the 3d of September, 1847, in
Blackwater township, Cooper county, Missouri. His paternal grand-
father, a Virginian by birth, was born May 22, 1797. His father, W.
M. Rucker, originally of Randolph county, Missouri, was born July
22, 1824. The latter was twice married ; first, February 6, 1845, to
Miss Eliza Bridgewater, a daughter of Nathaniel Bridgewater, who
was one of the earliest settlers of this county. To them were born
eleven children, all but four of whom died while young. James N.,
C. T., Carter M. and Lelia are now living. Mr. Rucker was married
a second time to Miss Nettie Bridgewater, a niece of his former wife.
He lived about three years after this marriage, dying August 12, 1876.
On the 5th day of June, 1870, the subject of this sketch was united in
marriage to Miss Mary C. Poindexter, a daughter of J. K. Poindexter,
of Lamine township, this county, but formerly of Patrick county, Vir-
ginia. They have had four children : James H., born February 26,
1871; Eliza, born October 8, 1873; Katie M., born February 11,
1877, now deceased, and W. M., born October 22, 1878. Mr. Rucker
is the owner, of 275 acres of land on section 2, of Blackwater town-
ship, and is quite actively engaged in stock dealing, besides devoting
much attention to the mercantile business. He is enjoying a most
successful trade here, and is also connected with the general merchan-
dise firm of Watson & Rucker at Ridge Prairie. He has been a mem-
ber of the Baptist church for fourteen years. His grandfather figured
conspicuously in the earliest history of the Baptist church in Missouri,
and he founded and built the Hess creek church of Saline county, and
was its pastor for many years in an early day. He was a man uni-(
versally respected by all, and had many friends.
JAMES THOMAS
was born about six miles south of Boonville, in Cooper county, Mis-
souri, in 1830, being the son of Jacob Thomas, who was born in Penn-
940 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
sylvania about the year 1763 or 1765. Emigrating to Tennessee, he
lived there for several years and then came to Missouri before the
land sales, being one of Cooper county's earliest settlers. He was by
occupation a miller, and for many years operated day and night the
first horse mill in the county, known as Thomas' mill. Mr. Thomas
was twice married. His second wife was Jane Yarian, and they had
seven children, of whom James was the youngest. The latter re-
mained with his father until that person's death, when our subject
was twenty-two years of age. He was married first in 1852, to Miss
Nancy Woolery, of Palestine township, this county, and to them were
"born seven children: Amanda, Thomas, Mary F., George, John,
Reuben and Jennie Bell. His second marriage occm-red in Septem-
ber, 1866, to Nancy O. Howell, of Saline county, Missouri. Mr.
Thomas was married the third time to Mrs. Eebecca Howe, widow of
Harvey Howe, of this county. He now owns eighty acres of land in
this vicinity, well improved. Mr. Thomas is at present engaged in
conducting a blacksmith shop, having learned the trade from his
father. His father and two half-brothers, Isaac and Jake, voted at
the first election held in the county.
OLAEK'S FORK TOWNSHIP.
JOSHUA C. BERRY,
farmer. Mr. Joshua C. Berry was a son of Major Joshua H. Berry,
an early settler and a highly respected citizen of this county, who died
here, where he had spent the principal part of a long and useful life, in
1869. Major Berry was born in North Carolina December 25, 1797,
and in youth received a superior education, particularly in the depart-
ment of mathematics. His attainments in this science were such that,
after he grew up, he was employed by the government in its civil en-
gineer corps, and as early as 1816 he came out to this state as a mem-
ber of a United States surveying commission, with which he was
employed in making surveys along the Missouri river, between Lex-
• ington and Boonville. After this he returned to North Carolina, and
was subsequently married to Miss Patsey A. Talbot, of Georgia. She
was born March 9, 1802. Their marriage occurred February 15, 1821.
Eight children were born to them, two of whom are deceased : John
M., Eveline, Patsy A. (deceased), William A., Mary E. Narcissa A.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 941
(deceased) and Joshua C, the subject of this sketch. However,
prior to his marriage Major Berry had become an adopted citizen of
Missouri. He first located at New Madrid, and then came to Cooper
county, where he settled on the tract of land now owned by Alexander
Shannon. During the Indian troubles he was made major of a com-
mand of pioneer volunteers, and was an able and efficient officer. He
soon became one of the largest land owners of the county, and at his
death left a large landed estate. His first wife died December 5, 1851.
After her death Major Berry was twice married. His second wife,
formerly Miss Eliza A. Wells, lived but little more than a year, leav-
ing a child that survived its mother only a short time. His last wife,
previously Mrs. Ellen R. Griggs, to whom he was married July 26,
1855, still survives him. Joshua C, the subject of this sketch, was
born May 4, 1841. Farming has been his life occupation, and in his
chosen calling he has been satisfactorily successful. He owns several
hundred acres of fine land. His farm, numbering something over a
quarter section of land, is an excellent homestead, and is comfortably
and substantially improved. October 21, 1867, he was married to
Miss Martha L., daughter of William and Edith Moore, of this county.
His wife was born December 16, 1847. Seven children have resulted
from this marriage : William M., born August 19, 1869 ; Alonzo W.,
born October 10, 1871; Augustus E., born September 22, 1873;
Oliver O, born June 1, 1876 ; Alice S., born April 20, 1880, and an
infant daughter, born October 12, 1882, now deceased, Mrs. Berry
is a member of the Baptist church at Mount Herman. Mr. Berry is
au enterprising farmer, and a highly respected citizen.
JOHN G. BURGER,
proprietor of Cedar Mound farm, section 13. Cedar Mound farm is
situated about ten miles south of Boonville, and is one of the hand-
somest farm sites as well as best farms in that part of the county. It
contains 340 acres of fine land, and is exceptionally well improved.
The residence is a more than ordinarily good one ; the other buildings
are of a superior quality, and the fencing and general improvements
are in keeping with the buildings, etc. Mr. Burger, the owner and
proprietor, had but little to start on when he commenced in life for
himself, but by patient, untiring industry, and good, practical manage-
ment he was not long in placing himself among the best and most sub-
stantial farmers of the county. He is a representative of two old and
highly respected families in this county — the Burgers and Titsworths.
His grandparents, on his father's side, came here in 1821, when his
61
942 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
father, Henry Burger, was but fifteen years old. They were origi-
nally from Virginia, but directly from Tennessee. His mother, form-
erly Miss Mary Titsworth, was a daughter of Gabriel and Nancy
Titsworth, who settled in this county from Kentucky among its early
pioneers. Gabriel Titsworth's father was one of the first settlers of
the Blue Grass state, and Gabriel himself and a sister were captured
by the Indians in that state when still quite young. Gabriel was
scalped and thrown into a sink hole, as he was supposed to be dead ;
his sister was held a captive for a considerable time. Mr. Burger's
father was born December 15, 1805, and his mother December 26,
1817. They were married here in 1833. The father died March 23,
1883, but Mrs. Burger still survives her husband. They had a
family of six children, of whom four sons and a daughter are living,
John G. Burger, the subject of this sketch, being the eldest. He was
born in Prairie Home township April 21, 1834, and brought up to the
occupation of a farmer, which he has since followed. He has been
twice married. November 9, 1858, he was married to Miss Nancy
Howe. She died January 17, 1873, aged thirty-six, leaving a family
of children, of whom five are living: Emma L., born February 5,
1863, wife of Robert Mason, resident of Dade county ; John W., born
March 18, 1866 ; Ella E., born July 16, 1868 : George, born April 24,
1870, and Lulu D., born June 26, 1872. Their first and second chil-
dren, Mary L. and Joseph H., died early in life. His present wife,
formerly Miss Hettie J. McKillip, to whom he was married June 23,
1874, was a daughter of James and Elizabeth McKillip, of Callaway
county, Missouri, and was born September 29, 1849. Her father was
a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Clark county, Kentucky.
HENRY CRAWFORD,
farmer. Among the prominent young farmers of more than ordinary
promise in this county is the young gentleman whose name heads this
sketch. He is a sou of Mr. John Crawford, whose sketch follows
this, and is worthy, in every sense, of the name and lineage. He was
born of his father's first marriage, May 19, 1850, and in youth had
excellent educational advantages. After the common schools he en-
tered Kemper's well known and highly reputed school at Boonville,
in which he completed his education. In 1874 he went upon a farm
of his own of about a quarter section of land and began his farming
career, which has been characterized by the most gratifying success
ever since. Since he settled on his present farm he has added to his
landed estate by purchase, until he now has nearly 300 acres of real
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 943
estate of his own. October 13, 1875, he was married to Miss Eliza-
beth J. , daughter of Henry and Martha A. Knaus. His wife was born
December 30, 1852. They have lost two children : Johannie L., born
July 15, 1876, died July 3, 1882, and Eva, born August 22, 1878, died
August 28, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the
Baptist churfih.
JOHN CRAWFORD,
proprietor of Airy- View farm. Airy- View farm is one of the most
sightly, and at the same time, one of the best farms in Cooper county.
While it is not so large as some, what it lacks in size it more than
makes up in the fertility of the soil, the beauty of its location and
topography, and the superior quality of its improvements. It is a
neat, model, well kept farm of about 300 acres, and reflects credit upon
its owner and upon the county. John Crawford, the proprietor and
owner of this farm, was a son of Hon. George Crawford, for many
years a leading farmer of the county and a prominent citizen in its
public affairs, and was born in Kentucky, March 15, 1816. In 1819
Hon. George Crawford emigrated from the Blue Grass state with his
family, and stopping for a short time in St. Geneva, St. Charles
county, this state, came on and settled permanently in Clark's Fork
township, of this county. His wife was formerly a Miss Elizabeth P.
Embree, to whom he was married March 16, 1815. She was born in
Mercer county, Kentucky, November 4, 1797, and he was born in Cum-
berland county, Kentucky, March 8, 1795. They reared a family of
five children ; John, the subject of this sketch; William H., died at
the age of fifty-three ; Harriett, died aged eighteen ; Henry, died aged
twenty-three, and Mary E., now of Boonville. The father died July
29, 1852 ; the mother nearly a year previously, September 25, 1851.
Mr. Crawford held various oflices of trust and honor during his life-
time, the most important of which was that of state senator, the
honorable station he honored by his ability and worth for a term of
four years, from 1824 to 1828. John Crawford grew upon his fa-
ther's farm, and inheriting the latter's spirit and enterprise as well as
his industry and personal worth, he was not long in carving out suc-
cess in life. For years the son has held a prominent position among
the best farmers and most substantial citizens of the county. He was
married April 18, 1849, to Miss Eliza J. Greenhalge, of this county,
a worthy and excellent lady. She was born September 28, 1830, and
died August 10, 1855. She left him two children — Henry, who now
has a family of his own, and George W., now deceased. March 20,
1862, Mr. John Crawford was again married. His second wife was
944 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
formerly Miss Mariah C. Kepner. Four children blessed this union :
Clara E., George K., John M., deceased, and Mary L., deceased.
Besides Airy- View farm, Mr. Crawford owns about 200 acres of land
in Palestine township. He and his wife are members of the Baptist
church.
JOHN G. EDWARDS and BIRDIE EDWARDS.
John G. and Miss Birdie Edwards, brother and sister, were born
and reared in this county, and now reside on their father's farm, of
which they principally have the management — the one of the out-
door, business affairs, the other of the indoor, domestic concerns.
Their father, who is still living at an advanced age, Cornelius Ed-
wards, was a son of Arnold and Elizabeth Edwards, of Fauquier
county, Virginia, and was born in that county, December 11, 1811.
His mother, the grandmother of John G. and Birdie, was a daughter
of James I. and Vina Smith, of the Old Dominion, from which James
I. Smith volunteered in the Continental army at 'the beginning of the
war for independence, and served under General Washington through
that entire struggle. Both Arnold and Elizabeth Edwards lived to
old age and died in their native state. Cornelius, their son, who for
the last forty-five years has been a worthy and respected citizen of
Cooper county, started out in life for himself at the age of sixteen,
going from home in order to apprentice himself to the blacksmith's
trade. He worked at that occupation eighteen months, and then
learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for many years.
In 1838 he came to Cooper county and engaged in the wagon making
business, continuing it here with excellent success until, having bought
a nucleus of his present farm, he finally gave his whole attention to
farming. His farm contains over 500 acres of good land, and for
years he has ranked among the substantial, successful farmers of the
county. However, being now past seventy-two years of age, he has
retired from the active management of the place , and turned that duty
over to his children. Over thirty-four years ago, April 17, 1849, he
was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Robert and Mary Scott, of
Cooper county. She was born in Kentucky, August 5, 1831. They
have had seven children — John G., Mary L., deceased, late wife of
Benijah Hurt ; Charles, deceased ; Martha A., Birdie E. and Edna P.
John G. Edwards was born November 1, 1850, and Birdie, the sixth
of the family, October 7, 1865. John G. is a young man of untiring
industry, great enterprise and more than ordinary intelligence. He
bids fair to become one of the leading farmers and prominent citizens
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 945
of the county. Miss Birdie is a young lady of superior personal worth
and rare mental and personal attractions.
FREDERICK FRICKE.
Henry Fricke, who was born in Germany in 1800, came to this
country, bringing his family in 1846, and located in St. Louis county,
where he engaged in farming. The following year, however, he died
of cholera, leaving his wife, Christiana, formerly a Miss Spaendan, a
widow with a family of children. They had had six children : Henry,
Frederick, Charles, John, Christopher and Christina; but two of
them are now living — Frederick, the subject of this sketch, and
Charles. The mother, who was born the same year of her husband's
birth, survived her husband nineteen years and died a widow in 1866.
Frederick Fricke was nineteen years of age when his father died,
having been born in Brunswick, Germany, December 31, 1828. On
the death of his father the management of the farm in St. Louis county
"devolved upon him, which he conducted with excellent success.
However, in 1853 he came to Cooper county and bought a farm in
Clark's Fork township containing 120 acres, on which he lived until
1866, when he sold it and bought another farm of 200 acres. In 1880
he sold that also and bought his present place of 267| acres, an excel-
lent farm, and substantially and comfortably improved. He devotes
his attention principally to growing grain. In 1851 Mr. Fricke was
married to Miss Sophia Fredmeyer, of St. Louis county, who still lives
to comfort and brighten his home. Though not favored, or disfa-
vored, as some regard it, with a family of children, he is not discon-
teuted with his fortune, for, with the poet, Otway, he is prone to think
that while —
"Children blessings seem, but torments are,
When young our folly, and when old our care."
Mr. Tricke and wife are members of the Lutheran church.
ALEXANDER H. and JOHN GREENHALGE,
farmers and stock raisers and dealers. These gentlemen, who con-
duct a large farming business in this county, and have also important
farming and stock interests elsewhere, are the only two surviving
members of a family of five brothers and sisters born to James and
Nancy A. Greenhalge, for many years worthy and highly respected
residents of Cooper county, but now deceased. James Greenhalge
'was a native of England, born in Lancastershire, August 6, 1797, but
when he was four years of age his parents immigrated to this country,
946 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
landing at Baltimore and proceeding thence to Garrard county, Ken-
tucky, where they settled and where the son was reared. Being of a
quick, active mind and ambitious to advance himself in the world,
young James Greenhalge applied his attention to books at an early
age and studied with great assiduity, thus acquiring what was justly
considered a superior education, taking the time and his opportunities
into account. On attaining his majority he came to Missouri, and
taught school in St. Charles county for some time. From there he
went to St. Louis, and was connected with the police department of
that city. After this he returned to Kentucky, where he remained
until his removal to this county in 1836. In the meantime, however,
in 1825, he was married in Kentucky, his wife being a daughter of
Alexander and Sarah A. (Dinwiddie) Henderson, of that state. Set-
tled in this county he became a large farmer, which occupation he
followed until his death December 9, 1862. His wife followed him in
death July 18, 1874. Of their children Eliza J., wife of John Craw-
ford, died in 1855, leaving a son Henry, now a resident of this county ;
Amanda died in 1852 and Sarah A. died early in life. Alexander H.
and John were born respectively July 12, 1826, and March 14, 1828.
From early life they have been constant and equal partners in their
farming and other interests. Their farm here contains an even sec-
tion of land, and this is devoted to grain and stock raising, which
they carry on on a somewhat extensive scale. In the state of Ne-
braska they own a large tract of land, where they have a cattle ranche.
Alexander H. is now in that state and has charge of their cattle inter-
ests, while John remains here and supervises their Missouri affairs.
Besides this John looks after important landed interests in Bates
county. Both are men of great enterprise and business ability, and
most excellent and worthy citizens.
WILLIAM HURT.
The Hurt family have been identified with Cooper county from
the pioneer days of the county, and through three generations have
borne a name unsullied by an unworthy act. Colonel Clayton Hurt,
the father of William, was a native of the Old Dominion, boru in Bed-
ford county, January 15, 1790, but early in life came out to Kentucky
where he met and won in marriage, in 1814, Miss Mary, daughter of
James Dillard, his bride being five years his junior. After the birth
of their first child, in 1815, they immigrated to Missouri and settled
in Boonville township, of this county. On account of the temper of
the Indians at that time they were compelled to live in Fort Cole for
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 947
a while, and there William, the subject of this sketch was born March
7, 1816. During the Indian troubles, Colonel Hurt took a conspicu-
ous and gallant part in the defence of the pioneer settlers, and was
made colonel of their military organizations, which they were com-
pelled to keep up, a title he honorably won and ever afterwards bore.
Subsequently he became a prominent and wealthy farmer, and reared
a large family of children, eleven in all, seven of whom are still living
and are residents, with one exception, of Cooper county. The father
died in 1862, and the mother five years afterwards — both followed to
their graves by the sorrow of the old settlers then living and of a wide
circle of friends. William Hurt, their second-born and oldest son,
grew up in the pioneer days of the county, and both by inheritance
and the influence that surrounded his early life became imbued with
those sterling virtues that make men respected and esteemed wher-
ever integrity, courage and plain, honest industry are valued . He, too,
besides leading.a worthy career as a citizen and neighbor has been a
successful farmer, and now as the shadows of old age approach he is
so situated that he can enjoy the evening of life in comfort. He was
married September 6, 1837, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Captain
Andrew Robertson, an early settler of the county. Six children were
granted them by the favor of Heaven , all of whom are residents of the
county: Mary C, wife of Alexander MeFarland ; Emmeline, wife of
Frank Davis ; Jenkins, Benijah, William A. and James M. All of
these reside near their father and have families of their own. To each
he has given a farm, and he himself still resides on his old homestead.
May 28, 1882, his wife was taken from him and laid to rest until the
night of death shall be broken by the dawn of eternity's day. His
children and grandchildren are near to cheer and brighten his way
through the gathering mists of advancing years.
JAMES M. HURT,
farmer. Among the young farmers of Cooper county who, by their
industry and enterprise give promise of future prominence and use-
fulness in the agricultural affairs of the county, is the gentleman
whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Clark's Fork town-
ship April 10th, 1853, and is the youngest of a family of six, four
sons and two daughters, reared by William and Catherine (Robertson)
Hurt, as follows: Catherine, wife of A. W. MeFarland ; Nancy E.,
wife of F. M. Davis; Jenkin D., married Miss Lucy Potter, Be-
nijah married Miss MaryE. Edwards ; William, Jr., married Miss Bet-
tie Johnson, and James M., the subject of this sketch, married Miss
948 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Adaline, daughter of Benjamin and Harriet Eogers November 26th,
1874. She was born May 28th, 1855. They have two children, Jessie,
born August 18th, 1876, and John William, born September 28th,
1879. Mr. Hurt has a neat farm of nearly a quarter section of land
and gives his attention mainly to growing grain, but also raises some
stock — horses, mules, etc. He is in the morning of life, buoyant
with hope, and, thrice armed with industry, intelligence and integrity,
the future promises him a prosperous and honorable career.
SAMUEL L. JEWETT,
V
miller and farmer. Mr. Jewett, who commenced the active duties of
life for himself at the age of seventeen with nothing to depend on
save his own self-reliance, has for many years ranked among the more
substantial and better-respected class of citizens of this county. His
.father, Gilmore Jewett, was a native of Ohio, born August 10th, 1793,
and early in life came further west and located in Illinois. There he
met and married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary
Alexander, of Monroe county. Samuel L. is the third of the three
children living of the family of seven from this union, the other two
living being William S., of Jefferson county, Missouri, and Laura A.,
wife of J. A. Owen, of Cooper county. Their father was a school
teacher and farmer, which occupations he followed in Monroe county,
Illinois, until the time of his death January 20th, 1835, his wife fol-
lowing him to the grave two years afterwards. Samuel L. was borii
in Monroe county, Illinois, November 12th, 1833. When seventeen
years of age he began to learn the milling business, at which he
worked until 1852, when, his education being incomplete, and having
saved up enough to defray his expenses while at school, he entered
Shurtleff College, an institution of high repute in Illinois at that
time, in which he remained as a student three terms, thus acquiring
an excellent practical education. After his college course he returned
to bis trade, which he has since followed in Illinois, California and
this state — in later years, however, in connection with farming. In
I860 he bought his present mill property and farm, to which he has
since devoted his entire attention. This farm contains 160 acres, and
his mill has a capacity for nearly 1J500 bushels of grain per day, and
has a wide and excellent reputation. October 10th, 1860, Mr. Jewett
was married to Miss Martha M., daughter of N. L. and Nancy Dor-
sey, of Madison county, Illinois. She was born January 14th, 1834.
They have six children: Ben D., born August 3d, 1861,' now of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 949
Barton county, Missouri ; Bessie A., born April 3d, 1863; William
J., born January 20th, 1865 ; Edward M., born June 1st, 1868 (Hal-
bert kL born August 27th, 1870, and Theodore B., born November
18tlrT1873. Mr. Jewett was for fourteen years postmaster at Clark's
Fork up to 1880, and until he resigned the office. He is master
of both the Fairview and county granges, P. of H.
JOHN KING,
farmer. Mr. King landed in this country in 1853, from Germany, a
stranger to our language and laws, and without money enough to
jingle on a tombstone. He commenced here as a farm laborer. His
farm now contains 400 acres of splendid land, has a fine residence, and
is otherwise handsomely improved ; and for years he has ranked among
the wealthy, prominent farmers of Cooper county — the old story of
German thrift in a free country and on fertile soil. He was born in
Holstein, Germany, February 15, 1828, and was a son of Hans and
Auble (Caw) King, of that country, both of whom are now deceased.
But three of their family of nine children survive: Catherine, Auble
and John. The father was a merchant, born in 1800, and died in
1855. The mother died in 1847. John King, on coming to this
country, first touched the continent at New Orleans. From there he
went up the river to Davenport, Iowa, and then returned as far as
St. Louis, from which place he came to Boonville. Arrived in this
county, he went to work as a laborer on a farm, and by 1859 was able
to buy a tract of land of 180 acres in Clark's Fork township. He
farmed on this until about the close of the war, when he sold it and
went to St. Louis. He remained there only a short time, and returned
and bought a part of his present farm. He has prospered year after
year, and added to his farm, and improved it, until it has reached its
present value and importance. He grows over 200 acres of grain,
besides hay, etc., and raises 150 hogs, and annually fattens from
twenty-five to thirty head of cattle. January 18, 1859, he was mar-
ried to Miss Sophia, daughter of Bernard and Sophia Fredmeyer, of
this county. Of this union, seven children have been born, six of
whom are living, viz. : Minnie, born May 29, 1859 (wife of William
Twillman) ; Mary, born February 3, 1863; Henry, born April 11,
1865 ; Lucy, born August 27, 1867 ; Sophia, born November 29, 1869,
and Ella, born September 6, 1872. Sophia, the second child, born
February 20, 1861, died November 9, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. King are
both members of the German Lutheran church.
950 history; or howakd and coopkr counties.
AKCHIMEDES W. McFAELAND.
Mr. McFarland is a cousin of Truman W. McFarland, of Bdon-
ville, in whose sketch is given an account of their grandparents,
Jacob, Sr., and Nancy (Cathy) McFarland, originally of North
Carolina. Archimedes W.'s father, Jacob, Jr., was born before his
parents left their native state, but attained his majority here, and in
1833 was married to Miss Matilda Fleming, formerly of Kentucky. He
died, however, about three years after his marriage, leaving his wife
a widow with two children: Archimedes W., the subject of this
sketch, born in Boonville township, September 15, 1834, and Armin-
da, J., born in 1835, now the wife of Robert Comer, of Henry county,
Missouri. Eight years after her husband's death, Mrs. McFarland
also died, and thus the two children were left orphans in childhood.
However, they were kindly cared for by relatives and friends, and
their father having died possessed of some property, they were not
entirely dependent upon the generosity of others in their tender years.
After Archimedes grew up he sold his interest in his father's estate,
and bought a farm in Henry, where he followed farming until 1865.
He then sold out his farm in that county and returned to the home of
his childhood days, where he bought a tract of land adjacent to the
farm that his father-in-law, Mr. William Hurt, had given him in
Clark's Fork township. He now has a good farm, and is one of the
well respected farmers and good citizens of the township. December
10, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Hurt, of this county. They
have three children, two being dead: Alice G., born December 7,
1858, wife of Robert Johnson ; William J., born September 9, 1863,
and Agnes L., born December 5, 1877. Laura C. and Lillie M. are
deceased. Mr. McFarland's farm contains about a quarter section of
good land, and he follows both grain and stock raising.
GEORGE H. MEYER,
owner and proprietor of Forest Grove farm. This farm, one of the
finest in its vicinity, is situated about nine miles east of Boonville,
and contains 385 acres of the best quality of land. It was improved
mainly by Mr. Meyer himself, who, starting out on his own responsi-
bility at an early age, with but little to go on, save his own ability
and disposition for intelligent industry, soon became able to buy a
tract of land, now forming a part of his present farm, and, meeting
with continued success, kept adding to his original tract until his
place now contains nearly 400 acres. It is an exceptionally well im-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 951
proved farm. His residence, recently erected and completed, is one
of the handsomest, without and within, in the township, and is fur-
nished in excellent style. In short, his homestead is a credit and an
ornament to the vicinity in which he lives. Mr. Meyer, the owner of
the property, was born in Moniteau county, Missouri, February 5,
1853, and was one of a family of ten children of Henry and Catherine
Meyer, of whom five are living. His parents were both natives of
Germany ; his father born in 1812, and his mother, formerly Miss
Anna Ballman, in 1815. They were married in 1838, and both are
still living now on their homestead in Clark's Fork township, hale
and hearty in their old age. George H., the subject of this sketch,
after he grew up was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Deidrich
and Elizabeth Molan, of St. Louis, June 16, 1874. She was born
October 29, 1856. They have three children : Henry C, born Janu-
ary 16, 1876 ; Herman Wm., born September 1, 1878 ; George H., Jr.,
born November 17, 1880. Mr. Meyer is a partner in business with
Peter Wehmeier, near him, and they have a thriving trade. Mr. and
Mrs. Meyer are both members of the Lutheran church at Clark's
Fork.
ALBEKT MUNTZEL,
farmer. Albert Muntzel, son of Peter and Sophia (Ohlendorf)
Muntzel, was born in Germany, February 20, 1833, and when nine
years of age was brought by his parents to this country, who immi-
grated to America in 1844, and in the following spring settled on a
farm in St. Louis county, where Albert grew to manhood. Beared on
a farm he adopted agriculture as his calling for life, and has since fol-
lowed it with the exception of one year spent in merchandising in St.
Louis. In 1859 he came to Cooper county and became a partner with
his brother, Daniel Muntzel, in the ownership and conduct of a farm
in Clark's Fork township. In this he continued until 1865, when he
sold out his interest in the partnership farm to his brother, and
bought another place in the same township. However, during this
time, in the spring of 1862, he enlisted in the Union army, enter-
ing the ranks as a private, but was shortly made first lieutenant, in
which capacity he served until the close of the war. September 22,
1866, he was married to Miss Margaret Schmidt, daughter ot John A.
and Catherine Schmidt, of Bavaria, Germany. She was born in that
country, September 21, 1846, and came over to this country with her
parents. Eight children resulted from this union, four of whom are
living: Lizzie C, born January 5, 1867, died March 17, 1880;
952 history or Howard and cooper counties.
Albert P., bora October 10, 1868 ; Martin W., born July 26, 1870;
Leonard D., bora July 18, 1872, died April 7, 1880; Edward J.,
born January 15, 1875; Christian E. J., bora September 15, 1877,
died May 5, 1880 ; Clara J., born October 5, 1879, and Julia S. M.,
born October 15, 1881. Mr. Muntzel and his family are members of
the German Lutheran church of Clark's Eork. His farm contains
nearly 300 acres of good land, and he has it handsomely improved
with a fine residence, excellent fences, barns, etc.
SAMUEL A. PAXTON, JR.
The subject of this sketch was born on the 11th of August, 1865,
and is the youngest of two sons bora to Samuel Paxton, Sr. and wife,
whose maiden name was Margaret K. McClanahan. His brother,
Christopher O, was born January 25, 1861. Their father, Samuel
Paxton, Sr., is a native of Virginia, having been born in that state
August 8, 1833. Early in life, however, he came to this state, and
was here married to Miss McClanahan who was born in Macon county
April 16, 1845. Both Christopher C. and Samuel A. were reared to
the occupation of farming, in which they are now engaged. Both are
young men of industry and intelligence, and give every promise of
becoming substantial, successful farmers and good citizens. Their
parents are both living and are also residents of the county, worthy
and well respected by all who know them.
DR. JEROME D. POTTS.
Dr. Potts has been engaged in the practice of medicine about six
years, over four of which have been spent in the practice at his present
location, and, although a young man, he has achieved excellent suc-
cess in the profession and bids fair to become a leading physician of
the county. He was bora in Boone county, Missouri, April 7, 1855,
and at the age of twenty years entered the state university as a student,
where be remained two years, graduating in the class of 1877. He
then went to Philadelphia and became a matriculate in the medical
hospital of that city. After his course in Philadelphia he returned
to Boone county, and began the practice of medicine at Roche-
port, continuing it there until 1879, when he came to Clark's
Fork. May 5, 1880, he was married to Miss Carrie E., daughter of
Henry W. Mills of this county. They have one child, Erla. His
parents, James F. and Cornelia E. (McQuilty) Potts, are both living
and reside on their homestead near Rocheport. The doctor is the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 953
oldest of their family of six children, four daughters and two sons,
one of whom, however, a daughter, their second child, is dead.
WILLIAM RANKIN,
farmer and miller. For over forty-five years Mr. Rankin has been
running the oldest and the first flouring mill establishment ever built
or operated in Cooper county — the old Boyd mill on the Petite Saline.
Originally it was a water mill with a capacity of but two bushels of
wheat per hour and was only fifteen feet square. For this, with twenty-
six acres of ground, his father paid $2,750 as far back as 1838, the
water power being considered the valuable part of the property. The
mill had then been run eight years, and the following year Mr. Wm.
Eankin commenced the erection of a new mill on the site of the old
one, and completed it in 1840, then one of the largest and best mills in
central Missouri. For fourteen years he run it by water power, but
about 1854 added steam to it, since which it has been run by the
latter power almost exclusively. It now has a capacity of over 800
bushels of grain per day, or more correctly twenty bushels of wheat and
fifteen bushels of corn per hour. This mill has a wide reputation for the
purity and excellence of the breadstuff's it manufactures, and is one of
the noted popular mills in the county. Besides this, Mr. Rankin has
an excellent farm which he conducts with substantial success. His
parents, Matthew and Nancy (Smith) Rankin, were both of Irish birth,
the father born near Londonderry in 1777, and his mother near Dub-
lin in 1779. Both came to America early in-life and were married in
Hagerstown, Pennsylvania, in 1802. Subsequently they removed to
Virginia, and there William, the subject of this sketch, was born in
Winchester, Frederick county, October 20, 1806. Of four brothers
and four sisters, but one brother, James, now of Hickory county, this
state, fs living. The father and family came to Cooper county in
1830, and here both parents lived until their deaths. In 1844, April
4, William Rankin, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of William and Susanna McFarland, of this
county. Two sons were born to them: Silas, born January 9, 1845,
and Robert S., born December 13, 1849. Robert S. was married May
14, 1873, to Miss Louisa Duncan, and now has three children ; Maud,
born February 25, 1874; Mabel, born June 11, 1875; and Myrtle,
born April 20, 1877. Both sons are identified with their father in the
conduct of both the mill and farm. Mr. Rankin has sought no politi-
cal office through life, nor held any except that of township collector
in 1868. His son, Robert, is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and
the A. O. U. W.
954 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JAMES H. RENNISON.
Joseph Rennison came to this country from England, and early in
life located in Cooper county. Here he met and married Miss Leat,
by whom he had four sons, James H., the subject of this sketch, being
the only one of these now living. James H. Rennison was born in Pilot
Grove township, May 4, 1845. His mother died when he was three
years of age, and afterwards his father married Mrs. Keziah Gartner,
a widow lady who died in July, 1861, leaving a daughter by her last
marriage, Margaret J., wife of John Wyatt, of Henry county. The
father is still alive and resides in this county. James H., after he
grew up, was married Januarj' 18, 1863, to Miss Sarah C. Gartner, who
has borne him eight children, five daughters and three sons, of whom
there are seven living: Joseph E., born January 1, 1864 ; Alice, born
April 20, 1865; Louisa, born October 28, 1869; James W., born
September 24, 1871 ; Cordia C., born September 11, 1874 ; Florence,
October 1, 1877 ; and John H., Jr., born November 19, 1879. Emily,
a third child, born March 19, 1867, died October 4, 1875. Farming
has constituted Mr. Rennison's life occupation, and his farm contains
nearly a quarter section of good land. He is an industrious and in-
telligent farmer, and is well respected as a citizen and a neighbor. He
and his wife are members of the Mt. Hermon Baptist church.
THOMAS B. ROBERTSON,
farmer. In 1797 Mr. Robertson's father, Gaptain Andrew Robertson,
came with his parents to this state, who immigrated from Louisville,
Kentucky, that year, and settled at New Madrid on the Mississippi
river. In the fall of 1816, they came on further west and settled in
Boonville township this county. Here Andrew Robertson, having been
born in Kentucky, January 1st, 1794, grew up to manhood and mar-
ried Miss Catherine Sherley, who came with her parents from Ken-
tucky in 1826. They reared a family of six children, Charles S.,
Andrew J., Thomas B., Cyrus J., Alvira M. and Susan F. Captain
Robertson became a wealthy farmer and died July 9, 1861, leaving an
estate of over 1,500 acres of land besides personal property. His
wife preceded him in death about fifteen years, dying December 15,
1847. Thomas B., the subject of this sketch, was born September 18,
1834. Farming has constituted his life occupation and he has an ex-
cellent farm of over 300 acres, on which he grows grain and raises
stock in considerable quantities. He is a good farmer and a worthy
and well respected citizen. May 8, 1856, he was married to Miss
Bettie Potter, of this county, who still comforts and brightens his
domestic life.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 955
LEONHARD SCHMIDT.
When Mr. Schmidt was but four years of age, in 1854, his
parents, John A. and Margaret (Harl) Schmidt, emigrated from
Germany to this country, and settled in Clark's Fork township.
His father was a successful farmer, and at his death left a good farm
of over 300 acres, which Leonhard now owns and cultivates. His
mother died the same year as her husband, in 1877, but three days
intervening between their deaths. The father was born in Germany,
in 1810, and died here January 4, 1877. The mother, born in the
same country, in 1812, and died here, January 7, 1877. Of their
family of children, but four of the twelve born to them are now living
besides Leonhard, viz., John, Margaret, Nicholas and Margaret.
Leonhard Schmidt was born in Baiern, Germany, April 20, 1849, but
was principally reared in Clark's Fork township. Farming has con-
stituted his life occupation. On the old homestead farm he raises
about 150 acres of grain annually, principally grain. He also raises
and fattens large numbers of hogs for the market each year. No-
vember, 18, 1869, he was married to Josephine Klochner, of Moniteau
county. They have had six children : Emma C, Nicholas M., Emma
M.,Mary F., Emma S. and Leonhard A. Mrs. Schmidt died Decem-
ber 14, 1882, aged thirty-nine years, nine months and twenty days.
Mr. S. is a member of the Lutheran church at Clark's Fork.
ALEXANDER SHANNON.
Mr. Shannon is a native of Maryland, and was born in Charles
county of that state, February 10, 1823. He was a son of Zachariah
and Priscilla (Skinner) Shannon, both also natives of Charles county,
where they married, in 1818, and lived until their deaths ; the father
having been born January 17, 1797, and died in 1865 ; and the
mother, born in 1800, and died in 1859. Six children were born to
them, five of whom are living: Catherine A., born in 1821, died in
February, 1882 ; Alexander, the subject of this sketch, born February
10, 1823; Eliza J., born in 1827; Mary E., born in 1830; and
Henrietta, born 1832. When Alexander Shannon was twenty-four
years of age he came to Missouri, and located in Cooper county, and,
November 17, 1849, was married to Miss Julia A., daughter of Clay-
ton and Mary A. Hurt, of this county. Five children are the fruits
of this union: George Wm., born March 15, 1851 ; Eliza B., born
October 31, 1853; Fleming H., born December 19, 1860; James B.,
born July 26, 1867; and Nancy B., born April 19, 1870. In 1852
he bought a place of 110 acres, in sections 4 and 5, of this township,
956 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and, in 1863, eighty acres more, on which he lived for many years.
That place is now owned by one of his sons. In 1872 he bought
his present farm of nearly 300 acres, which he has comfortably im-
proved. He raises both grain and stock for the markets. He is an
industrious farmer and well respected citizen. Mr. S. and wife are
both members of the Christian church at Walnut Grove.
NICHOLAS SMITH,
farmer and justice of the peace. Like so many of the successful
farmers of Cooper county, Mr. Smith is a German by nativity,
although he has lived in this county since he was sixteen years of
age. He commenced for himself when a young man without any
means of his own, and by intelligent industry and frugality has suc-
ceeded in situating himself comfortably in life. His farm contains
300 acres of good land, and he has it improved with a commodious
brick residence, an excellent barn, substantial fences, etc. He raises
about 200 acres of grain, principally corn and wheat, and fattens for
the market from thirty to thirty -five head of steers, and a large
number of hogs. He came over with his parents to this country in
1853, having been born in Bavaria, Germany, November 2, 1837.
They landed at New Orleans, and came thence by river to Boouville.
His father, John A. Smith, a farmer by occupation, was born Septem-
ber 14, 1808 ; and his mother, formerly Miss Catherine M. Hill, was
born in 1810. Both are now deceased — died in this county. After
growing up, Nicholas Smith, the subject of this sketch, was married
October 13, 1860, to Miss Margaret Dornhauser, of Moniteau, who
has borne him eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom
six are now living, as follows : Christopher T., born April 13, 1862 ;
Sophia, born December 25, 1863 ; Elizabeth, born July 5, 1867 ;
John C, born May 20, 1873; Josie, born November 6, 1875; and
Lizzie, born January 24, 1879. At the last township magisterial elec-
tion, Mr. Smith wa3 elected a justice of the peace, the duties of
which office he is now discharging with entire satisfaction to the
people of the community.
JOHN A. STEELE.
Mr. Steele's father, William Steele, who has been married three
times, came from Tennessee to this state, in 1844, three years after
the death of his first wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Blackburn, and in
1847 settled in Cooper county, in which he still resides. Of his first
marriage there are two sons, John A., the subject of this sketch, and
Thomas L., now of Sedalia. John A. Steele was born in Jefferson
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 957
county, Tennessee, August 20, 1835, and was therefore twelve years
of age when his father came to this county. Here he grew up and
adopted farming as his life occupation. December 2, 1858, he was
married to Miss Eliza J., daughter of Ephraim and Mary M. Batton,
of Howard county. She was born October 5, 1842. Nine children
resulted from this union: John T., Mary M., Georgia A., wife of
Hamilton Chrisholm, of Kentucky ; Francis A., William H., Charles
E., Claude W., an infant, deceased; Stanton L., deceased. Mr.
Steele has a farm in Clark's Fork township, and he and his wife are
members of the Mount Hermon Baptist church.
PETER WEHMEIER,
merchant and farmer. In October, 1881, Mr. Wehmeier engaged in
the general mercantile business at Clark's Fork with Mr. Meyer as his
partner, the firm being Meyer & Wehmeier. They carry a large and
well selected stock of general merchandise, and have a lucrative and
rapidly increasing trade. They have a large new building, built
expressly for the purpose, to which they have recently added another
room the full length of the store, and, being business men of push
and enterprise, they have determinedto build up a trade and keep a
store equal to the best, in the general line, in the county. Mr. Weh-
meier was born in Westphalia, Germany, May 6th, 1824, and was one
of six children of Herman Wehmeier and wife, both of whom are now
deceased, never having left their native country. Mr. Peter Weh-
meier came to this country in 1854, and, after working on a farm in
St. Louis county about a year, came to this county, where he has
since lived. He worked as a farm laborer here several years, and
then " cropped " himself until 1864, when he bought a tract of land
of his own, and afterwards added to it until he built up a handsome
farm of the 160 acres, which he still owns and now has leased out.
May 15th, 1859, he was married to Miss Martha Feidley, of Baiem,
Germany. Of this union there are six children living, of an original
family of ten : Catherine, born February 25,1" 1860, married Henry
Mercy; Sophia, born March 21, 1862 ; Maggie, born April 30, 1866 ;
Minnie, born August 16, 1870; Caroline, born August 11, 1872, and
Lena L., born September 25, 1881. Parents and children are all
members of the German Lutheran church of Clark's Fork.
SAMUEL WINDERS.
Mr. Winders' parents, Edward and Nancy ( Wooldridge) Winders,
settled in this county in 1829, and were from Todd county, Kentucky,
62
958 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of which they were both natives, and in which they were reared and
married. The father died here in March, 1855, aged sixty, and the
mother ten years afterwards, aged sixty-two. Six of their family of
twelve children survive, Samuel, the subject of this sketch, being
their sixth born. The father was a well-to-do farmer of this county,
and left a good farm at his death of nearly four hundred acres.
Samuel Winders was born here September 7th, 1836, and grew up
to the occupation of a farmer, which he has since followed. He
bought his present farm in 1880-1, and now has a neat place of nearly
a hundred acres, which he is busily improving. September 15th,
1868, he was married to Miss Dorinda, daughter of Robert and Mary
Scott, of this county. She was born February 27th, 1839. They
have two sons, Paul C, born December 4, 1875, and Lilburn S., born
February 22d, 1876. Mrs. Winders' father was a soldier in the war
of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans, under General Jack-
son, During his service in the city, and while standing guard, he
captured a British soldier and delivered his prisoner to the command-
ing officer in person. He was a man of great bravery and unfaltering
patriotism.
CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM H. C. BURGER,
proprietor Burger Hotel and liveryman, Pleasant Green. Mr. Burger's
father, Henry Burger, was one of the early settlers of Cooper county,
becoming a resident of this county as early as 1814. He was originally
from Tennessee, but his wife, the mother of William H. C, formerly
Miss May T. Titsworth, was a Kentuckian by birth. They had a family
of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth.
William H. C. Burger was born in Cooper county, July 31, 1841, and
on attaining his majority engaged in farming for himself, which he
continued to follow up to the time of opening his hotel in Pleasant
Green. While on the farm he also dealt in live stock to a consider-
able extent, and both as a farmer and a stock dealer achieved
substantial success. In 1882, however, he became the owner of his
present hotel property, and at once opened the Burger hotel, and
also engaged in the livery business. He keeps a good hotel, which
has acquired a wide reputation as a comfortable, agreeable stopping
place, and his livery stable is supplied with an ample stock of horses,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 959
buggies, etc., to accommodate the travelling public. Mr. Burger was
married October 25, 1865, to Miss Sallie Wooldridge, of this county.
They have four children, Harvey.William, John and Preston ; having
lost two.
COLONEL CHARLES A. EVERETT,
general merchant, Pleasant Gieen. Colonel Everett is a native of
New Orleans, Louisiana, and was born December 29, 1833. His
father was a prominent citizen of that city, and the son was educated
in the east at Bridgeport, Connecticut. However, while he was still
a youth he lost both his parents, and was therefore compelled to make
his own way in the world from a comparatively early age. In about
1848 he engaged as clerk in the leading hardware store of his native
city, and held that position with great satisfaction to his employers
until the outbreak of the civil war. "When the conflict opened, like the
other representatives of the warm-blooded young chivalry of the south,
he rallied to uphold —
" The three-barred ensign; which, full high advanced,
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind."
For four long years he fought under the banner of the new-born re-
public, until it fell to rise no more, amid —
" The tramp, the shout, the fearful thunder-roar
Of red-breathed cannon, and the wailing cry
Of myriad victims "
lie was in most of the principal battles of the war, and now carries
five scars to attest the heroic part he took in that terrible struggle.
He enlisted in the first company raised in New Orleans, the Washing-
ton artillery, of which he was lieutenant. Shortly afterwards he was
promoted to the captaincy of the company, and then, by regular pro-
motions, became colonel of his regiment. After the war, in 1867, he
went to New York City and engaged as travelling salesman for a
wholesale house, in which he continued three years. He then came
to St. Louis and followed the same business for a house there a num-
ber of years, and until he located at Smithton, in Pettis county, in
the general mercantile business. From Smithton he came to Pleasant
Green in 1879, where he has since continued. Here he has an excel-
lent store in the general mercantile line, and has built up an extensive
and profitable trade. He is a gentleman of popular manners, good
business qualifications, and is highly esteemed in and around Pleasant
Green, and wherever known.
960 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JAMES W. LONG,
farmer. Among the substantial and prosperous farmers of Cooper
county, James W. Long may be singled out as worthy of special
mention. He commenced in life for himself practically without any-
thing, and by his industry and intelligence has placed himself in
the front rank of the successful farmers of the county. His home-
stead contains nearly 300 acres of fine land, and is exceedingly well
improved. It has good buildings, good fencing, etc., and is well
grassed, well watered, and in every respect is an excellent grain
and stock farm. He was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, Octo-
ber 24, 1846, and was a son of Conrad and Nancy (Crooks) Long,
of that county. He remained in his native state until 1856, en-
gaged in farming, and then removed to Missouri, settling in this
county, where he has since lived. For a number of years Mr. Long
has given considerable attention to raising and dealing in stock, in
which he has had satisfactory success. He married Miss Sarah
Cornine, of Virginia. They have eleven children living: Anna E.,
Sarah V., Lucinda, Mary, William, Samuel E., John E., Edward
L., Robert, Daisy and Frederick. Besides these Mr. Long reared
eight orphan children. Certainly he has kept the first command-
ment of God, given in the garden of Eden, and, like the Master,
as sung by David, has " relieved the orphan." Mr. Long is a mem-
ber of the Masonic order.
JOHN D. McCUTCHEN,
farmer. John D. is a son of Judge McCutchen, whose sketch appears
in the Pilot Grove division of these biographies. The son was brought
up on his father's farm, and Judge McCutchen, being a man of ample
means, and of advanced and liberal ideas in regard to education, gave
his children excellent school advantages. After mastering the" cur-
riculum of studies taught in the ordinary schools, John D. became a
matriculate in McGee college, where he remained until he acquired a
superior education. Returning home at the conclusion of his college
course, he engaged in school teaching in the vicinity, and followed
that until 1873, when, being of an enterprising mind, and believing
from what he had heard and read of the Pacific coast that that country
offered superior advantages to young men who have the energy and
ambition to accomplish something in life, he went to California, but
his expectations of the " land of gold and the vine " were not entirely
fulfilled, and, accordingly, he remained on the gem-decked shores of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 961
the American Hesperides but one year. On his trip, however, with
an eye open to all opportunities, he saw that there was more gold to
be made in the stock business in Colorado, than in searching for it
among the rocks of the Pacific coast. In 1874, therefore, he entered
largely into this business in the centennial state, and followed it with
excellent success for six years. He then returned to his old home in
Cooper county, and in January of the following year (1882) became
a member of the mercantile firm of J. T. Ellis & Co., at Pilot Grove,
but one year afterwards sold out his interest in the business and set-
tled down to the honorable and independent- life of a farmer, on his
present farm. Mr. McCutchen is now thirty-four years of age, having
been born in this county September 20, 1849, and, possessed of the
energy and business qualifications he is, he has every promise of be-
coming one of the prominent citizens and successful men of Cooper
county. He is a worthy and active member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. In farming Mr. McCutchen is associated with Mr.
H. L. Tutt. Together they own about 300 acres of splendid land, all
under fence and well improved, and, besides growing large quantities
of grain of the various kinds, they make a specialty of raising* fine,
high-grade cattle.
WILLIAM FJSLER,
farmer. Although Mr. Eisler settled in this county from Virginia
only ten years ago, he has long since become thoroughly and some-
what prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the
county. A man of untiring industry and energy, he was a successful
farmer in the Old Dominion before he made Missouri the state of his
adoption, and, buying a farm of nearly 400 acres of -good land on
coming to Cooper county, he went to work improving it and stocking
it with good breeds of stock in a manner that soon placed him among
our most progressive and enterprising farmers. He was born in Jef-
ferson county, Virginia, June 22, 1820. His father, George Risler,
was a native of Pennsylvania, but his mother, formerly Miss Mary
Roland, was a Virginian. William was the second of their family of
six children. In 1849 he was one of the vast army of enterprising
and adventurous spirits who braved the dangers and hardships of a
journey across the continent to the gold fields of California. He re-
mained on the Pacific coast six years, and then returned to his old
Virginia home not altogether disappointed in the hopes with which he
set out with the " old forty-niners." He resumed farming in his na-
tive state and continued it there until his emigration to Missouri in
962 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
1873. November 22, 1870, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Taven-
ner, of Virginia. One child has blessed their married life, an inter-
esting little daughter, Bessie.
J. G. ROBERTS,
farmer and stock dealer. The life of Mr. Roberts has been more than
an ordinary one, and his energy and enterprise have not been with-
out substantial results. Mining, military service and agricultural
pursuits have principally occupied his time. Since the close of the
war he has been engaged in farming and the stock business in
this county. He has a splendid farm of over half a section of land,
and has it well improved and well stocked. His herd of short-horn
cattle contains some of the best representatives of that breed of high
grades in the county. The mules and sheep, which he also makes a
specialty of raising, are of the best class of stock in those lines. As
a farmer and stock raiser he justly ranks among the most enterprising
and successful in the county. Mr. Roberts is a native of Tennessee,
and was born in Roane county December 6, 1826. His parents, L.
B. and Susan (Davis) Roberts, were both South Carolinians by birth,
but emigrated to Tennessee in early life, where they l'eared their fam-
ily. On arriving at the age of twenty-one, J. G. Roberts, the subject
of this sketch, came to Missouri and engaged in mercantile business
at Linn creek, then an important wholesale centre in southwest Mis-
souri. Three years later he. was attracted to the far west by the
mining excitement of Colorado, and crossed the plains to the now
Centennial state by a prairie schooner transport drawn by an ox team.
He followed mining there in the rocky ribs of the Cordilleras until
1852, when he braved the perils of a voyage across the Pacific and
into the treacherous and then little known waters of the Antarctic
ocean to Australia. Arrived on the far-off continent, where the " east
and the west meet," he bravel}' went to work at mining in that dis-
tant and little known country, and followed it for two leng years amid
the greatest hardships and dangers. But in 1854 he directed his
course homeward again, recrossing the ocean, and after an absence of
over seven years of adventures of the most trying and perilous kind,
arrived at Linn creek, which he Bad left in 1847. There he resumed
his former business in the mercantile line, in which he continued with-
out material interruption until 1861, when he removed to Vernon
county, this state, and turned his attention to farming. But the civil
war soon broke out in all its fury, and it had not long been in pro-
gress before he enlisted in company I, Burbrige's regiment, of General
HISTOKY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 963
J. S. Marmaduke's division, and while in this command was taken
prisoner and kept at Fort Leavenworth and other points. He after-
wards, however, succeeded in rejoining the Confederate army, with
which he continued until the general surrender in 1865. He then
came back to Cooper county and settled on his present farm. In
March, 1856, Mr. Koberts was married to Miss Alsia S. Walker, of
this county. They have one child, S. W., and have lost three : Eobert
W., an infant and Kebecca J. He is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church south, and of the Masonic fraternity.
ISAAC T. TAVENNER,
farmer. Mr. Tavenner, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth of a
family of five children of Jesse and Celia (Morris) Tavenner, origin-
ally of Virginia, but later of this county, and was born in Jefferson
county, of the Old Dominion, June 23, 1840. The grandfather of
Isaac T., on the mother's side, was a gallant soldier of the country
in the war of the revolution, and followed the flag of the new-born
republic until it floated in triumph at Yorktown. In 1855 Jesse Tav-
enner emigrated from Virginia with his family and settled in this
county, where Isaac T., then fifteen years of age, grew to manhood.
Beared on a farm the son, on attaining his majority, adopted farming
as his life occupation, and this he has since followed without interrup-
tion, except about one year during the late war. He now has a neat
farm, containing three forty acre tracts and upwards, of good land, all
under fence and in a good state of improvement. In 1864 he enlisted
in the Confederate service under General Shelby, and continued in his
command until the close of the war. November 11, 1869, he was
married to Miss Susan Ferrell , originally of Virginia. They have four
children: Isaac N., Eugenia, Richard and Anna. One is dead —
Willie.
H. L. TUTT,
farmer. Mr. Tutt was born in Cooper county December, 26, 1847,
and was a son of Dr. Samuel Tutt, for many years a prominent phy-
sician and leading citizen of the county, but a Virginian by birth.
Mrs. Tutt, the mother of H. L., formerly a Miss Elizabeth Hutchi-
son, was from Kentucky. H. L., the son, was reared in Boonville,
and in youth had the advantages afforded by the preparatory schools
of this city. In due time he was sent to William Jewell college, of
Liberty, Missouri, where he pursued a more advanced course of
studies and acquired an excellent education. After his college course
he engaged in farming near Bell Air in this county, and followed that
964 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
occupation until 1874, when he went to Colorado and became inter-
ested with his cousin, John D. McCutchen, in the stock business. As
stated in the Litter's sketch, they remained in the Silver Mountain
state some seven years, or until 1881. On his return home, Mr. Tutt
resumed farming, and now, jointly with his cousin, runs a handsome
farm of 292 acres of land — an excellent grain and stock farm. Indus-
trious, enterprising and experienced in both general farming and stock
raising, these gentlemen can hardly fail of taking rank at an early day
among the foremost agriculturists and stock men of the country.
P. G. WALKER,
farmer and stock raiser. In the very front rank of the farmers and
stock raisers of Cooper county stands P. G. "Walker, the subject of
this sketch. With a landed estate of over 2,500 acres, including a
splendid farm, well improved and well supplied with pastures and
water, he has one of the best stock farms, and, at the same time, one
of the best grain farms in the county. Besides giving his attention to
raising short-horn cattle, of which he has a fine herd, he also makes a
specialty of raising fine mules for the general markets. He is a
native of the county, and was born March 22, 1833. His father,
Samuel Walker, was originally from Kentucky, but settled in this
county as early as 1823, and became a leading and successful farmer.
His mother, formerly Miss Nancy Cockrell, was born in Virginia. P.
G. Walker was reared on his father's farm, and has made agriculture
his occupation for life, in which he has achieved the most satisfactory
success. Annually he feeds large numbers of cattle for shipment, and
his stock in this line being of an extra quality, always bring the first
market prices. On the 12th of June, 1860, Mr. Walker was married
to Miss Fannie Boulware, of this state. They have six children living :
Mattie, Lou A., Presley, Samuel, George and Alma. Three are
dead: Agnes, Middleton and Alice. Mr. W. is a member of the
M. E. church south.
A. A. WALKER,
farmer. Mr. Walker is one of the representative farmers and stock
raisers of Cooper county. Brought up to the occupation of farming,
he has all the practical knowledge of the business a life-time devoted
to it necessarily implies, and, in addition to this, has the advantage
of a thorough education, which in these days of scientific, progressive
farming, is almost as necessary to complete success in this calling as
in any other. His landed estate contains a thousand acres of the best
quality of land, and all this he has well improved and in excellent
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 965
condition. His herd of short-horns is one of the best in the county,
and he feeds annually large numbers of cattle for the wholesale mar-
kets, having at the present time 250 head of fine steers. He is a
native of this county, where his whole life thus far has been spent,
and comes of one of the best families in the county. Judge Anthony
S. Walker, his father, was originally from Bourbon county, Ken-
tucky, where he was born November 19, 1805, but when twenty-one
years of age, in 1826, came to Missouri, and located on the farm
where A. A., his son, now lives. April 31, 1831, he was married to
Miss Mary E. Eead, formerly of Kentucky, and of their family of six
children, A. A. was the fourth. He was born April 15, 1839. The
father died September 26, 1863, and the mother about nine years
afterwards, June 20, 1872. Judge Walker was for many years, and
up to the time of his death, one of the most prominent citizens of the
county. Besides being a leading and wealthy farmer, he was for a
number of years judge of the county court, and was a member of the
legislature as early as 1844, and again at the time of the outbreak of
the war in 1861. He was the first postmaster ever appointed in his
homestead township, and kept the office at his residence for a number
of years. He was universally esteemed and respected by his neigh-
bors and acquaintances, and his death was deeply regretted by all who
knew him. A man of liberal ideas and of good education himself, he
was careful that his children should enjoy the best of school advan-
tages. Accordingly, the subject of this sketch, A. A. Walker, after
taking a thorough course in the preparatory schools, entered the state
university at Columbia, in which he continued as a student until 1859,
when he graduated with marked honor. Eeturning home after his
university course, he gave his undivided attention to farming, and has
continued in this ever since. In December; 1868, he was married to
Maggie, an accomplished daughter of Doctor Samuel Tutt, one of the
foremost physicians and most highly respected citizens of the county.
Mrs. Walker is an active and exemplary member of the Baptist church,
and is a lady of rare grace of mind and person. Mr. and Mrs.
Walker have one daughter, Margaret.
KELLY TOWNSHIP.
ANDREAS BESTGEN,
farmer and stock raiser; also notary public and clerk of the school
board. Amonsr the successful farmers and substantial citizens of
966 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Cooper county, of foreign birth, whose biographies deserve insertion
in this work, is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Bestgen was
born in Prussia, July 8, 1818, and was the youngest of three brothers
of a family of six children, reared by Andreas Bestgen, Sr., and wife,
whose maiden name was Miss Catherine Kelspach, both natives of the
same country. Andreas, Jr., received a good education in youth in
his native language, and, in accordance with the regulations there,
learned a trade. He acquired that of a millwright, and also learned
the general milling business, in both of which he was more or less en-
gaged until his immigration to this country. The father died in
Prussia in 1840, and seven years afterwards, Andreas, Peter, a mar-
ried sister, and his mother, came to America, and settled in Moniteau
county, this state. Here, the following year, February 26, 1848, he
was married to Miss Catherine, daughter of Cornelius Atter, originally
of Germany. After his marriage he continued to live in Moniteau
county until 1854, when he removed to Cooper, and bought laud
near Pisgah. He lived there until 1868, and then located on the farm
where he now lives. He has over 300 acres of good land, 200 acres
of which are in his home farm. This is well improved, with good
buildings, fences, an orchard, etc. Besides ordinary farming he gives
some attention to stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Bestgen have a family
of nine children : Catherine, wife of Peter Kammerich ; Mary, wife of
Henry Miller ; John, Barbara, wife of William Schmidt ; Roda, wife of
John Knipp ; Andrew, Maggie, Ellen and Pio. Mr. Bestgen, was ap-
pointed notary public, in 1862, by the governor, and has held the
office by successive appointments ever since — over twenty years. He
is now also clerk of the local school board. He and his wife are both
members of the Catholic church, as are also his children.
GEORGE J. BULL.
One of the time-honored, substantial and worthy citizens of
Palestine township is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was born August 13, 1824.
Mr. Bull is a twin brother of Thomas H. Bull, of Clark'sFork town-
ship, this county, and the two with their families always celebrate
their anniversaries together at the residence of one or the other. They
were sons of John and Jane (Phillips) Bull who settled in this county
in 1836, when George J. and Thomas H. were lads but twelve years
of age. The first two years of his residence in Cooper county the
father was engaged in merchandising, but he then improved a farm
in Palestine and Clark's Fork township, where he lived until his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 967
death. Their mother is still living (1883) at the advanced age of
eighty-seven. Both parents were natives of the Old Dominion.
George J., after he grew up, was married September 9, 1852, to Miss
Albertine, daughter of John F. Venlemans, of Cooper county. She
is a native of Belgium, where she was reared, but came to this country
with her parents in early maidenhood. She is a versatile linguist,
being able to speak fluently three languages. Mr. and Mrs. Bull
have three children : John M., Mary, wife of John Whittaker, and
James Jefferson. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Bull settled on
the farm where he now lives, where he followed farming and stock
raising with excellent success until his retirement from the active
duties of the farm a short time ago. He takes au active interest in
public affairs and particularly in politics. He has been twice a dele-
gate to the county convention, and enjoys the entire confidence of his
party (the democratic) and of the whole community. He and his
family are members of the Catholic church.
C. K. CULLERS,
farmer and stock raiser. The lives of few men in Cooper county
have been characterized by greater activity or more enterprise than
has that of Mr. Cullers. He is a native of Virginia, and was born in
Page county January 23, 1825. His father, John, and mother, Mary
(Keyser) Cullers, were also born and reared in the Old Dominion.
C. K. had excellent school advantages in youth. Besides the instruc-
tion of the common schools he also had the benefit of a course at high
school. In the latter he became proficient in the more advanced
branches, particularly in mathematics, including surveying. After
the completion of his educatiom he went to New Orleans, and spent
two years there in the grocery business. In 1847 he came out from
the Crescent City to Kentucky, and merchandised, in partnership with
his uncle, at Greenupsburgh until 1850. By that time the California
gold excitement was at its highest, and he joined the innumerable
throng bound for the golden coast. He went, however, by New
Orleans and the South. He remained in the far-off Occident over two
years, engaged principally in mining, and during this time made sev-
eral trips to Oregon. Returning in the spring of 1853, he spent the
summer in Virginia and in the following winter organized a squad of
eight young men and went back to the Pacific coast. He then worked
in the gold mines nearly three years, but returned to his native state
in 1856, and on the 19th of June of that year was married to Miss
Margaret, daughter of Nathaniel Tapp, of Page county. The current
968 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
summer he spent in Ohio, and the following fall came to Missouri
and settled in Cooper county. Here he bought the well-known Jolly
farm, one of the oldest and finest in the county. It is well improved
with a two-story brick dwelling, good barn, an excellent orchard, etc.
It contains nearly 200 acres, all under fence. Mr. and Mrs. Cullers
have three children : M. L., in the grocery business at Tipton ; Mag-
gie, an instrumental music teacher of superior attainments in her pro-
fession, and Commil K. Mr. C. and family are members of the
Missouri Baptist church and of the I. O. G. T. He is also a member
of the Masonic order.
JESSE M. DANIEL,
farmer and stock dealer. Among the thrifty farmers and well
respected citizens of Kelly township, Mr. Daniel may not improperly
be singled out for special mention. He was born in Montgomery
county, Kentucky, April 3d, 1842, and was a' son of Captain Charles
W. and Matilda (Daniel) Daniel, who came from that state in 1867
and settled in Cooper county. Captain Daniel died here in the fall of
the same year. Jesse M. came out to this county with his parents and
bought the farm where he now lives. He has an excellent place of
520 acres, all in cultivation except a small piece of timbered land.
His residence is a substantial, well constructed, two-story building,
and his farm is enclosed with good hedge and rail fencing. It is
otherwise well improved. He raises grain and deals to some extent
in live stock. June 3d, 1862 he was married to Miss Virginia, a
daughter of James H. Speed. His wife is a native of the county, and
was here reared and educated. They were married, however, in St.
Louis county. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel have a family of six children :
Charles B., Matilda A., James S., Virginia A., Mary F. and Jessie
M. They have lost two: Lucy, died August 6th, 1867, and Rosa,
June 19th, 1871, both in infancy. Both parents are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church.
PORTER E. DAVIS,
farmer, stock raiser aud dealer. The biography of the Davis family
reveals, with more than ordinary clearness, the qualities of courage,
adventure, resolution, untiring industry and solid worth, possessed by
the men who came west from the older states, and have made this
section one of the fairest and most prosperous parts of the Union.
On his father's side he is of Virginia parentage, on his mother's of
Georgia extraction. His grandfather, John Davis, and his father,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 969
Captain Phillip Davis, were both natives of the Old Dominion.
Captain Davis, his father, was a dauntless soldier under Jackson, in
the war of 1812. He went to Tennessee in an early day, and there
met and married Miss Cynthia Jennings, a fair daughter of the Empire
State of the south, Georgia, They lived in Franklin county, Tennes-
see, near Winchester, — where Porter E. was bdrn in February, 1816
until 1829, when they removed to Missouri and settled on a farm in
Kelly township, this county. Afterward Captain Davis crossed the
plains several times, and was often with Kit Carson in the west, the
two bejng intimate friends. He served as captain of the militia for a
nnmber of* years during the old muster days, and was one of the
leaders among the old pioneers and early settlers of the county.
Porter E. grew up mainly in this county, and started out for himself
early in life. He was married here in abput 1836, to Miss Joan,
daughter of Peter Stevens, one of the first settlers of the county.
Four years after his marriage he returned to Morgan county where
he lived some thirty-five years, and became one of the most prosperous
farmers of the county, He still owns a fourth interest in 2,200 acres
of land there. In 1873 he bought a farm in Kelly township, Cooper
county and removed to it, and in the spring of 1883 bought the place
where he now lives. He also owns land in Bates county. Mr. Davis
attributes his success in life to the habits of steady industry, to which
he was brought up, and which have never forsaken him. All he has
he oWes alone to his own exertions. Economy and good management
have enabled him to save what he has made. He is one of the suc-
cessful farmers and stock men of the county. While Mr Davis has
prospered in the material interests of life, he and his good wife have
been peculiarly unfortunate in their family. They have had nine
children, all but three of whom have been borne to their graves.
Those living are Alpha, wife of Dr. O. A. Williams, of Morgan
county, prominent in public life and in his profession in that county ;
Nannie, wife of John W. Nelson, and Mollie, widow of Gibson Ector,
who died in April, 1883. John A., died in 1883, aged thirty-three ;
William T., died in military service during the war; Cynthia, the
wife of Charles B. Sales, present collector of Morgan county, died in
1881. The others died earlier in life. Mrs. Davis is a member of
the Baptist church.
A. J. EUBANK,
farmer and stock feeder and dealer. Achille Eubanks, the father
of A. J., was a native of Virginia, and was a soldier in the war of
1812. He was twice married; first in Virginia and afterward in
970 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Kentucky, to which state he had removed, his first wife having died
some years previous. He came to Missouri with his family in 1830,
and bought land in Kelly township, where A. J. now lives, which he
partly improved, and there he died in 1844, A. J. was born of his
father's second marriage, February 28, 1851, in this county. His
mother whose maiden name was Nancy Ware is still living, and for a
number of years has drawn a pension from the government on account
of her husband's service in the army. He was a member of Captain
Wadkins company in Colonel Bowman's regiment. A. J. Eubank
was brought up on his father's farm in this county, and obtained a
good ordinary education in the common schools. On the 5th of March,
1863, he was married in Boonville to Miss Mary E., daughter of Abner
Bailey, of this county. This union has been blessed with eight
children : Lula, Nancy, Eoberta, Robert Lee, Joseph, Thomas,
Sallie Lee, Lotta Reavis, John Davis and an infant daughter. Mr.
Eubank has 223 acres of land under fence and in a good state of
improvement. He makes a specialty of buying and feeding stock.
He feeds from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty head of cattle
and about one hundred head of hogs. In this business he is very
successful. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church.
J. HERNDON GOODWIN,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Goodwin was in his infancy when his
parents J. C. G. and Amanda (Herndon) Goodwin emigrated from
Kentucky, in 1844, and settled in Cooper county. His father was a
native of Louisa county, Virginia, and was born October 10th, 1810.
As he grew up he received a thorough English and classic education,
taking a complete course in the famous Hampden and Sidney college,
of Virginia, from which he was duly graduated. When a young man
he came out to Kentucky, where he was married to his first wife. She
was a daughter of John Herndon, of Scott county, Kentucky, and a
sister to Linsford Herndon, a leading banker of Georgetown, in that
county. After their immigration to that state Mr. Goodwin, the father
of J. H., became one of the largest land holders and wealthiest
farmers and business men of Cooper county. He owued 2,000 acres
of land, 1,600 acres of which were in one tract, and a large portion
of this was well improved with a fine brick dwelling, good out-build-
ings, substantial fences, etc. He held numerous local offices, and
was postmaster at Vermont station, where he lived for nearly forty
years. He was a large stock dealer, and also carried on a general
store in addition to his other interests. He was noted for his close
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 971
attention to business and his unswerving integrity. His first wife
died in March, 1863. He afterward married Miss Lizzie A. Gilbert.
By his first marriage three sons and two daughters were reared, and
these are old residents of the county, except one daughter. By his
second union there is one son. The father died January 3d, 1883,
leaving his estate divided by will equally among his children. J.
Herndon Goodwin, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest son living
by his father's first marriage, and was born August 7th, 1843. He
was reared in this county, and was educated in a private academy,
under the instruction of Professor Cully, an able educator, now the
superintentent of the Sedalia schools. After completing his scholastic
course, Mr. Goodwin was married to Miss Fannie, daughter of M. B.
Gentry, originally of Madison county, Kentucky. She was educated
at the Bunceton high school. They have two sons, Gentry and Wal-
lace. Mr. Goodwin has a good farm of 320 acres, enclosed with
an excellent hedge fence, and sub-divided into convenient lots by
cross fences. Most of his farm is set with blue grass, timothy and
clover, and he makes a specialty of stock raising. He has a herd of
about 60 head of thoroughbred and high grade cattle, and he also
deals in mules. His farm improvements are all of a good class.
Mrs. Goodwin is a member of the Baptist church.
WILLIAM T. GKOVES,
farmer. Mr. Groves' father, William Groves, was an old time, hos-
pitable, well-to-do farmer of the Old Dominion. He had a large
farm near Warrenton, in Fauquier county, and, having a fine or-
chard, he made large quantities of brandy. His cellar was never
without a pure article of that good, old Virginia beverage, old enough
to go on the retired list of the army, and his cellar door was as open
to his friends as his great, generous heart was hospitable and kind.
He led a quiet, unobtrusive life, and died in the esteem and friendship
of his neighbors and of all who knew him. His wife, who was spared
to bless his home and brighten his life for many years, was an ami-
able, excellent woman, worthy to have been the wife of such a man.
She was formerly a Miss Sallie Pritchett of the well known Pritchett
family of Virginia. William T. was born, August 2, 1828, and
grew up on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-four, in 1852,
he came to Missouri and located near Boonville, devoting himself to
farming. In September of the following year he was married to Miss
Margaret, daughter of Samuel Cole, one of the pioneer settlers of
Cooper county. Three children followed this happy union : James
972 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
0., Samuel H., and William T., Jr. But death came knocking at his
door and took from him his devoted wife. She died January 19,
1868. Nearly four years afterward Mr. Groves was again married,
December 28, 1871. His present wife was formerly Miss Anna F.
Morton, a daughter of John Morton. She was born in Gloucester,
Camden county, New Jersey, October 11, 1858. She is a worthy and
excellent lady and bears her part well and cheerfully in making their
way through the world. They also have three children : John Rob-
ert, Clara Belle and Cora A. From near Boonville Mr. Groves re-
moved to Palestine township. In 1879 he sold his place in Palestine
and came to Kelly township where he has since lived. He is an in-
dustrious, well-respected farmer and a good neighbor and citizen. He
and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
GEORGE HARNED,
farmer and stock raiser, section 16. If, as is self-evident, this work
would be incomplete without sketches of the more public- spirited of
the successful farmers and substantial, well-to-do citizens of Cooper
county, then the biography of the subject of this sketch justly finds a
place in this volume. George Harned was born in Nelson county,
Kentucky, April 11, 1829, and was reared in his native county. Of
an enterprising turn of mind, at the age of twenty-two he came west
and located in Missouri, and two years afterwards, in 1855, returned
to Kentucky to be married to his present wife, then Miss Marcia
Pash, daughter of Wesley Pash, of Nelson county. They were mar-
ried on the 9th of August of that year. Upon their marriage they
came out to their new home, and Mr. Harned bought land in Scott
county and followed farming there for ten years. In 1865 he sold
his farm in Scott county and removed to Cooper county, buying the
place where he now lives. He has followed farming here with great
energy and success, and now owns more than 1,200 acres of land in
four diiferent farms. His homestead place contains 390 acres, all but
thirty acres of which is under fence and is well improved, including
a good residence, good barns, a good orchard, excellent fencing, etc.
He gives some attention to raising fine cattle, and has a number of
, thoroughbre'd short-horns of the best breeds. Mr. and Mrs. H. have
four children : William P., Benjamin, Edwin P. and Hulda. Mr. H.
is a member of the Christian church, and his wife and daughter are
connected with the Baptist denomination. Mr. Harned's parents,
Benjamin and Ellen (Lee) Harned, were both natives of Kentucky,
and were highly respected residents of Nelson county.
I £'
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 973
' WILLIAM M' CURDY, deceased.
In 1709 the founder of the McCurdy family in this country emi-
grated from Ireland, and settled on a farm in Lancaster county, Penn-
sylvania, which remained in the possession of and was occupied by
himself and his lineal descendants for 109 years. On this place Wil-
liam McCurdy, the subject of the present memoir, was born in August,
1806. In 1818 his parents, Watson and Agnes (Warner) McCurdy,
removed from the old hereditary homestead in the Keystone state and
settled in Jefferson county, Virginia. There William grew to man-
hood and remained until 1840, when he came west and located in
Cooper county. He was a man of great energy, untiring industry
and a good manager. Before he came to the county he had accumu-
lated some means and here he bought and entered land, and afterwards
added to his landed possessions until, at the time of his death, he
owned 700 acres in this county and 500 acres in Bates county. It
goes without saying that he was a successful farmer, stock raiser and
business man. But more important and better than this, he was an
upright, good man ; a man in whose death all that knew him felt a
loss. He was a member ®f no church, but what others talked of he
did.
"Formed on the good old plan,
A true and brave and downright honest man !
He blew no trumpet in the market-place,
Nor in the church with hypocritic face
Supplied with cant the lack of Christian grace ;
Loathing pretence he did with cheerful will
What others talked of, while their hands were still."
He left a wife and four children to mourn his loss and cherish
his memory. His widow, formerly Miss Jane Cooper, to whom
he was married, March 4, 1856, is a daughter of John Cooper,
of Howard county. Her parents removed to Howard county
from Christian county, Kentucky, wnere she was born in 1836.
Her children are Susan, James W., Jodie E., wife of W. H. Gowens,
and Maud. Mrs. McCurdy and her unmarried children live on the
homestead in Kelly township, which contains 620 acres of land well
improved.
A. M. NELSON,
farmer'fend stock raiser, section 19. The Nelson family has long
been prominently identified with the material prosperity and social
life of this county. That branch of it to which the subject of
tbie sketch belongs, comes of Captain James O. Nelson, a worthy
(53
974 • HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
sou of the Old Dominion, who emigrated to Cooper county, this
state, in 1836. His wife was formerly Miss Mary Hirst, of another
leading family of the comity, and both were natives of Fauquier
county, Virginia. Captain Nelson became a leading farmer of Cooper
county and an influential citizen. He died on his homestead in, Kelly
township, in December, 1861. Besides possessing in a marked degree
the qualities that make successful, prominent men, he was a remark-
ably kind hearted man, generous, hospitable, true in every relation of
life, and as upright and conscientious in all he did as the most punc-
tilious could exact. He led a more than ordinarily pure and blame-
less life, and died sadly regretted by friends and acquaintances and
deeply mourned by his family. The youth of A. M. Nelson was oc-
cupied with farm duties and in attendance at school. After growing
up and receiving a good, practical education, he started out in the
world for himself. He made a trip overland to California with stock
in 1853, and returned by Nicaraugua and New York. The following
year he made another similar trip. In both of these he was entirely
successful. After his second return he gave his whole attention to
agricultural interests in this county. In June, 1868 he was married
to Miss M. L. Tucker, a daughter of W. Gr. Tucker, of Cooper
county. She, however, was born in Kentucky before her parents
came to this county. Mr. Nelson was born November 19, 1829.
He was seven years old when his parents removed from Fauquier
county, Virginia, to this county, in 1836. He has been living on
his present farm since 1872. It contains 540 acres of good land all
under fence, and otherwise well improved. He is one of the enter-
prising, thorough going farmers of the county, and as a neighbor and
citizen he is esteemed and respected by all. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson
have a family of six children : James M., Estella T., Ada B., Lillian
A., Mary E., and Lydia A. Mrs. Nelson is a member of the Bap-
tist church. Mr. N. is a member of the A. F. aud A. M. of Tipton.
E. D. NELSON,
farmer and stock raiser, sections 29 and 30. Mr. E. D. Nelson is
the second son of the late Captain Nelson, whose life is outlined m
the sketch of his eldest son, A. M. Nelson. In this family there
were five sons and three daughters, six of whom are now living, four
sons^and a daughter, in this county, and one daughter in Sedalia,
Missouri. E. D., the subject of this sketch, was born before his
parents left Virginia, in Fauquier county, December 12th, 1831. He
was, therefore, in his fifth year when they removed toy this state, in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. ' 975
1836. Reared in an early day in this county; his education was
necessarily limited to the ordinary English branches. Still he acquired
a sufficient knowledge of books for all practical purposes. Brought
up on a farm, he very naturally adopted agricultural pursuits as his
occupation for life. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Miss
H. J., daughter of Joseph and Catherine Stephens, of this county,
and sister to Joseph Stephens, Sr. Her family were among the first
settlers of the county. After his marriage Mr. Nelson continued
farming in this county until 1858, when he removed to Pettis county.
He lived there for three years, and in 1861 moved, with his family, to
* Texas, in company with Benton Stephens and family ; Jackson
Stephens, Thomas Wolf, his brother-in-law, and family; Mitchell
Houstberger and family, and Mrs. Nelson's mother. They were a
month on the road by wagon teams, and on their arrival in the Lone
Star state settled in Denton county. Mr. Nelson enlisted in Jack-
son's company of Colonel Stone's cavalry regiment, in 1862, and
served until the close of the war. After the war he resumed farm-
ing and the stock business in Texas, and remained there for three
years, but in 1868 returned to Cooper county. He located on his
present farm in 1870, a neat place of nearly a quarter section of land,
all under fence and in an excellent state of cultivation. Besides this,
he has a tract of land in section 29 . He has always made a specialty
of raising stock, and feeding and shipping to the general markets.
More particularly, he buys cattle, hogs, sheep, etc., and ships to the
wholesale markets. In these lines he has been highly successful,
being a thoroughly qualified and experienced stock man . Mr. and
Mrs. Nelson have two children, Mary Catherine, wife of Charles
Francis, of Pettis county, and Joseph O. They have lost one daugh-
ter, Harriet Etta, who died in infancy. Both parents are members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
JAMES O. NELSON,^
farmer, section 30, is a brother of A. M. Nelson, whose sketch precedes
this, and is a younger son of Captain Nelson, there referred to. He
was born long after his parents removed to this county, on the 12th
of June, 1851. Good schools had been established all over the county
before he grew up, so that in youth he had excellent advantages to
acquire an education. After mastering the curriculum of the common
schools, he took a course in high school and traversed the higher
branches. Reared on a farm, his tastes were there formed for an agri-
cultural life, and at the conclusion of his scholastic course, he entered
976 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
vigorously upon geopanic pursuits. In 1874, still ununited in that
mystic union which God is said to join together, the accepted sum
and consummation of all human economy, he located on his present
farm, where he lived in bachelorhood for six years. But,
" To chase the clouds of life's tempestous hours,
To strew its short but weary way with flowers,
New hopes to raise, new feelings to impart,
And pour celestial balsam on the heart ;
For this to man was lovely woman given,
The last, best work, the noblest gift of Heaven."
He was married June 17th, 1880, to Miss Minnie Kamsey, a young
lady of rare grace of person and excellence of mind. She is a
daughter of Jesse A. Ramsey, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have one child, Lester R. Both parents are
members of the Baptist church. Mr. Nelson's farm covers uearly
a quarter section of land, all under fence and in a good state of
improvement. He is a neat, successful farmer, and is highly respected
as a neighbor and citizen.
JESSE A. RAMSEY.
Mr. Ramsey lived in this township for eleven years, from 1872 to
1883, and so worthily was he identified with the material and other
interests of the township, and so closely connected is he with some
of the best families of the county, that a sketch of himself and family
very properly finds a place in this work. He was born in Clark
county, Kentucky, January 20th, 1837. His father, Major Franklin
H. Ramsey, and his mother, whose name was Miss May Garden
prior to her marriage, were both also natives of the Blue Grass state.
Jesse grew up in his native county, and received a collegiate educa-
tion. After completing his college course he engaged in school teach-
ing, which he has followed more or less, in connection with farming,
ever since. In 1861 he was married to Miss Lucy A., daughter of
E. T. Woodward, of Clark county, Kentucky. Eight years after-
wards, in 1872, he moved with his family to Cooper county, this
state, and improved an excellent farm on land he had bought. Here
he continued farming and school teaching, and soon proved himself
a marked success in both occupations. As a farmer he was energetic,
enterprising, and a good business manager. As a teacher he became
widely known as one of the most thorough and efficient in this part
of the county. Mr. Ramsey's family was highly respected and
esteemed here by the neighbors and acquaintances among whom they
lived. He has five children : Minnie M., who married Mr. James 0.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 977
Nelson, of this county, and now resides in Kelly township ; Edwin
W., Jesse G., Mary K., and Franklin. Mr. E. is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and of the Masonic order. His wife, a most
amiable and excellent lady, is a member of the Baptist church. In
1883 Mr. Ramsey sold his farm in this county and returned to Ken-
tucky, much to the regret of his neighbors and acquaintances here.
He was a valuable citizen of the community, and one whose presence
is greatly missed.
COLEMAN RAWLINGS.
Farming has thus far constituted Mr. Rawlings' life occupation,
and considering what, the phrenologists would call the inhabitiveness
of the calling, he has led an unusually active life. He was born
in Fleming county, Kentucky, February 26, 1815, and was a
son of Aaron and Sophia (Fouch) Rawlings, the father origin-
ally of Virginia, but the mother a native of Kentucky. When he'
was twenty years of age he removed with his parents to Indiana,
where he lived until 1861. Haviug married in the meantime, he
then went to Illinois and lived in Champaign county for four years.
From Illinois he returned to Indiana and farmed in Tippecanoe county
until 1871. He then went to Kansas and located in Cherokee county.
He remained in that county three years, after which he removed to
Illinois, where he lived four years. In 1878 he came to Cooper
county, Missouri, where he has since resided. Mr. Rawlings' first
wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Decker, died, leaving him five
children, who grew to maturity and are now all married. He was
afterwards married to Miss Jane Wills, who was also taken from him
by the hand of death. Four children were reared by this union, and
one married. His present wife, whose name was formerly Miss Mary
Harrison, has borne him one child, now also married. Mr. Rawlings
is a member of the Masonic order.
HENRY M. WITHERS, deceased.
Kentucky has given to Cooper county, and particularly to the
northern part of the county, many of its best citizens, but she has
contributed none more highly respected, or, for conscientious dis-
charge of duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and
esteem, than was the subject of this sketch. Henry M. Withers was
born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, September 28th, 1808. His
father, James Withers, was a native of Fauquier county, Virginia.
978 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
His mother, whose name before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth
Carr, was also originally from the Old Dominion. They came out
to Kentucky, however, comparatively early in life, where they reared
their family and lived until their death. Of an inquiring, active
mind, Henry M., as he grew up, acquired more than a fair education,
both by instruction at school and by study at home, He started oflt
early in life on his own account. Possessing to a marked degree the
qualities that make successful men, while still a young man he had
achieved such success that he was regarded as one of the substantial
citizens of his native county. He was strongly domestic in his dispo-
sition, and more than ordinarily warm-hearted and ardent in his at-
tachments. Such a man would hardly be expected to go for a life
without the happiness which only wife and home can give. Accord-
ingly, in his twenty-fourth year, on the 26th of June, 1832, he was
married to Miss China Shackelford, a young lady of rare graces of
mind and person, the daughter of Hon. Samuel Shackelford, of Lin-
coln county, Kentucky. She was three years her husband's junior,
having been born on the 10th of April, 1811. Mr. Withers followed
farming and also the flour milling and distilling business in his native
county until 1857, when he sold out his various interests there and
removed to Missouri. In this state he settled near Anderson's Point,
in Kelly township, Cooper county, where he followed farming and
merchandising until the outbreak of the war. After this he was en-
gaged in farming alone until the time of his death, August 12th,
1879. He was as successful in his new home as he had been in his
old. He left a landed estate of over 500 acres, a splendid farm, be-
sides other prope-ty. He was a man of more than ordinary natural
ability, and was well up in general information and in the current
affairs of life. He had long been u worthy member of the Christian
church, and was one of the leading lay members of that denomina-
tion in his vicinity. None around him were more liberal in contribu-
tions for any worthy purpose, charitable or otherwise, than he. His
home was the abiding place of generous hearted hospitality, and as a
neighbor he was especially kind and accommodating. He died in the
respect and esteem of all who knew him, and deeply mourned by his
family. He left a wife and six children. Mrs. Withers, a motherly,
noble, good woman, still resides on the family homestead. Her chil-
dren are as follows : George C, in business at Sedalia ; Horace,
constable of Kelly township ; David B., in the cattle business at Fort
Worth, Texas ; John K. afid Laura, at home.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 979
LAMINE TOWNSHIP.
ROBERT HARRISON CASTLEMAN,
farmer, section 17. Among the young men whose opportunities and
personal worth give promise of future promise and usefulness as
farmers and progressive, enterprising stock men of Cooper county, is
Eobert H. Castleman, the subject of this sketch. He was born on the
family homestead, in this county, December 14, 1855, and is the eldest
of four children of David and Sallie A. (Harrison) Castleman, both of
whom are living and reside in Lamine township. Of the other three,
Kate died September 30, 1882, aged nineteen years ; Theodore died
four years ago, aged sixteen ; and Benjamin is still at home. Robert
H. remained on his father's farm in early youth and attended the
neighborhood schools, after which he entered Kemper's well known
and highly reputed school at Boonville and there pursued a higher
course of studies, thus acquiring more than an ordinary education,
particularly in the department of mathematics. His qualifications in
this branch were such as to recommend him for a position in the gov-
ernment coast surveying service, which he secured in 1869 and filled,
accompanying the surveying expedition from Mound City down the
river to Memphis. After this he returned home to Cooper county
and engaged in farming, which he has since followed and with excel-
lent success. His farm contains 800 acres of fine land, beautifully
situated, and is largely planted in grain. He also raises some live-
stock, particularly hogs, for the general markets.
DAVID CASTLEMAN,
farmer, section 5. Among the better class of farmers of Lamine
township, none are more substantial or better respected for their per-
sonal worth than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He
was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, March 3, 1834, and was one
of a family of fourteen children, ten of whom are living, of David Cas-
tleman and wife, formerly Miss Virginia Harrison, both natives of
Virginia, but reared in Kentucky where they married and brought up
their family. Mrs. Castleman is still living at an advanced age, and
is now in St. Louis county, where her son George H. and five daugh-
ters reside. Lewis, the oldest of the eight, lives in this county, near
Bunceton. David, in youth, besides having the advantages afforded
by the ordinary schools of Fayette county, attended college for a
980 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
time, but took no regular course, and in 1855, when just past twenty-
one years of age, came to Cooper county, where he has since made his
home. The following year, January 17, 1856, he was married to
Sallie A., only daughter of Robert A. and Theodosia (Tompkins)
Harrison, formerly of Fayette county, where their daughter was born
September 20, 1833. They, however, removed to Monroe county,
this state, in 1839, and two years afterwards settled in Lamine town-
ship, Cooper county, where both died in 1868. After his marriage,
Mr. Castleman lived eighteen montks with his wife's parents, and in
1858, bo«ght his present farm. This place contains 730 acres of fine
land, all in one body, and he follows both grain growing and stock
raising. By th« war, Mr. Castleman lost eleven slaves and was other-
wise considerably damaged in his estate, but from these losses he has
since more than recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Castleman have two chil-
dren living and two dead. Robert H., the eldest, is now a well-to-do
farmer of this county and Benjamin Tompkins is a lad at home twelve
years of age. Theodosia died in infancy and Katie died September
30, 1882, aged twenty-three years.
CAPTAIN GABRIEL H. CRAMAR,
farmer, section 5. Captain Cramar, who is now one of the substantial,
well-to-do farmers of Lamine township, is essentially a self-made man
so far as his own success in life is concerned. His father, John
Cramar, was a successful farmer, but had a large family, and after
the absorptive process of administration, partition, and so forth, had
been gone through with, Gabriel H.'s inheritance amounted to practi-
cally nothing. He was born in Lamine township, near where" he now
lives, July 28, 1822, and was reared on his father's farm. At the age of
about twenty-three he was married September 11, 1845, to Miss Mary
J. Jeffries, of this county, and afterwards followed farming and coop-
ering, of which trade he was master, in Lamine township until 1850,
when he went to Texas, but returned the following year to his native
township in this county, and resumed his farming and coopering occu-
pations. On his return he bought 100 acres of unimproved land for
which he paid $4.25 per acre, and went to work to opening his present
farm. Industry, good management and economy have not been slow
to bring him substantial results. He has now a fine farm of over 400
acres of handsomely situated, rolling land, all under fence and well
improved. Annually, he grows about 150 acres of grain and he also
gives considerable attention to stock raising, particularly cattle and
hoars. Mr. Cramar has been three times married. His first wife died
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 981
in July, 1859. Of his family of children by this union, all five tire
living : Milton, now in Colorado ; Mary, wife of Thomas W. Hamilton,
of Saline county; Lucinda, wife of Amos O'Neil ; Victoria, still at
home ; and Gabriel, also at home, being married to Mary Hill. Mr.
Cramar's second wife was, at the time of her marriage to him, a Mrs.
Nancy, widow of Andrew Davenport, but she died April 22, 1866,
leaving two children now living : Rebecca, wife of Henry Thurman, of
Pettis county, and Lowell. His present wife, whose maiden name
was Sarah Wright, was the widow of Matthias Majors, of this county.
She is a member of the Baptist church. Prior to the war, Mr.
Cramar was elected captain of a military company, a position he filled
during the service of the company. His parents, John and Rebecca
(Allen) Cramar, came to this county during the first settlement of the
country, and after stopping a while at Old Franklin improved the
Castleman farm on section 5, where they lived until their deaths ; the
father died in 1854. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth. The mother,
died two year* afterwards. She was originally from Virginia, but they
were married in Kentucky, from which they emigrated to this state.
They had nine children, only one of whom, Susan, the widow of
Lowell Spalding, is now living. Nearly all of them, however, lived
to rear families of their own.
EDWARD DAVISON, M. D.,
physician and surgeon, Lamine City. One of the best physicians and
most skilful and thoroughly experienced surgeons of Cooper county, is
the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Scot-
land June 5, 1838, and was a son of Doctor Leonard Davison, an em-
inent surgeon of the British army, and wife, who, previous to her
marriage, was a Miss Sophia McDonald, of a distinguished family of
the land of Wallace, and Bruce, and Burns. When Edward was still
in his childhood his father removed to Nova Scotia (having retired
from service in the military and become largely interested in ship
building), and in 1850 he came to New Orleans, where he remained
with his family for three years. He then returned to Nova Scotia,
leaving his two sons, Edward and Benjamin, in New Orleans with
their uncle. Shortly after his return to Nova Scotia the father died,
and New Orleans therefore became the permanent home of the sons.
Edward was employed in a drug store several years in that city, during
which time he also read medicine, and, in 1859, he, with his brother
and several other young medical students of New Orleans, attended
lectures at the Chicago medical college, and, as the war cloud was
982 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
then threatening to burst upon the country, they returned to New
Orleans, to be prepared for whatever turn public affairs might take.
When the echo of the bombardment of Fort Sumter resounded
throughout the continent, the two brothers, Edward and Benjamin, at
once enlisted to uphold the southern cause. Edward was made reg-
imental surgeon of the 31st Tennessee volunteers, and Benjamin en-
tered the service as adjutant, but was afterwards promoted to the
position of brigadier-general. In the battle at Cold Harbor Benjamin
was wounded, from the effects of which he died. Edward, however,
served until the close of the war, being always an active field surgeon.
He also was wounded — shot at Peach Tree creek in the engagement
of the 22d of June, 1864. After his military service he travelled for
five years through the north, visiting all the principal cities in com-
pany with some other southern gentlemen, for whom he was medical
adviser. He then came to Kansas City, where he lived until he lo-
cated at Lamine City in March, 1872. While in Kansas City he was
honored with the degree of M. D. by the medical college of the city.
Here at Lamine he has been actively engaged in the practice of his
profession, and has built up an extensive and lucrative practice. His
long experience in the army, both as a physician and a surgeon, has
been of the greatest value to him and to his patients in the general
practice. Doctor Davison was married March 18, 1874, to Miss Lillie,
the accomplished daughter of A. Dixon, of Bunceton. They have
four children : Warner, Corinne, Percy and an infant. The doctor
has been also engaged in the drug business for the past two years.
He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years.
JOHN A. FEAY,
proprietor of Walnut Grove farm. Mr. Fray, one of the leading stock
men and wealthy farmers of central Missouri, deserves greater credit
for success in life than almost any man in the state, for he has achieved
it in the face of greater difficulties than but few, if any, have had to
encounter. At the age of six years he was left an orphan boy by the
death of both parents, penniless, and with his own way to make in
the world as best he could. But the material was in him out of which
successful men are made, and it was not long in asserting itself. The
first year he worked (when six years old ) by the month, and received
ahorse in full payment. Then three years he worked in a saw and
grist mill for wages ; then drove teams between Glasgow and Hunts-
ville ; then worked at the carpenter's trade ; then engaged in farming ;
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 983
then followed overseeing a number of years ; then farmed on his own
account; and, at the outbreak of the war, owned over 200 acres of
fine land. Farming naturally led him to trading in stock, and hand-
ling stock led him to stock trading, which he followed with great suc-
cess during the war. And all these three lines he has ever since
followed — general farming, stock raising and stock trading. In 1865
he was able to buy the James McMahon farm, a fine estate of 440
acres, and his place now numbers 1,200 acres, and is one of the finest
grain and stock farms, both in quality aud appearance, in the state.
He grows annually over 300 acres of grain, principally wheat, and has
300 acres in blue grass, besides nearly 100 acres in meadow. In 1880
Mr. Fray introduced the Norman breed of horses in this section of the
state, and has pushed this with his characteristic enterprise and en-
ergy, so that now that breed is rapidly supplanting all others in pop-
ularity for draft and general purposes. He has the finest school of
horses of this stock in the state. In hogs and other kinds of live
stock he is also securing the best breeds that can be had. In short,
he is an enlightened, progressive, enterprising agriculturist in the
highest and best meaning of the word. His biography, aside from .
the work he has accomplished, is short. He was a son of James E.
Fray and wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Dennis. His father was
of the well known Fray family of Pennsylvania, of which state the
father was a native. His mother was of a very worthy and respectable
family of Virginia, where she was born and partly reared. They were
married, however, in Kentucky, and afterwards came to Randolph
county in an early day. His father was a millwright, and constructed
a mill after coming to this state. But both parents died soon after-
wards, leaving three children : two little girls, Martha F. and Lucy
E» Lucy died in Texas and Martha is the wife of James A. Howard,
now a resident of Texas. The duty of providing for his sisters, there-
fore, devolved upon John A., which he manfully performed. Before
reaching his twenty-first birthday, John A. was married to Miss
Martha E. Herndon, of Cooper county, he having made his home in
this county since he was eighteen years of age. Eight children have
blessed this happy union : James T., Benjamin H., John W., Mary
P., Henry G., Susan F., Eliza J., DeWitt C. and Katie B. How-
ever, James T. died at the age of twenty ; Benjamin H. married Miss
Adelia Harris, and Mary P. is the wife of Fred. W. Smith, at Boon-
ville. All have been well educated. Mr. Fray has been a member
of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-five years.
984 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WILLIAM J. HARRIS, deceased.
The name that heads this sketch was borne by a man whose mem-
ory is eminently worthy to be preserved to his descendants. Left an
orphan in his infancy by the death of his father, his bringing up was
attended with but few of the advantages that are thought necessary to
fit one to fight successfully the great battle of life. He started out in
the world for himself when a mere youth, without money, with an
education to acquire by his own exertions, and practically without
friends. But, as the sequel shows, he triumphed over all these diffi-
culties and left the record of a career behind him that not all of the
most favored sons of fortune have succeeded in making. He was born
in Virginia, June 2, 1816, but was reared in Madison county, Ken-
tucky. His father died before the son had even lisped the name
"papa" on his infant lips. There was but one other, a sister Elea-
nor, now the wife of Isham Majors, of Cass county, Missouri, in the
family of children. After William J. grew up he removed with his
mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Harris, and sister to this
state, and during the first year after their arrival they lived in Boone
county. They then went to Van Buren county, at that time adjoining
Cass. In 1839 William J. was connected with the Santa Fe trade,
making two trips across the plains. He then came to Howard county,
and lived with Hon. Alfred Morrison, near Glasgow, one of the purest
and best men who ever honored the state with their citizenship, for
about ten years. From here, attracted by the Midiasian stories of vast
fortunes acquired, as by the wave of a magician's wand, beyond the
sun-lit summits of the Cordilleras, he went to California and remained
in the Golden State engaged in mining, principally, for two years.
On his return he acquired eighty acres of land, the nest-egg, so to
speak, of his subsequent splendid farm of about 400 acres, where his
sons and his last wife now live. He was married after his return to
this state to Miss Sallie A., daughter of Thomas A. McMahan, of Sa-
line township. He and his good wife, a noble-hearted woman, then
went to work, each striving with untiring industry to make them-
selves comfortable in life by the time that old age should come on and
warn them that the days of their labor must close. Nor were the re-
wards of their honest toil slow in coming. They were soon possessed
of a comfortable estate. But death visits the happiest firesides. On
the 31st of July, 1862, he entered this household, and Mrs. Harris'
mortal life passed away, But she ceased to live here only to begin a
life eternal where death shall never enter. She left four children to
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 985
mourn her loss as follows: William P., Sterling P., Thomas A.,
Mantie and Leona. Leona died in 1865, aged eight years. Five
years afterwards Mr. Harris was married November 15, 1867, to Miss
Elizabeth Lake, a step-daughter of Judge Heath, of Howard county,
and a most worthy lady. Of this union two children were born, one
of whom, Stella L., is living, but Ada, the other, is dead. Mr. Har-
ris died November 12, 1881. He had been a member of the Christian
church for ten years, and all through life was noted for his purity of
character, his noble morality and his sweetness and equanimity of dis-
position. It is remarked of him by those who accompanied him that
he performed the unusual feat of crossing the plains with an ox-team
without swearing an oath. His three sons, William P., Sterling P.
and Thomas A. bought the homestead farm at the partition sale of
the present year, paying $35 per acre, and are now conducting it with
great energy and excellent business ability.
COLUMBUS HIGGERSON,
farmer, section 34. Among the more intelligent, progressive and ad-
vanced-idead farmers of Cooper county, Mr. Higgerson deserves to be
singled out for special mention. He was born in Madison county,
Kentucky, October 9, 1835. His parents were Joseph and Nancy I.
(Zacary) Higgerson, originally of Virginia. Both came out to Ken-
tucky early in life, and some years after their marriage removed, in
1837, to Missouri and improved the farm on which Columbus now lives.
They reared a family of five children, viz. : James W. , who died June
5, 1880 ; Jane T., now the widow of H. C. Turley, who died in 1878 ;
Angeline, who became the wife of S. F. Morton, and died about 1859 ;
Lucy F., now the wife of Captain Nicholas Smith; and Columbus.
After improving his farm and following farming a number of years
with excellent success, the father engaged in merchandising at Tur-
ley's bridge on the Lamine, in addition to his other interests, and was
following that when he was murdered and robbed on Christmas morn-
ing, 1861, a day above all others when peace on earth and good will
among men should reign supreme. He was called out of his house to
the store by several desperados on the pretence of purchasing some
article in the store, and was shot down and robbed of several hun-
dred dollars, His wife died seven years afterwards, 1868. Colum-
bus grew up on his father's farm, and when he came to choose a calling
for life adopted farming as his occupation, which he has since followed.
In youth he received a very fair education in the common schools, and
being possessed of a progressive, active mind, his career as a farmer
986 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
has since been marked by constant efforts to elevate and dignify
his calling, as well as to promote his own interests. He
believes in farming not only on the most intelligent business prin-
ciples, but according to most improved methods as demon-
strated by scientific experiments and by the experience of the
best educated agriculturalists. Hence in planting he considers the
adaptability of his soil to the different kinds of products, and when
and how to plant to the best advantage. In stock raising he holds that
the trouble and expense connected with handling stock ought not to
be thrown away on cheap, unsalable breeds, but should be expended
on the very best grades that can be had. Of the fine Cots wold breed
of sheep he raises he sells the lambs at ten dollars each, instead of
raising ordinary sheep and selling them for less than half that price
after they are grown. In other kinds of stock he is equally as dis-
criminating and intelligent in his system of breeding, raising, etc. In
horses he has the fine saddle Roebreck and Ruter breeds, of which
he also makes a specialty. His farm contains 340 acres of fine land,
all under fence and well improved. He grows over 200 acres of
grain, and raises considerable quantities of the best grades of stock.
Mr.Higgerson was married April 15, 1836, to, Miss Mary F., daughter
of Benjamin Herndon, an old and highly respected citizen of the coun-
ty. She was born April 15, 1836. They have had a' family of nine
children, two of whom are dead, Charles Edwin and Martha Ellen, died
in infancy. The others are Emmet Lee, Ida Belle, Effie May, Mary
Enola, Susan Ollie, James Jackson, and Benjamin Herndon. Mrs.
Higgerson is a member of the Christian church.
DR. AUGUSTUS WILLIAM KUECKELHAN,
was born in Sickte, duchy of Brunswick, Germany, May 1, 1812. His
father, Henry Kueckelhan, one of two brothers, was manager of a
feudal barony. His brother came to America with the Brunswick
troops and was killed in the revolution. Henry Kueckelhan married
Miss Augusta Schaefer, of a French Hugenot family, and to them were
born three children — one son and two daughters : Minna, who died
May 1, 1882, aged seventy-two years, and Augusta, who married Al-
brecht Schmidt in Helmstedt, and who died fifteen years ago, and
Augustus, the only surviving child. He received the rudiments of his
literary education in the village school, and when seven years old was
taken to an uncle's home near the city of Hanover, where he was in-
structed in the French, English and German languages, and other
sciences suited to one of his age ; also receiving a lesson in Latin each
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 987
day. Two years later he was sent to the gymnasium in Hanover,
which, under the direction and teachings of the learned Latin gram-
marian, Grotefent, had become a renowned classical school. Being
too far advanced in, French and English he was given Hebrew lessons.
To retain his citizenship in his native country — the duchy of Bruns-
wick— he was obliged to visit a school of that country, and accord-
ingly completed his classical education in Hotzminden, a celebrated
school, and matriculated as a student of medicine in the university of
Gcettingen in the spring of 1827. Owing to the general revolutionary
condition of the countries in the winter of 1829-30, the students in
Goettingen became implicated in the popular movements, and it be-
came expedient for Augustus Kueckelhan to leave the kingdom of
Hanover, and he, with some friends, went to Wurzburg, kingdom of
Bavaria, attracted by the reputation of Schoenlein, the greatest clinical
lecturer of his time. He there attended lectures and took the degree
of doctor of medicine, surgery and obstetrics, October 13, 1832. Being
desirous of coming to the United States he matured his plans for the
journey, and took passage at Bremen on the Columbus April 27,
1833, landing at Baltimore on July 4th of that year. Then he assumed
control of a company of 240 emigrants who had arrived in the same
ship, and, acting as interpreter, took them to St. Louis, which city
was reached August 16th. He opened an office there, and also pur-
chased a farm in that comity, where he practised for some time. In
March, 1836, he came to Boonville and, although he found seven well
established physicians in the place, soon secured a large, extensive
practice. He subsequently secured a tract of land, and in 1854 he
entirely withdrew from the practice of medicine and lived a farmer's
life, turning his landed possessions of 700 acres into a model stock
farm. In the fall of 1863, having been annoyed and injured by carpet-
baggers, home guards, and people ofthat class, he repaired to St. Louis,
and his name being favorably known as a physician he soon established
himself in the best practice. May 31, 1840, Dr. Kueckelhan was
married to Mrs. Margaret E. Quarles, widow of Clevius Quarles, and
a daughter of Dr. William Mills. She was born February 10, 1817,
in Louisa county, Virginia. Her father, who went to Mississippi,
died on the Yazoo river. Dr. Kueckelhan and wife have four chil-
dren: Oberon Augustus, Bettie (wife of D. C. Wing), Charles A. and
Minnie. All of them have received excellent educations, and the eldest
girls attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart at St. Louis. Dr.
Kueckelhan's farm contains 700 acres of well improved land, and upon
it is a neat, comfortable dwelling, on section 33, township 49, range
988 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
18. He is giving much attention to the raising of sheep, having 700
head, and he is endeavoring to improve the breed of the Cotswold and
South Down grades. He is a physician of advanced views, and has
written numerous articles for medical papers, some of which have
been widely copied. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. F.
and A. M.
THOMAS M. and JESSE T. McMAHAN,
farmers. The biography of the McMahan family begins with the
very alphabet, so to speak, of the history of Cooper county. The
founders of the family in this county came to this section of the state
away back in 1811, when the silence of the forests and the solitudes
of the trackless prairies had but little more than been broken by the
voice of white men, and when all nature was in its wild and primitive
state. Three brothers came together from Kentucky, James, Thomas
and Samuel McMahan, and settled at first in Loutre island, now a
part of Montgomery county, but they were driven from there by the
innumerable thousands of rattle and copperhead snakes that came
across the river and took up their abode on the island. The McMa-
han brothers then crossed the river into Cooper county, where they
lived until their deaths, brave-hearted, noble-souled pioneers, worthy
to have been the founders of civilization in any country, and where
their descendants still live themselves, a credit to their pioneer fore-
fathers. The name of William McMahau deserves mention also with
the other founders of the family in the county. He was here when
the three brothers crossed the river, and settled in Cooper. Their
neighbors at that time were David Jones, Stephen Turley, William
Reed, James Anderson and William, or Bill Anderson, as he was
familiarly called. They built Fort Mahan, in which they all lived,
more or less, for several years, the Indians being often in a state of
open hostility. James, Thomas and Samuel McMahan all married
and reared families, the first two marrying sisters, daughters of
David McGee, another pioneer settler ; Samuel, however, married in
Madison county, Kentucky, before coming to this state. His wife's
maiden name was Miss Sarah Clark. Some time after the erection
of their fort they went to Boone's Lick, Howard county, to make
salt, as there was no other means of supplying themselves with that
necessity. Returning then to Howard county they resumed the work
of opening up and improving their farms, and James and Thomas be-
came successful farmers and prominent, influential citizens of the
county. Samuel was succeeding quite as well in life, but while on
his way to Boonville, to pay for a tract of land he had pre-empted,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 989
he was killed by the Indians. This tract of land, where he was then
opening and improving his farm, is the same tract on which his son
Thomas, one of the subjects of this sketch, now resides. Thomas
was then eight years of age, and of the family of children he was the
second; William was his eldest brother, Samuel W., John W. and
Jesse were the younger ones. Some years after their father's death
their mother became the wife of Thomas Smith, an early settler.
He died about 1840, leaving two daughters and a son by this union :
Malinda and Emily, and Thomas, now Captain Smith, of this county.
She survived until about six years ago, dying at the advanced age of
nearly eighty-nine years. For many years prior to her death she had
lived with her son Thomas, in the old family homestead. Thomas
M. was born before his parents left Madison county, Kentucky, on
the 15th of June, 1805 ; he is, therefore, now eight years past the
allotted age of three-score and ten, and is still comparatively active
and vigorous in mind and body. He was married March 25, 1830, to
Miss Lucy Kiddle, a daughter of an early settler of the county, from
Maryland, and has continued to live on the family homestead on
which his father settled in 1813, from that time to this. He and his
good wife lived together in comfort and happiness for nearly fifty
years, and were blessed with a family of six children ; but at last she
was taken from him by death, about eight years ago. Three of his
children, also, sleep the sleep that knows no waking until the dawn
of eternal day. Of those living, Samuel lives in Arrow Rock, and
Eobert and Benjamin are residents of the county ; Margaret is the
wife of Ed. Brown. Of the dead: Sallie became the wife of Wm.
Harris, and Susan was the wife of Charles Sites. Mr. McMahan has
been an industrious farmer for over half a century, and has lived
without reproach a useful and upright life. Jesse T. McMahan, the
second subject of this sketch, is a grandson of Samuel, the father of
Thomas M., and a son of Samuel W., the eldest of the grand-
father's family of children. Jesse's father, Samuel W., was born in
Kentucky, before his parents came to this state, and some time after
their emigration here, was married to Miss Harriett Riddle. Of this
union nine children were, reared, Jesse T. being the sixth, as follows :
Samuel L., Wm. A., Jas. E., Nicholas W., Erasmus D., Jesse T.,
Benj. M., Edmonia, present wife of W- A. Huff, and Lucy, now the
wife of E. S. Herndon, of Saline county. The sons are all residents
of Saline township. The father, who was a successful farmer and a
highly esteemed citizen of the county, died at an advanced age in
1876. The mother, however, is still living and makes her home with
64
990 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
her son Jesse T. Jesse T. McMahan was born on the farm where he
now lives, January 18, 1853, and, in common with the other children,
received an ordinary, practical education in youth. After he grew
up, farming has constituted his life occupation", and in the prosecution
of his farm interests he shows much energy and enterprise. The
farm contains over half a section of good land, and he gives his atten-
tion to both grain growing and stock raising. Still a young man,
with his opportunities and qualifications, he will doubtless prove a
valuable and useful farmer and citizen of the county.
NICHOLAS W. McMAHAN,
farmer, section 20. Mr.McMahon, second son of Samuel W. and Harriet
(Riddle) McMahan, was born in Lamine township, January 24th, 1840,
and was reared on the farm, receiving a practical education in the
neighborhood schools in youth. After he grew up he was married
December 10th, 1868, to Miss Mary E. Kincheloe, daughter of Mrs.
Betsey Kincheloe, whose husband had some time before deceased.
Mrs. McMahan was born in Lamine township, March 26th, 1841.
Mr. McMahan followed farming with-his father on the family home-
stead during the war, and has since given his attention mainly to that
occupation, although for several years he followed the plasterer's
trade, which he had previously learned. He located on his present
farm about seven years ago — a neat place of nearly a quarter section
of land — on which he grows grain, principally corn, and raises some
stock. Mr. and Mrs. McMahan have but one child, a daughter,
Roena, born February 10th, 1871. She is taking an advanced course
of study in school at Arrow Rock, and gives promise of becoming a
lady of rare graces of mind and person. Her parents are taking a
deep interest in her education, and purpose giving her all the advan-
tages the best schools afford, both in the course of a general educa-
tion and in music. Mr. McMahan and family are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church.
REDD & GIBSON,
general merchants, Lamine City. The general merchandising busi-
ness of the above firm was established at Lamine City in November,
1871, since which time it has been conducted with excellent ability
and success. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods,
and command an extensive and steadily increasing trade. Mr. Redd,
the senior partner of the firm, was born in Madison county, Ken-
tucky, March 17th, 1836. Both his parents, however, Samuel and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 991
Nancy (Cornell) Kedd, were natives of Virginia, the father of Gooch-
land county and the mother of Louisa county. They removed to
this state in the fall of 1836, and settled in Lamine' township, this
county, about twelve miles west of Boonville. There the father died
in December, 1859, and the mother in the spring of 1868. The
father was a millwright by*trade, but followed farming mainly in this
county. There were five of their family of children, four of whom
are still living. Of those living John T., the subject of this sketch,
is the eldest and the only son. Up to the time of engaging in his
present business, farming constituted his principal occupation. In
1865 he went to Moniteau county, but remained only two years, after
which he returned to Cooper and farmed with Mr. Gibson, his pres-
ent partner, one year. In 1870 he made a visit to Texas, and after
his return the following year engaged in merchandising. He has
been postmaster since 1874. He has a neat farm of nearly 200 acres,
. a part of the old Kedd family homestead. May 5th, 1878, Mr. Kedd
was married to Miss Marietta M., daughter of Samuel R. Collins,
originally of Kentucky. They have two children, Harry Temple and
MaryNeoma. They lost their eldest, William Le e . Mr. and Mrs.
Redd are members of the Christian church.
Thomas B. Gibson, the junior member of the firm, although the
senior in age, is also a Virginian by nativity, having been born in
Louisa county of the " Old Mother of Presidents," January 21st,
1830. His father was William B. Gibson, and his mother's maiden name
was Susan T. Turner. They were married in Virginia and reared a
family of six children, of whom Thomas B. was the second. How-
ever, when Thomas was a lad nine years of age, his parents immi-
grated to this state and settled in Howard county near Boone's Lick,
where the father subsequently died. The mother after this went to
California, where she had a brother and sister, with whom she lived.
She died there about 1877. Thomas remained in Missouri, but in
1848 went to Fort Leavenworth, where he entered the employ of the
government, and thence made a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Re-
turning some six months afterward, in 1849, he went to California
and followed mining there mainly, until 1852, when he returned to
this state. Here he was engaged in the stock business principally
until 1859, when he joined the expedition to Pike's Peak, and was
gone all the following summer. Returning again to Missouri, he was
married February 26th, 1838, to Miss Nancy Redd, a sister of his
present partner in business. Farming and stock raising then occu-
pied his attention until 1864, when he joined General Parsons' com-
992 HISTORY OF HOWARD ANP COOPER COUNTIES.
mand of Confederates, and served as orderly sergeant of company F.
until the close of the war. After the restoration of peace he resumed
farming, and inl869 located on the old Redd homestead, where he now
lives, and a part of which he owns. He grows about 100 acres of
grain and raises considerable stock, principally cattle and hogs. As
stated above, he engaged in his present mercantile business in 1871.
Mr. and Mrs. Gibson reared a family of two children, William B.,
aged twenty-two years, still at home, and Mary F., wife of William
R. Scott, of Saline township.
MORITZ SCHUSTER,
farmer, section 4. Mr. Schuster is a native of Saxony, and was born
March 1, 1844. When he was thirteen years of age, his parents,
Franc and Theressa Schuster, immigrated to this country, and, stop-
ping in St. Louis the winter of 1857-58, the following spring came on
up the river, and bought the farm on which Moritz now lives, where
they made their home until their deaths. Six of their family of chil-
dren are living : Moritz, Joseph, William, Sophia (now the wife of
Otto Sandrock, of Oregon), Adam, and Anna, wife of Joseph Esser.
The mother of these died during the war, and afterwards the father
was married to Magdaline Schuster, of Prussia ; but in 1875 he also
died, and his second wife thereafter returned to the old country,
where she has since died. Joseph grew up on the farm, and during
the war, being, in 1862, old enough for military duty, served sixteen
months in the Missouri state militia at Boonville. February 21,
1865, he was married to Miss Rachel, sister to Noah Hildibridle, of
this county. They have a family of five children living : Nancy C,
Henry, Frank, Flora Ada and Guy. After his marriage, Mr. Schuster
lived in Blackwater, where he followed farming for three years, and
then removed to the old family homestead farm, where he has since
resided. It contains nearly 300 acres, and is well improved. He
grows over 100 acres of grain, and raises some live stock, mainly cat-
tle and hogs.
THOMAS E. STAPLES, M. D.
Doctor Staples claims the Old Dominion as the state of his
nativity. He was born in Henry county, Virginia, December 7, 1823.
In the fifteenth year of his age, in company with his parents, he came
to Missouri, and after stopping at Glasgow, Howard county, a little
less than a year, the family continued on to Saline county, where
they settled and made their permanent home. There the father died
September IS, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-five. The mother
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 993
still survives, a venerable old lady in the enjoyment of comparatively
good health, considering her age, respected and esteemed by all who
know her for her many amiable qualities of mind and heart. It is
impossible in a brief sketch to do justice to the eventful life of our
subject, whose experience would, if properly written up, make a vol-
ume. His early literary advantages were good. He received a full
course at the Patrick Henry academy, of Virginia, where he made re-
markable progress as a linguist, though he displayed little taste for
mathematics. In 1838, at the request of his father, he began the
study of medicine under Doctor Scales, of North Carolina. After
various interruptions and delays, he graduated in this science in the
medical department of the state university at St. Louis, in 1848.
The 2d day of May, of the same year, he was joined in marriage to
Miss Lucy Bernard, daughter of Isaac Bernard, one of the old and
well known pioneer citizens of this county. This marriage occurred
in St. Louis, where the young couple contemplated settling, but an
overruling Providence guided them to Ridge Prairie, Saline county,
where the doctor began the practice with Doctor G. W. Bothwell,
now of Sedalia. Subsequently he removed to Georgetown, Pettis
county, where he lived, with the exception of a few short intervals,
till the breaking out of our late civil war, he being most of the time
engaged in the duties of a large medical practice. At the close of the
war they moved to Saline county, where they remained till 1867,
and then settled on their present home in Blackwater township, of this
county. In 1846 he volunteered in the United States service against
Mexico, and formed a part of the celebrated Doniphan's regiment —
1st Missouri regiment, mounted volunteers. After assisting in the
subjugation of New Mexico, it will be remembered that Colonel Doni-
phan was ordered to join General Wool at Chihuahua, and that by a
change of tactics, General Wool's columns were directed to other
points, which left Colonel Doniphan in the midst of a hostile country,
with no support but his own brave regiment, consisting at the time of
not more than eight hundred effective men. "Forward, march!"
was the order of the commanding officer and the sentiment of his men.
At Brazito they met the enemy, thirteen hundred strong, under the
Mexican General Ponce De Leon. After an engagement, lasting
thirty minutes, the Mexicans were put to flight with heavy loss, the
Missourians having no men killed and only eight wounded. This
hattle was fought December 25, 1847, and in a short time followed
the battle of Sacramento, where our gallant regiment encountered six
thousand Mexicans, and completely routed their columns — one of the
994 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
most brilliant victories on record. With this victory came the fall of
Chihuahua, one of the richest of the Mexican states. Colonel Doni-
phan afterwards effected a junction with General Wool at Saltillo.
Colonel Doniphan's regiment was afterwards reviewed, sent forward
to New Orleans, where the soldiers were honorably discharged, after
having been in service about thirteen months, during which time they
travelled by sea and land a distance of about seven thousand miles,
reaching from the Pacific to the gulf, over deserts, mountains, rivers
and canons ; and most of the time they were alone, fighting through
the serried ranks of native foes — a military feat, eclipsing in martial
splendor the celebrated " march of the ten thousand," under Xeno-
phon and Cherisophus. Doctor Staples was with his regiment from
the beginning of the campaign till it was discharged at the Crescent
City ; was in all its marches, battles, and privations, and escaped
with only a slight sabre wound received at Sacramento. He returned
home rich in experience, but with an impaired constitution. As a
direct result of the achievements of his regiment, the vast territories
of the southwest fell into the hands of our government ; and when
their ashes are mingled with the dust, this proud monument, with
its mountain shafts piercing the skies, will stand as a testimony of
their heroism, while its rich minerals will constantly remind genera-
tions to come of the value of the conquest. Doctor Staples early be-
came identified with the troubles of our late war, and being in every
sense a southern patriot, he cast his fortunes with the armies of the
" sunny south." In 1860, at the request of the governor of the state,
he took command of a company of state militia to protect the borders
of Missouri from the raids of Kansas jayhawkers, and remained in the
field during the winter of 1860-61. When President Lincoln annulled
the treaty made by Generals Price and Harney, providing for the
neutrality of Missouri, under the proclamation issued by Governor
Jackson, Doctor Staples raised two companies, cavalry and infantry,
took command of the former company, and commanded an indepen-
dent detachment at the battle of Wilson's creek. During the pro-
gress of this action he charged a column of about 1,000 Germans,
under General Siegel, put them to flight, took two hundred prisoners,
quite a quantity of arms and ammunition, and captured the fine battle
flag presented to General Siegel by the Union ladies of St. Louis.
This trophy was transmitted to Honorable Judah P.Benjamin, secre-
tary of war to the Confederate government, by Doctor Staples,
through Honorable Thomas A. Harris, then at Richmond. The fol-
lowing correspondence shows how the gallantry of Doctor Staples
was appreciated by the confederate government : —
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 995
, [From Honorable Thomas A. Harris to Honorable J. P. Benjamin,
transmitting the flag. J
Richmond, 13th December, 1861.
Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War:
Sir: — At the request of Major Thomas E. Staples, of the
Missouri state guards, I beg leave to transmit herewith the flag cap-
tured by him from the enemy (Siegel's regiment) at the battle of
Springfield, Missouri, on the 10th day of August, 1861.
The gallantry displayed by Major Staples in the capture of the
flag, and throughout the memorable engagement, is fully recognized
in the official report of Major-General Price.
As there are many interesting associations connected with the
flag herewith transmitted, I cheerfully concur with the request of Major
Staples that it be placed among the other trophies of the valor of the
Confederate army. I have the honor to be respectfully your obedient
servant, Thomas A. Harris.
[Hon. J. P. Benjamin's reply. J
Confederate States of America, War Department, >
Richmond, 14th December, 1861. \
Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of yesterday, accompanied by a very handsome flag, captured
from Seigel's regiment at the battle of Springfield, Missouri, on the
10th of August last by Major Thomas E. Staples, of the Missouri
guards.
I shall be most happy to place this flag, as desired by its gallant
donor, among the other trophies of the valor of our army, which
grace the walls of this department.
It will there remain deposited, a memorial to those who come
after us of the glories of this great struggle, and of their debt to the
noble band of heroes who have imperilled all that man holds dear in
this defence of their liberties. In the roll of such men I feel sure
there will not be found the name of a truer or more gallant soldier
than that of Major Staples, whose name has already been rendered
familiar to all of us by the report of his distinguished commander,
General Price.
Please convey to Major Staples the expression of my admira-
tion for his services, and my thanks for the welcome present made to
the department. Very respectfully your obedient servant,
J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War,
Hon. Thomas A. Harris, Richmond.
These letters were forwarded to Dr. Staples by General Harris,
with a neat letter accompanying them. Immediately after the battle
of Springfield, or Wilson's creek, Dr. Staples returned to this section
of the state, and subsequently rejoined the forces of General Price
about the time of the battle of Dry Wood, where he was promoted to
996 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the office of major. He next participated in the battle of Lexington,
and afterwards resigned his commission in the army and made a visit
to Eichmond. On his return he was assigned a position on the medi-
cal staff. After the battle of Pea Ridge he accompanied General
Price east of the Mississippi, and was induced by Generals Jackson
and Rains to return to Missouri on a recruiting expedition. He was
accompanied by only twenty-seven men, and with this small force on
one occasion, charged Captain Cunningham, in command of many
times that force, who fled at the onset, and did not stop his retreat
until he reached Jefferson City, where he reported that Major Staples
was in Sedalia with 1,500 Indians, murdering men, women and chil-
dren. A short time afterwards doctor, or Major Staples, as he then
was, fell into the hands of the Federals at Boonville, and while held a
prisoner repeated attempts were made to assassinate him. Instead of
giving him a parole, or holding him for exchange, he was indicted in
the United States courts for treasou, but was never brought to trial.
He was, however, released from prison on heavy bonds. At the
close of the war Dr. Staples found himself in reduced circumstances,
and at once recommenced the practice of his profession, in which he
has since been steadily and actively engaged. In November, 1882,
he came to his present location. As a physician none rank higher in
skill ; as a soldier none were braver in the field of action, and as a
commander his military genius fitted him for positions higher than
he ever held. The doctor and his excellent wife have an interesting
family of eight children, another, the eldest, Virgia, being dead.
Following are their names : Levinia, now the wife of Abram Trigg ;
Fanny, now the wife of George Phillips ; Bettie, Mollie, May,
Edward, now in Saline county ; Abram F., and Bernard. Dr. Staples
has inherited to a marked degree the characteristics of the southern-
bred gentleman, aud his home is well known for its old fashioned
hospitality. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. at Arrow
Rock. The Staples family is an old one in the history of the nation,
and-has been represented in all the great wars of the country. It is
of Welsh origin, and the founder of the family in this country settled
in Virginia prior to the revolution. There the doctor's grandfather,
John Staples, was born and reared, and married Miss Martha Stoval,
the daughter of an old revolutionary veteran. James Staples, the
doctor's father, was born of this union, and after he grew lip he was
married to Miss Virginia Nicols. They reared three sons, including
the doctor, and five daughters, all of whom reside in this state.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 997
NATHANIEL S. TOWNSEND,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24. Mr. Townsend, himself a leadiug
farmer and stock raiser of Cooper county, was a son of one of the
most successful farmers and worthy citizens that ever honored the
county by their residence — Sanders Townsend — for over fifty years
a resident of Lamine township. He was a native of South Carolina,
but came oat to Kentucky early in life, where he met and married
Miss Susan, daughter of Payton and Lucy Nowlin. Together, Mr.
Townsend and wife, with her parents, came to Cooper county in 1825
and settled in Lamine township. Here Sanders Townsend soon be-
came a wealthy farmer and stock raiser, having at the time of his
death, after giving1 liberally to his children, a farm of 1,200 acres,
and having lost by the war forty or fifty negroes. He died Decem-
ber 28, 1876, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1863.
They had a family of twelve children, Nathaniel S. being the tenth,
six of whom were boys and six girlsi Five are living. Nathaniel S.
was born October 23, 1834, on the farm where he now lives. After
he grew up he was married February 25, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth, a
daughter of O. B. Pearson, a prominent public man of Saline county.
Nathaniel carried on the farm for his father for some time prior to
the latter's death, and since then he has been farming and stock rais-
ing on his own account. His place now contains 440 acres of fine
land, nicely located and handsomely improved. He has been making
a specialty of raising fine jacks and he has perhaps the finest school of
jacks and jennets in the county. Mr. Townsend has not been blessed
with any children of his own, but has reared a brother and sister,
Willie and Mattie, and is now i-earing a nephew, Robert D., now a lad
eight years of age.
JOHN D. TURLEY,
farmer and stock raiser, section 18. It is the possession of strong
traits of character that distinguish men, some above others. Whoever
is gifted with what is called force of character in any useful direction,
will necessarily become a marked man from those around him. So it
is with the Turley family. Jesse B. Turley, the father of John D.,
was a man of the most remarkable enterprise, resolution and deter-
mination, and such a man as would have carved out success in life
from any surroundings. An early settler in Cooper county, when the
field for business enterprise was exceedingly circumscribed, he estab-
lished a trade across the trackless plains with Santa Fe, New Mexico,
which he kept up year after year for a generation, making his trips
998 HISTORY OB HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
back and forth as regularly as the seasons come and go, until at last
he was stricken down by the hand of death in the city of the cactus
and semi-civilized Mexican. To follow this business, as he followed
it, required greater resolution and energy than was necessary for the
great " Pathfinder " to make his way a single trip across the con-
tinent. But this Jesse Turley followed, and thus carved »ut a com-
fortable fortune for himself and family, where others would have
shrunk from the thought of it. His wife, Julietta A. Riddle, was a
daughter of one of the first pioneer settlers of the county. They were
married here in about 1822. He was a native of Kentucky, she of
Maryland. He was a young man, not more than twenty-one, when
,he came to this county. He located on a farm here about one year
after his marriage, where his family lived during his life time, and
where his son still lives. This he added to and improved until he
made it one of the most comfortable homesteads in the county. He
died in August, 1861, and is buried at Santa Fe. His wife died the
same year. There were nine children of their family, of whom seven
are living, four sons and three daughters. John D. was born on the
farm, where he now lives, December 3, 1829, and since he was four-
teen years of age has had the management of the farm. He accom-
panied his father to Santa Fe and back in 1859. What his father
was to trafficking across the plains John D. is to farming. He is
thoroughly enterprising and energetic. His stock is of fine quality
and he farms in a thorough, business-like manner. His farm contains
nearly 400 acres of land and is well improved. He was married April
16, 1862, to Miss Harriet Pearson, of Saline county, daughter of O.
B. Pearson. They have two children : Jessie A. and Harry P. Mr.
and Mrs. T. are members of the Christian church.
WILLIAM H. and H. C. TURLEY,
farmers. David Jones, Stephen Turley, his son-in-law, and William
Reed, brother-in-law to the second of these three, with their families,
were the first white inhabitants of Lamine township. They came from
Kentucky, and settled in the township as far back as 1811. Stephen
Turley located on the land and opened the farm where William H.
and H. C. now live. He had married Elizabeth, daughter of David
Jones, before coming to the state, and of their marriage ten children
were born. Milton, the father of the subjects of this sketch, being
the youngest. But of these only three are now living : Milton, Delia,
now the wife of William Herndon, and Lunanda, wife of Whitfield
Reynolds, of Huntsville, Missouri. The father died in California in about
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 999
1850, whither he had gone during the gold excitement on the Pacific
coast. His wife died nearly thirty years afterwards, in 1879. Mil-
ton was born in the same house where his son now lives, March 8,
1833. After he grew up he was married January 5, 1855, to Mrs.
Louisa Turley, widow of an elder brother of his, William H. She
was, previous to her first marriage, a Miss Ricks, originally of Ken-
tucky. Four children were born of this last union, two of whom,
William H. and H. C, are living, and two are dead, Stephen J. dying
July 29, 1882, aged twenty, and Delia dying in infancy. The father,
Milton, is now in St. Louis, where he has been some three years,
identified with business interests there, but Mrs. Turley, his wife, is
at home with her two sons. William H. was born March 8, 1856,
aud Harvey C, February 14, 1858. Their whole life thus far has
been spent on the farm, and in 1878 they bought the place of their
father, and have been conducting it with excellent success. It con-
tains 355 acres and is well adapted to both grain and stock growing,
to which the Messrs. Turley give their attention. They grow nearly
150 acres of grain, and raise considerable stock, particularly cattle
and hogs, of which they have a thoroughbred grade, and of the latter
Poland-China breed. William H. was married December 13, 1881,
to Miss Anna, daughter of George Herndon, of this county, but origi-
nally of North Carolina. She was born in that state July 6, 1861.
They have one child, Susan E. Stephen Turley, the grandfather, was
a soldier in the war of 1812, and after his death his widow drew a
pension from the government of eight dollars per month on account of
his service.
STANARD WEBB,
farmer, section 32. Mr. Webb was born in Orange county, Virginia,
April 18, 1808, and was a son of Caleb and Frances (Gosney) Webb,
both natives of the Old Dominion. He was reared in his natal coun-
ty, and in youth acquired a fair education. For an occupation in life
he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship
of four years. February 2, 1830, he was married to Miss Lucy Red-
dish, a native of Madison county, Virginia, born July 29, 1811. Fol-
lowing his marriage, Mr. Webb continued to work at his trade until
about fifteen years ago, when, having removed to this state, in the
meantime and acquired an excellent farm, he turned his attention
almost exclusively to farming, which he has since followed. Mr. R.
emigrated from Virginia into Cooper county in 1838, and located in
Lamine township. The first house he built in this county was for
Freeman Wing, in 1839, which is still standing. He was the leading
1000 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
carpenter for many years in his section of the county, and most of the
better class of dwellings built then were constructed by him. He has
an excellent farm which includes the first piece of 200 acres he bought
in the early days of his residence here. Mr. "Webb's first wife died
January 2, 1842, and there are two children living of his first mar-
riage; MaryM., wife of John T. Clark, of Blackwater township, and
Cornelia, wife of John P. Wells, of Sedalia. May 17, 1849, he was
united in marriage to Mrs. Jane P., widow of Yelverton Wells, and
daughter of John and Penelope Pash, late of Loudoun county, Vir-
ginia. Of this union there are three children: Henry S., who mar-
ried Miss Luella Turley, June 2, 1874, and now lives with the father ;
Ewing M., married Miss Laura Smith ; and Albert T., whoserwife was
formerly Miss Mollie Huff. Mr. Webb's last wife had five children by
her first husband, three of whom are still living. He has been a mem-
ber of the Baptist church for forty years, and is a most excellent and
highly respected citizeu.
FREEMAN WING (deceased) and DAVID WARREN WING.
Among the few prominent and active business men, who early set-
tled in this county, and who bore a conspicuous share of the labor and
management contributing to its development, none were more ener-
getic and faithful in the discharge of the duties of life, or better un-
derstood the promising greatness of the country, and the proper means
to be employed in laying the basis of social and material prosperity,
than did Mr. Freeman Wing. And as even a condensed sketch of this,
worthy old pioneer will be appreciated by the present and coming
generations, we cheerfully devote a portion of our space to a brief
epitome of his life. Mr. Wing was born near Boston, Massachusetts,
January 12, 1800. He was the only son of the third wife of John Wing,
a man of great honesty and integrity, but not wealthy in the goods of
this world. Thrown upon his own resources when quite young, Mr.
Wing had but few educational advantages ; still his desires for an edu-
cation were such that he taxed every available source to gain scien-
tific and general information, and succeeded finally in pushing his
education up to at least a satisfactory point. At the age of twelve
he appeared in the streets of Boston as a cattle trader on a small scale,
and the next year he was heard of in Virginia, selling dry goods and
such articles as he could easily convey from place to place. He trav-
elled not only in Virginia, but also in New York, and was at Buffalo
when there was but one house in the place. He finally settled down in
Virginia as a teacher, and in a short time afterwards was joined in
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1001
marriage to Miss Catherine B., eldest daughter of John Jones, an old
and highly respected citizen of the Old Dominion, and a soldier of
the war of 1812. This marriage occurred November 10, 1831, and the
following spring, with his young wife, he turned his course towards
the then Far West, and safely landed in Cooper county, Missouri. He
made the entire distance by wagon, traversing in the trip portions of
the states of Illinois and Indiana. At first he made a selection and
located on a tract of land near the present farm of John Fray, which
he afterwards sold to Thomas Dix. His next location was the farm
now occupied by James Huff, Esq., known formerly as the Ruble tract.
He finally1 settled down on the old homestead, now owned by one of
his sons, D. W. Wing, where he spent the remainder of his days.
This fine farm he purchased of General Ashley, a tract then including
480 acres. He soon made other purchases, and his landed property
within a short time' amounted to about 1,500 acres, including another
fine farm owned by his eldest son, D. C. Wing. He continued to trade
iu real estate the balance of his life, and at one time had on hand as
much as 3,000 acres. In addition to his own landed interests, he be-
came the agent of General Ashley, and afterwards confidential adviser
and agent of the widow, Mrs. Ashley. After her marriage to Hon.
John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, he become her sole agent and at-
torney, in settling up this large estate ; so that it can be truthfully said
he was the largest land operator in Cooper county. Prior to his death
in 1868, he divided up his estate among his children and retired from
business — that he might spend the remainder of his days in the enjoy-
ment of his family and a large circle of friends. Early thrown upon
his own resources, he attained a fine development of his intellectual
powers, as well as acquiring a complete government of himself; and
in bringing up his large family, he kept his children in subjection, al-
most without an effort. He took great pains in the instruction of his
children, most of whom have received the benefits of the higher
schools and colleges, often superintending their studies in person. To
the poor he was benevolent, but preferred the best of all methods to
help the needy by putting means within their reach, to enable them to
help themselves ; and he often advanced money to poor men to make
the first payment on lands for which he himself was agent, and the sales
of which came through him. Though wealthy he did not give his af-
fections to the world, but recognized his allegiance to the King of
kings. He became a charter member of the Pleasant Grove Christian
church in 1843, wher6 he was known not only as a faithful member,
but a oo-worker in all good and charitable deeds. Of the five sons of
1002 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
his family of children, David Warren Wing, the second subject of
the sketch, is the youngest. He was horn on the old family home-
stead, inLamine township, January 5, 1849. He was reared on the
farm, and was educated mainly at the State University, in Columbia,
Missouri, and Eastman college, Poughkeepsie, New York. When in
his twenty-first year, on the 22d of December, 1869, he was married
to Miss Mary E., daughter of James H. Parker, Esq., of Columbia,
Missouri. She was born in Boone county, April 1, 1852, and was ed-
ucated at Columbia. Mr. Wing (fils) farmed in Boone county one
year after his marriage, and then came to the family homestead in this
county, where he has since lived and which he now owns. This place
contains 560 acres of fine land, and is well improved. He grows an-
nually over 200 acres of grain, and makes Over 100 acres of hay. He
also raises considerable numbers of stock, principally cattle, hogs and
sheep. His cattle are of superior grades, and he is making somewhat
a specialty of thoroughbred short-horn stock. Mr. Wing has inher-
ited all the strong and better qualities of his father's character,
and added to those, he has a thoroughly cultivated mind. As a
farmer he is energetic to the last degree, and has the industry, enter-
prise and good judgment to make him a successful man in any
occupation in which he might engage. He is one of the most pro-
gressive and thrifty farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Wing have
an interesting family of five children : Maggie Parker, James Free-
man, Mary Louisa, Lillie Kate, and Henry Moss. The Wing family
is an old one in the history of the nation, and dates its early
settlement in this country back to the times of "Plymouth Rock."
The remote ancestry came from England to this country, about
the year 1639, and we accordingly read in the early records of "John
Wing, of Sandwich," from whom the family line comes down to the
present generation in the following order : Joseph, John, and John
the second, Freeman and David Warren, the second subject of this
sketch.
LEBANON TOWNSHIP.
JAMES CORDRY
owes his nativity to Todd county, Kentucky, where he was born on
the 27th of May, 1827. His parents were James and Margaret
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1003
(Murphy) Cordry. The former, a Kentuckian by birth, born in
1795, lived there until the fall of 1830, then settling on the place
now occupied by his son in this township. He was a farmer by occu-
pation, but held the position of magistrate for twenty-five years. His
marriage occurred in 1824, his wife having been born in the same
county as himself. They had seven children : William, Thomas,
Mary A., Catharine, James, Adaline and John. Four are now living,
all but one in this county. James received but a limited education in
the common schools in youth, and was brought up to the occupation
of farming. In 1850 he was married to Miss Ann Eliza Robinson, a
daughter of Edward Robinson, of Cooper county. She was born in
1829. They were the parents of eight children: DeWitt, born in
1851; B. Cora, born in 1852 ; Rice Daniel, born in 1854; George
Hart, born in 1856 ; Mollie Bersheba, born in 1858 ; Leveret L.,' born
in 1862 ; Eva E., born in 1865, and an infant, now deceased. Only
three of their children survive. Mr. Cordry is recognized as a lead-
ing and one of the most influential farmers and stock raisers in this
township, his landed estate embracing 400 acres on section 5. He
takes a great interest in educational matters, and has given his chil-
dren excellent opportunities for acquiring knowledge, feeling the need
of superior places of learning and realizing the importance of good
schools. Religiously, he is a Baptist, and has been for thirty years,
belonging to the church at Nebo.
RICHARD T. ELLIS,
originally from Orange county, Virginia, was born in 1836, his parents
being R. P. and Margaret Ellis, nee Ferguson. The former, a native
of Orange county, Virginia, born in 1809, lived there until 1836. He
was married November 25, 1830, his wife having been born in Bath
county, Kentucky. To them were born nine children: William V.,
James T., Richard T., H. M., Mary E., Mildred F., Anna M., M. L.
and Walter J. In 1836 Mr. R. P. Ellis came to Missouri, and, set-
tling in Howard county, lived there for three years, at the expiration
of which time he entered Cooper county. Here he continuously re-
sided until his death in August, 1862. Richard, the third child in the
family, has lived on the old homestead since his father's death. This
homestead contains about 800 acres in Cooper and forty acres in Mor-
gan counties, and upon this the mother also lives. About 400 acres
are prairie, the remainder being under cultivation. Mr. Ellis owns
besides two shares of the estate, land to the extent of eighty acres.
He is unmarried. The homestead is one of the best improved in the
1004 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
township, being surmounted by a fine briek residence. Our subject,
as a farmer and general stockman, ranks equal to any in the county,
and, as a cultivated gentleman, has not his superior.
J. H. EWING,
a representative citizen of this community, was born near Boonville,
Cooper county, Missouri, October 26, 1819, and is therefore one of
the oldest of the pioneers now living in this county. His father was
Eeuben A. Ewing, originally from Logan county, Kentucky, born in
1793, who lived in that locality until his marriage in 1813 to Miss
Mary Hammond, a daughter of Job Hammond, formerly of Virginia,
where she was born in 1796, having lived there until six years old,
and then removing with her father to Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Ewijug
had nine children : William C, Mary J., J. H., R. M., Finis V., Job,
who died in infancy, twin daughters, Sallie A. and Margaret R., and
Amanda F. Five of this family are now living- In 1818 the senior
Ewing, removing to Missouri, settled near Boonville, Cooper county,
going thence, in about two years, to the centre of the county. He
entered the land upon which he so long lived, making it his home
until 1856, when he resided at different times with his children until
his death in May, 1871. His widow died in 1875. J. H. Ewing at-
tended the common schools of Cooper county, and has always lived
in the vicinity of his present location, with the exception of four years,
when engaged in the mercantile business at New Lebanon. On Sep-
tember 10, 1856, he was married to Miss Martha A. Marge, a daughter
of F. A. Marge, who came to this county from Virginia in 1851. Mrs.
Ewing was born in July, 1836. They are the parents of nine chil-
dren, of whom eight are living, and all in Cooper county: Margaret
S., Mary D., Nannie Lee, Reuben A., Ida F., Everett L.,Nadine and
Stella. One daughter, Fannie Bell, became the wife of Emanuel
Stephens, and died seven months after her marriage. Mr. Ewing is
the owner of 285 acres of land in this township and 160 acres in Bates
county. He is a man of intelligence and culture, and takes great in-
terest in promoting the growth of his adopted county. Himself, wife
and four daughters are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church at New Lebanon, the oldest church in the county, established
by Finis Ewing, its first pastor. Politically, he is a democrat, but
formerly he was a whig, his father having been the first whig senator
of this county — elected in 1840, and serving one term. He was also
sheriff of Todd county, Kentucky, for a long time, and for a while
magistrate in Cooper county, Missouri. William C. Ewing, a brother
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1005
of the subject of this sketch, has twice been elected to represent this
•county in the state legislature. Mr. Ewiug resides on section 3.
JAMES W. FLOYD,
a Virginian by birth, was born in Wayne county March 16, 1837, and
was the son of Nicholas Floyd, also a native of Virginia, born in 1811,
who married Miss Eliza Painter. They had eight children: John,
James, William, Sarah, Patterson, Darius, Marian F. and Charlie.
In 1856 the senior Floyd, with his family, came to Missouri and lo-
cated near Bunceton, in Cooper county, where he lived until his death
in 1875. When twenty-six years of age James W., the second child
in the family, went to Idaho territory, where he remained for live
years, following freighting. He returned to this county in 1868, and
has since made it his home. In 1881 he moved upon his present place,
having purchased 150 acres of land in section 25. This is in good
cultivation, and will compare favorably with any in the township.
Mr. Floyd is making upon it extensive improvements. In 1869 Miss
Maggie Parish, daughter of Thomas Parish, of Cooper county, became
his wife. They have had a family of five children: Herbert, born in
1870, died in September, 1880 ; Ernest, born in 1872 ; Thomas, born
in 1874, died in 1877 ; James, born in 1875, died in 1875, and Oscar,
born in October, 1878. In his political preferences Mr. Floyd is dem-
ocratic. '
SAMUEL T. JONES.
owes his nativity to Christian county, Kentucky, where he was born
November 3, 1826. His father, Henry Jones, a Kentuckian by birth,
was born about the year 1798, and in 1816 was married to Nancy
Flint, of Virginia, she having been born in 1788. Mr. Jones was shot
by robbers in 1865, and subsequently died from the effects of it. His
wife died in 1848. They had five children, of whom Samuel T. was
the fifth. He remained at home until twenty-one years old^ at which
time he was married, in 1847, to Miss Susan Coffman, of Page county,
Virginia, and a daughter of Jacob Coffman, of that state. They have
had five children: three infants, who are now deceased, Nancy and P.
A., and one of the latter children has also passed away. Mr. Jones
came to Missouri in 1835, in company with his father, and located in
this county, where he has since resided. His farm embraces 170 acres
in section 31 and forty acres in section 36. He has a comfortable
residence, above the average, and outbuildings, etc., in proportion.
He is a member of the M. E. church south, and also belongs to the
65
1006 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Grange. Politically, he is a democrat. Mr. Jones' grandfather,
Samuel Jones, was a soldier in the revolutionary war, having entered
from Dinwiddie county, Virginia. He was an associate of both Wash-
ington and Lafayette, and figured quite conspicuously in the battle of
Brandywine.
THOMAS MURPHY,
who was born on the 1st of March, 1810, in Todd county, Kentucky,
was a son of William Murphy, a native of South Carolina, born near
Charleston in 1772. His wife was formerly Miss Mary A. Kates, and
to them were born ten children, of whom Thomas was the seventh
child. He lived with his father for twenty years, and then, leaving
home, worked in different localities in Kentucky for some time. In
1848 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Cooper, a daughter
of a Mrs. Cooper, a widow, and of Kentucky birth. By this mar-
riage there were five sons and four daughters : John W., Isaac N.,
William Taylor, Mary A., Thomas, Sarah C, Cleopatra A. F., Jo-
seph and Cornelia A. Mr. Murphy owns 171 acres of land in this
township.
JAMES A. MURPHY
was born in Todd county, Kentucky, on January 22, 1840. His
father, John Murphy, a native of Ireland, born in 1803, emigrated to
the United States when a boy with his father, and in October, 1825,
he married in Trigg county, Kentucky, Miss Letitia Landers, ofKen-
tucky. By this marriage there were seven children : John W., Mary
A., James A., Martillis, Thomas N., who died in 1840, Sallie E. and
Lucia E. In 1842 the senior Murphy removed to Missouri and set-
tled in Cooper county, two miles from Syracuse, where he lived until
his death in 1859. The subject of this sketch, the third in the family,
remained at home until his father's death, when he went to Texas.
After remaining some time he returned to Cooper county, and has
since lived here. In 1879 he purchased his present farm of 214
acres, which is improved and well watered, and nicely adapted for
the raising of stock, to which he devotes considerable attention.
This is located in sections 19 and 20, his fine residence being in
section 20. Mr. Murphy was married in 1866 to Miss Mary E.
Cordry, a daughter of John B. Cordry, of this county. They have
six children: Robert E., John A., James E., Billy, George T. and
Letta Belle. Mr. Murphy is a staunch democrat. He belongs to
the Baptist church at Antioch.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1007
PHILANDER SHANKLIN,
a native of Robinson county, Tennessee, was born in 1823, and was
the son of William H. Shanklin, a Virginian by birth, who married
Miss Sarah H. Herring, of the same state. To them were born
five children : Bathuel, Adaline, Andrew, Philander and William.
The senior Shanklin came to Missouri in the fall of 1830 and settled
in Cooper county, on the place now owned by Philander and William
Shanklin. He followed farming as his occupation during life, his
death occurring in 1865. These brothers now own in Cooper and
Morgan counties 640 acres of good land. Their home farm, consist-
ing of 160 acres, in Cooper county, is an excellent one, and is under
good fence, and has an abundance of water. William H. Shanklin
was one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming here when the
deer roafned the prairie unmolested, and when the large gray wolves
were numerous. He was, during a portion of his life, a member of
the grange.
A. T. SPENCER,
a native of New Jersey, was born in 1841. His father, John B.
Spencer, a native of England, born about the yetfr 1808, emigrated
to the United States in 1840, and settled in New Jersey. After re-
maining there a short time, he came to Missouri, in 1845, and located
in Boonville, Cooper county, moving thence, a short time after, to
Pilot Grove township. He died, February 17,1882. His wife was
formerly Sarah Ann Harrison, and they were the parents of four chil-
dren : John H., Alexander, A. T. and Elizabeth. Mrs. S. died about
the year 1850 or 1853. The subject of this sketch, the third in the
family, left home when fourteen years old, going into Saline county,
where he stopped for four years. Returning, he stayed at home until
he was twenty-one years of age. In 1861 he was married to Miss
Sarah C. Bagwell, a daughter of William Bagwell, of Cooper county.
By this marriage there were born seven children: James, Thomas,
Mary, Lulu, Arthur, Stanley and Leslie. Twp died in infancy.
Mr. Spencer is a plasterer by trade, and has worked at this occu-
pation quite extensively in Saline, and also north of this county,
having acquired quite a reputation in this avocation. Politically, he
is a republican. His farm, on section 33, contains 150 acres of land,
under good cultivation.
1008 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WILLIAM SPILLERS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 20, was born in Ohio, December 17,
1827, and was the sou of Peter Spillers, a native of South Carolina,
born in 1800, who, when about seven years old, accompanied his
parents to Kentucky, where his father lived a short time, then return-
ing to Ohio. He was first married in Miami county, of that state, iu
1820, to Miss Susanna Coats, of Ohio, and to them were born ten
children : Preston, Sarah, George, William, Rebecca, Matilda, Peter,
Susan A., Samuel and Rachel. Matilda and Sarah are now deceased.
Mr. S. was married a second time to Mrs. Spicy A. Slaughter. The
subject of this sketch remained at home until twenty-two years of
age, at which time he was married, in 1849, in Randolph county, In-
diana, to Miss Mary Harris, a daughter of Obadiah Harris, of Indi-
ana. They have had twelve children : Henry T., Sarah A., Martha,
Phoebe E. (now deceased), Peter, George, Mary R., Elizabeth (now
deceased), William, Charles, Etta and Ida May. In 1838, Mr. S.,
leaving Ohio, went to Indiana, and in 1856 removed to Iowa, remain-
ing for two years. In the spring of 1858 he came to Missouri, lo-
cating in Cooper county, where he and his father have since lived,
save during the war, which time they spent in Indiana. Politically,
Mr. S. is a republican. His fine farm contains 138 acres of improved
and well watered land.
JOHN F. THOMAS,
a native of Cooper county, Missouri, was born on the 24th of October,
1844. He was the son of Jonas Thomas, a native of Tennessee, and
Izella Thomas, nee Woolery, mention of whom is made elsewhere in
this work. John F., the seventh child in a family of thirteen chil-
dren, leaving home when twenty-seven years of age, was married,
June 27, 1869, to Miss Lizzie Roatcap, a daughter of John Roatcap,
of this county. She was born March 22, 1852. To them were born
eight children: two infants (twins), Leonard R. and Levord O.
(twins), born July 26, 1871 ; George H., born September 11, 1875 ;
Edith born October 4, 1877 ; Cora F., born May 10, 1881, and Mil-
lard F., born February 23, 1883. Five of these are now living. Mr.
Thomas is the owner of 258 acres of laud in this township, 200 acres
being prairie and the balance timber land. Upon his home farm is a
good residence and other buildings. He is located in section 33, and
is one of the most influential citizens of this township. In his politi-
cal preferences he is republican.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1009
C. M. THOMAS
is a native of Cooper county, Missouri, having been born here in 1851.
His parents were Jonas and Izella (Woolery) Thomas, the former
born in Tennessee in 1816, and the latter, a daughter of George
Woolery, of this county. Mr. Thomas was one of the very earliest
pioneers of Cooper county, having come here when he was a small boy
about five or six years old, and making the settlement in 1821. To
Mr. aud Mrs. Thomas were born thirteen children, of whom ten are
now, living. C. M., the youngest of the family, lived with his father
until twenty-six years of age. In November, 1877, he was married to
Miss Jennie Steele, daughter of the Hon. D. K. Steele, of Cooper
county, one of Cooper's earliest and most honored citizens. By this
union there are three children: May, born May 15, 1879; Carrie,
born October 9, 1881, and Mildred Earle, born September 10, 1882.
Mr. Thomas owns eighty acres of land in this township, but occupies
and cultivates the farm of his father-in-law. Politically he has ever
been a republican. He is a member of the Baptist church at Antioch,
and is its clerk.
JEKEMIAH TOMLINSON
was born February 17, 1819, in Madison county, Kentucky, where his
father, Ambrose D. Tomlinson, was also born in 1787, he dying there
in 1833. His wife was formerly Miss Frances White, and to them
were born nine children : Mourning, Eliza, Lucy, Jeremiah, Nancy,
Pauline,"Margaret, George and Sallie. Of this large family the sub-
ject of this sketch is the only one now living. He remained at home
until the death of his father, then residing in one place and another
until his first marriage on the 17th of May, 1846, to Miss Fannie J.
Eoss, of Morgan county, and a daughter of Lewis Eoss. They were
the parents of five children : John L., Prince F., Eliza F., Hannah
D. and TheodosiaE. Three of these children survive. Mrs. Tom-
linson died on January 20, 1864. Mr. Tomlinson was again married
October 9, 1866, to a Mrs. Suttles, a widow, who bore him three
children': George W., Jeremiah, and Eugene. This wife died Febru-
ary 2, 1872. For his third wife he married Miss Louisa Bales, a
daughter of Minor Bales, of Cooper county. They have one child —
William M. In December, 1838, Mr. Tomlinson came to Missouri,
locating in Mo rgau county, and after living there until 1866 removed
to this county, which has since been his home. His residence is on
section 17, and his estate embraces 188 acres, well improved and
watered.
1010 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JOSEPH VARNER
was born on February 8, 1807, in Shenandoah (now Page) county,
Virginia. John Varner, his father, was a Virginian by birth, and
married Miss Barbara Burner. To them were born ten children :
Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Philip, Daniel, Martin, Jonas, Manuel, Reuben,
Mary A. and an infant. But six of this family survive. The subject
of this sketch remained with his father until twenty-five years of age,
and in 1832 he was married to Miss Mary Huffman, a daughter of
Christopher Huffman. They had fourteen children: William, now in
Tipton, Moniteau county, and married to Miss Eliza Cook, daughter
of William Cook, of Cooper county ; Barbara, widow of Richard Eu-
banks ; Ann, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Martha, wife of Elijah
Smith ; John, deceased ; Mary S., Belle, now Mrs. David Gochenhour ;
Isaac, deceased ; Martin, deceased ; Booton, who married Lotta Wild ;
Virginia, Frank R. and Pernie, the latter three at home. Mr. Varner,
leaving Virginia in the fall of 1855, came to Missouri, settling on
section 22, Lebanon township, Cooper county, his present location.
He is very successful as an agriculturist, and owns 312 acres of land,
120 acres being in this township. All but one of his children live in
this county. After the death of his first wife Mr. Varner was married
a second time in 1872 to Miss Mary Ann Baldwin, a daughter of John
Baldwin, of Ohio. She was born in March, 1824. He is a member
of the Baptist church.
TIMOTHY P. WAKEFIELD
owes his nativity to Lawrence county, Ohio, where he was born in
1839. His grandfather, Peter Wakefield, a native of England, born
August 7, 1764, was one bf seven brothers : William, Thomas, Joseph,
Timothy, Ebenezer, John and Peter. They settled in New Hamp-
shire and Vermont, and in 1806 Peter emigrated to Ohio, and laid the
bottom log of the dam for the first mill in Lawrence county in 1809,
and until fifteen years ago that log still remained where it was origi-
nally placed. By his marriage he had three sons: Winchester, born
August 1, 1796, now living on the Ohio river, in Lawrence county,
Ohio; Benjamin, born August 13, 1809, also in Lawrence county,
and George W., born March 15, 180-, now in Louisiana, on the Gulf
of Mexico. Benjamin Wakefield, the father of the subject of this
sketch, a native of Ohio, was brought up a farmer, and married May
1, 1834, Miss Carthenia Judd, a daughter of Charles Judd. She was
born in Lawrence county, Ohio, April 18, 1813. They were blessed
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1011
with five children : Mary A., born April 12, 1835 ; Timothy P., born
March 15, 1839 ; Mighill, born December 11, 1841 ; Catharine L.,
born September 17, 1844, and Mahala B., born November 9, 1848.
Mr. Wakefield was married a second time to Miss P. James, and by
this marriage there were five children : Franklin, Talbott, Cora,
George and John. Timothy P. Wakefield remained at home until
seventeen years of age, when he entered college at Athens, Ohio, re-
maining there some time. Afterwards he gave his attention to teach-
ing in Ohio for eighteen months, and then in Illinois for one year.
When the civil war broke out he enlisted August 13, 1862, and served
over three years in company A, 87th Illinois mounted infantry, under
Colonel Whiting's command, as sergeant. Upon returning from the
army he located in Hamilton county, Illinois, and in the spring of
1866 was married to Miss Maggie A. Shoemaker, of McLeansborough,
that county. She was born October 2, 1842, and was a daughter of
Joshua Shoemaker, county and circuit clerk of Hamilton county. Mr.
and Mrs. Wakefield have had six children : Harry, born November 7,
1870 ; Cory S., born October 5, 1873 ; Flora E., born April 28, 1876 ;
Anna, born August 14, 1878 ; Zina V., born August 22, 1880 and an
infant, born in March, 1883. Mr. Wakefield came to Missouri in
1866, and settled in St. Charles county, living there three years,
when for five years he made his home in Pettis county. In 1875 he
came to this county. Here he owns a farm of 160 acres, on section
25. Politically he has ever been a republican.
T. R. ZIMMERMAN,
was born on the 15th day of November, 1852, in Perry county, Penn-
sylvania, in which county his father, D. F. Zimmerman, was also born
March 27, 1827. He was the son of J. H. Zimmerman, a native of
Pennsylvania and of German nationality. D. F. Zimmerman lived in
the state of his birth until 1866. He was married about the year 1840
to a Miss Ickes, of the same state as himself, who survived but a few
years, leaving at her death one child, Dianna. In 1849 Mr. Zimmer-
man married Miss Anna E. Loy, originally from Pennsylvania, born
in March, 1832, she being a daughter of Michael Loy. They were
blessed with three children: T. R., Emma V., born in 1856, and
David L., born February 16, 1862, died in 1864. In 1866, emigrat-
ing to Missouri, the senior Zimmerman settled in Cooper county,
and followed farming and stock raising until his death. He was a
steadfast, honest man and was held in the highest esteem by the citi-
zens of this county. For some time he gave his attention to mercan-
1012 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tile interests, but previous to his death devoted his time to agricultural
pursuits. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. T.
R. Zimmerman acquired his education principally in the common
schools, spending two years in a high school, and, lastly, attending
Allison's family school. He has taught some in the public schools,
but, on account of the confinement, was obliged to give up the occu-
pation of teaching and devote himself to farming aud stock raising.
He owns 200 acres of fine land in sections 23 and 27, well watered
and drained. As an elocutionist Mr. Zimmerman has no superior in
this township — if in the county. He is a great scholar, and a person
of no mean literary talents and gives much attention to reading.
MONITEAU TOWNSHIP.
ALFRED B. ALEXANDER
is the proprietor of Red Gate farm, a most excellent place of 52T
acres, located in section 4, of this township, and in section 5, of Mora
township, Moniteau county. This, as now constituted, was purchased
from his father, 327 acres in 1872 and in 1876 the remaining 200
acres. This does not include all his landed estate, as the 160 acres
cornering on sections 30 and 32, this township, are owned by him, as
are also 147 acres in Moniteau county — in all about 835 acres.
Mr. Alexander was born January 1, 1851, in Moniteau township,
' Cooper county, Missouri. His education was received here, he at-
tending for two terms the school at Prairie Home and after that one
term at Bunceton, under the preceptorship of Professor Cully. His
father, Alfred A. Alexander, was born August 10, 1806, in Woodford
county, Kentucky, and on August 27, 1827, was joined in marriage to-
Miss Alpha A. Stephens, born July 22, 1811, in Tennessee, and a
daughter of Peter Stephens, a native of that state. She was a small
child when her parents removed to Cooper county, they settling in
Kelly township. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander had eleven children born
to them, viz. : Louisa, who died in infancy; Polly A., born Decem-
ber, 25, 1829, and wife of Joseph H. Stinson, now of Jackson county ;.
Elizabeth, born January 2, 1832, married Stephen Howard and died
April 19, 1855; James B., born September 2, 1834, married Miss
Mary E. Reavis, died December 8, 1878 ; Joan , born January 22r
1837, married John D. Wood, now of Moniteau county ; Peter S., born
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1015
February 21, 1839, married Miss Sally A. China, now of Jackson
county; Nero C, born June 2, 1841, married Miss Mary Mack, and,
subsequently, Miss Mary Canton, of Illinois, died August 5, 1870;
Calpernia S., born November 16, 1843, married FrasierMcYean, now
a widow; Jael K., born December 6,1845, and now the wife of Dr.
J. K. P. Idol ; Alpha A., born September 4, 1848, married James R.
Wood, died March 28, 1877 ; and Alfred B., the subject of this sketch,
who married Mrs. Laura B. Trundle, of Jackson county, Missouri,
September 14, 1876. They had one child, James P. T., born Decem-
ber 13, 1878, died January 17, 1879. Mrs. Alexander departed this
life December 30, 1878. On the 23d of March, 1880, Mr. Alexander
again married, Miss Kate H., daughter of Colonel V. M. and Tabitha
J. Kenney, of Paris, Kentucky, becoming his wife. They have two
children : Alfred K., born July 31, 1881, and Laura B., born January
12, 1883. Mr. Alexander's father accompanied his parents to this
county, when yet a small boy, from Kentucky in 1811, they settling
in the fort known as Hannah Cole's fort. He was a resident of this
county from 1811 until his death, August 29, 1877, his wife having
lived here from the time of her immigration from Tennessee, 1812 or
1813, until her demise, February 22, 1879. Both were among the
original members of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist church, formed in 1817,
and located first on section 2, near the Moniteau county line, and subse-
quently moved to the northeast coiner of the same section, where,
instead of worshipping in a log-house, a frame building was used. Al-
fred B. Alexander, while giving some attention to the raising of wheat
and corn, has from a boy been accustomed to handling all kinds of
stock. This he has made bis life business, and has become thoroughly
familiar with all its details. His farm is admirably arranged for the
prosecution of this industry, and the surroundings of his place —
fences, buildings, hedges, etc. — give ample indications of the successful
agriculturist. Mr. Alexander is a member of Lodge No. 56, A. F. &
A. M. at Tipton. Mrs. Alexander holds membership in the O. S.
Presbyterian church of the same place.
CHAELES H. ALLISON.
That time and means spent for education in early life is the best
investment that can be made, is illustrated beyond " a hinge or loop to
hang a doubt upon " by the lives of those in whose interest it has been
made. And the life of Mr. Allison forms no exception to the general
rulev Thoroughly educated in early life, his services since have been
of a value to society that is beyond estimation, and which he could
1014 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
never have even hoped to render without the education he received.
For fifteen years he was the principal of the Male Collegiate Institute
of Boonville, an institution he founded and built up, and which was
finally merged into the present excellent public school of that city.
Thus for a few years time and a little means spent in the acquirement
of an education, he has given back to his native county a service, the
inestimable influence of which will go vibrating through the ages like
the undulations of a wave upon a shoreless sea. And in his retire-
ment to a farm life, the impress of a cultured mind is visible every-
where around him. Not only is he a better and more successful
farmer than he otherwise could have been, but his place has been made
one of the best in improvements, taste and intelligent adaptability to
farm purposes in the county. In short, his farm is a fitting abode for
the successful farmer and educated gentleman. He was born in the
township where he now lives on the 3d of December, 1824, and in
boyhood attended the ordinary schools of the neighborhood. But de-
termining to fit himself for the bar, he left home at the age of eighteen
and entered a prominent private school of the day, kept by C. W.
Todd, at Boonville, then editor, also, of the Boonville Herald. He
continued in that > school about sixteen months, and then became a
student in Kemper's school, where he remained about two years.
After this he taught school for nearly a year, when he became a ma-
triculate in the state university at Columbia, from which he graduated
with marked honor in 1852. Returning after his university course he
began teaching in order to prosecute the study of the law, and soon
formed a taste for the calling of an educator, which determined him to
adopt that as his life-work. Accordingly he founded the Male Col-
legiate Institute already mentioned, and built it up to a high point of
success. A friend to general education, however, and seeing in the
public school system an efficient agency for general education, he gave
way to it and sold his school building to the school board of Boon-
ville, He then shortly engaged in farming, and has become not less
successful as a farmer than he was as an educator. December 23,
1852, he was married to Miss Amanda C, daughter of David and
Margaret Adams, who were among the first settlers of Cooper county.
Mr. and Mrs. Allison have been blessed with eight children, six of
whom are living: John F., William C, David A., Edward L., Mag-
gie A. and Cora I. Mr. Allison held the office of county surveyor for
twelve years by successive elections. He is a brother of S. C. Alli-
son, whose sketch also appears in this volume, in which will be found
a notice of the lives of their parents.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOP$t COUNTIES. 1015
STEPHEN C. ALLISON,
farmer. Like many of the better class of citizens of Cooper county,
Mr. Allison is a descendant of pioneer settlers of this county. " Hi s
father, William Allison, came here in 1812, and in common with
others in that early day, early occupied Fort Hannah Cole for a time,
Mrs. Cole, for whom the fort was named, being a sister of his. In 1824,
William Allison was married to Miss Martha J. Williams, who, with
her parents also, came to this county in an early day. She was from
Maury county, Tennessee, and he from Wythe county, Virginia. Of
this union, sixteen children were born, eleven sons and five daughters,
of whom nine are living: Charles H., Stephen C, Eliza J., Wm. R.,
John R., Mary A., David C, Peyton A. and Benjamin F. William
Allison, the father of these, became a leading farmer of the county,
and at his death was the owner of 800 acres of fine land in this and
adjoining counties. He died in 1864, aged sixty-eight years. He
was a soldier, first lieutenant under Captain Porter, in the war of 1812,
and located a tract of land in St. Clair county on a warrant received
from the government for military service. Mrs. Allison, his widow,
died in 1871, aged sixty-five years. Stephen C. Allison, the subject
of this sketch, was born December 22, 1825, and now lives on a part
of the old homestead, where he was reared, and still cultivates the
same land where he first learned to follow the plow. He has an ex-
cellent farm aud is a leading grain and stock raiser in his neighbor-
hood. January 4, 1855, he was married to Miss Nancy B. Mitchell,
who was born November 29, 1834, daughter of William N. and Mar-
garet Mitchell, early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Allison
have a family of five sons and two daughters : William R., born Nov-
ember 5, 1855 ; Mary A., born July 16, 1857 ; Walter B., born May
6, 1861 ; Aubryn W., born June 30, 1863 ; Eliza L., born December
7,1866; Emmet E., born July 28, 1869; and Thomas M., born
March 14, 1872. William R. married Miss J. Harrow and Mary A.
married C. W. Kern, of Howard county, but are now residents of this
county. William A., and wife are members of the Baptist church at
Pisgah.
GILBERT APPERSON.
Mr. Apperson was principally reared in Cooper county, and has
followed farming here since he first started out in life for himself. He
was a son of Francis and Nancy (Spears) Apperson, both natives of
North Carolina, who came here directly from Kentucky, of which
state they had become residents in an early day. Their family num-
bered seven children, of whom four are still living, Gilbert being the
1016 HISTORY OF frlOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
eldest. He was born before his parents left Kentucky, in Monroe
county of that state, May 12, 1812. His father died in 1842, leaving
a large landed estate in this county, on a part of which Gilbert now
lives. His mother died in 1842. After reaching manhood, Gilbert
Apperson was married, March 16, 1837, to Miss Martha, daughter of
Thomas and Mary Berkley, who settled in this county from Virginia
in 1831. Of this marriage seven children were born, four of whom
are now living, Mary E. ; William F., in Idaho ; Benona J.; and
Robert J. Mr. Apperson and wife are members of the Baptist church
at Pisgah.
FREDERICK WILLIAM BOHM,
miller and engineer. Mr. Bohm was a son of Frederick William, Sr.,
and Caroline (Hostmeaern) Bohm, both natives of Westphalia, Ger-
many, who immigrated to this country and settled in St. Louis in
1844. Besides Frederick William, there are two of their family of six
children now living. Their father died of cholera in St. Louis during
the epidemic of 1849. Subsequently their mother married Frederick
Schlinger of that city, whom she had known in der lieb alt vaterland,
but no children resulted from her second marriage. She died Febru-
ary 13, 1883, aged seventy-three years. Frederick William, the
subject of this sketch, was born in his father's native country, near
Minden on the Weser, February 13, 1834, and was, therefore, fourteen
years of age when brought to this country by his parents. Some
years afterwards, in 1848, he came from St. Louis and located in
Boonville, and here, September 25, 1859, he was married to Miss
Missouri A. Son, of this county. Eleven children have been born to
them, six daughters and five sons, of whom there are eight living:
Mary, born August 1, 1860; Amelia, born August 11, 1862; Henry,
born August 21, 1864; Martha, born December 13, 1867; Emma,
born January 13, 1869, deceased ; Julia, born June 29, 1871 ; Freder-
ick William, born in 1873, deceased ; William M., born January 25,
1874, deceased; Everett R., born December 8, 1876; Huchie G.,
born January 27,, 1878; and Margaret, born November 25, 1881.
Mr. Bohm removed to Moniteau township in 1877, where he has
since resided. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church of
Pisgah. Mr. Bohm is an experienced and skilful engineer and miller.
He has been a resident of Cooper county since 1851.
JAMES M. BONAR,
farmer. Mr. Bouar has been a resident of this state but eight years,
having came out from Pendleton county, Kentucky, where he was born
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1017
and reared, in 1875, and located in this county, in Clark's Fork town-
ship. He was born October 25, 1849, and is the eldest of a family of
three children of Washington F. and Patsey (Ervin) Bonar, all still
residents of Kentucky. His father was born in Pendleton county,
in December, 1825, and his mother in the Blue Grass state, in 1828.
Their second child, Mary E., was born in August, 1851, and is now
the wife of Charles Taylor; their second daughter, Margaret J., is a
young lady residing with her parents. After coming to this county
James M. Bonar was married, May 11, 1875, to Miss Cassandra Eus-
sell. They have three children : Lydia, B., Wyon E. and an infant
■daughter. In 1879, Mr. Bonar removed to Moniteau township, where
he purchased his present farm and still resides. He is an industrious
farmer and will doubtless prove a valuable accession to the farming in-
terests of this county. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
JUDGE ANDREW B. COLE.
Judge Cole was one of a family of thirteen children, nine sons
and four daughters, twelve of whom are still living, of Samuel
and Sally (Briscoe) Cole, both of whom were reared here in the pion-
eer days of the county. Samuel Cole, the father, was but seven years
of age when his parents settled in this county from Virginia, in 1808,
and for five years following they were compelled to live more or less
in the fort known as Hannah Cole's fort, on account of Indian out-
breaks. Brought up amidst such surroundings, young Samuel became
inured to the hardships and dangers of pioneer life, and at, an early
age made himself conspicuous by his fearless, adventurous spirit.
When but twelve years old he came within a hair's breadth of shoot-
ing an Indian, whom he caught slipping stealthily up to the house
with evident evil intent, and would have done so had not his mother
stopped him in the very act of firing the fatal shot. From this time
forward, and until affairs became comparatively settled, his life was a
series of stirring adventures, both dangerous and amusing. He is the
Samuel Cole of whom the anecdote is told of swimming the Missouri
river with his pet bull to attend a dance on the opposite side. How-
ever, instead of across the river, he really swam down it about three
miles and back again, a-hold of his bull's tail, amidst the shouts of
laughter and applause of those witnessing this performance. It is
also related of him, with more truth than fiction, that while a soldier
in the Mexican war, having made a clothes peddler who annoyed the
camp, dance before a crowd of fellow-soldiers, for the amusement
of the spectators, the peddler, after dancing to their satisfac-
1018 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tion and pretending to take it all as a joke, watched his oppor-
tunity and, suddenly seizing a revolver, turned the tables on young
Cole and made his former persecutor dance before the same
spectators until, a cold December morning as it was, the sweat
coursed freely down his face, and the retaliation, so courageous and
just on the peddler's part, could not, without meanness and cowardice,
be objected to by the other soldidrs, for it was all a joke ( ! ) But
further space for side incidents and experience cannot here be given.
His first wife, who came from Kentucky with her parents wheu quiet
young, in 1813, died October 14, 1854; and in 1857, Mr. Cole was
married a second time, Mrs. Catherine Patrick, a widow lady, then
becoming his wife. With her he is living on his homestead in Pales-
tine township at the advanced age of eighty-two years, hale and hardy,
and as vigorous in mind and body as men usually are twenty years his
junior. Two daughters were reared of his second marriage. Judge
Cole, a son by his father's first marriage, was born October 4, 1827, and
formany years has been a leading farmer and prominent citizen of the
county. He has an excellent farm well improved in Moniteau town-
ship, and is comfortably situated in life. In 1878 he was elected pre-
siding judge of the county court, which office he filled for four years
and with marked ability and entire satisfaction to the public. He has
been twice married. June 27, 1855, he was united in matrimony to
Miss Rebecca A., daughter of Judge Jacob and Mary Baughman. She
died January 6, 1864, having been the mother of three children, one
of whom is dead: William H., born December 6, 1855; Mary E.,
born September 14, 1857, now married; and Clara A., born De-
cember 16, 1859, died December 13, 1879. Judge Cole's second wife
was previously Miss Mary J., daughter of Charles and Maria Hickox,
to whom he was married April 10, 1866. Three children were born of
this marriage : Charles E., born January 1, 1867; James W., born
September 19, 1869, died January 23, 1872; and George T., born
October 2, 1875. Judge and Mrs. Cole are members of the Baptist
church, and the Judge is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
JOHN B. ENGLISH.
Mr. English came to this county from Moniteau county, this
State, where he was born and reared, in 1879, and bought a tract of
333 acres of land, of which his present farm is a part. He devotes
his attention to raising grain mainly, but also raises live stock
in a general way. He is a substantial, well-to-do farmer, and is
a valuable addition to the farming community of Moniteau town-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1019
ship. He was born June 22d, 1849, and was the second of a
family of nine children born to Boyd M. and Catharine (Maupin)
English, both natives of Moniteau, who were married in 1846. But
three of their children, however, are living, James M , born February
1, 1847 ; John B., the subject of this sketch, and Margaret, born in
1848. After he grew up, John B., was married to Miss Susan J.
Dill, of that county, March 26th, 1873. There are two of their family
of three children living: Nero, born June 28th, 1877, and Gracie
C, born April 26th, 1881 ; Bertie, the eldest, born January 8th, 1875,
died October 4th, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. English are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the A. F.
and A. M.
HARVEY M. GEORGE.
Calvin George, the father of Harvey M., and now a merchant of
Texas, is a native of Tennessee, but came to Missouri in early life,
and was married in this county to Miss Jane Scott. Here they reared
their family and lived until 1875, when the parents removed to Texas.
Harvey M., was one of a family of seven children, six of whom are
now living, three sons and three daughters. He was born November
4th, 1842: Farming has constituted his life occupation, except for a
time during the war, when he was " revenue storekeeper" in the em-
ploy of the government. His farm contains 120 acres of good land,
and he has it comfortably improved. September 19th, 1868, he was
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Martha Burrus.
They have six children. Leslie E., born October 2d, 1869; Mattie
F., born January 14th, 1874 ; Minnie, born March 29th, 1876 ; Anna,
born March 25th, 1878 ; Stella, born June 14th, 1880, and an infant,
born September 16th, 1882. Mr. G. is a member of the Baptist
church at Pisgah.
WILLIAM B. HUNT.
William B. Hunt was the tenth of a family of twelve children of
Wm. B., Sr., and wife Nancy, formerly a Miss Jones, the father origi-
nally of Buncombe county, North Carolina, and the mother, of War-
ren county, Kentucky. They were married in 1811, he at the age of
twenty-two, she seven years his junior. Of their family of children,
seven are now living: Daniel, of Jasper county ; Mary, widow of L.
D. Reavis, now a resident of Warrensburg : Louisa, Zilpha, wife of
Wm. Apperson ; Martha, wife of Wm. A. Johnson ; Wm. B.,and
Jane, wife of James York. William B. Hunt, the subject of this
sketch was born in Moniteau township, April 4, 1831, and was
1020 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
reared in this county. July 10, 1859, he was married to Miss Sarah
J. Boswell. They have four children living, one, Mattie, having died
in infancy; Mollie L., born May 27, 1860, married to R. M. Claw-
son; Daniel W., born December 3, 1861; Ludie L., born April 6,
1865, and Nancy, born January 14, 1868. Mrs. Hunt the mother
of these died October 9, 1871. He owns a neat farm of eighty acres,
and is an intelligent, industrious farmer. He is a member of the
Baptist church at Mt. Pisgah, and also of the A. F. and A. M.
GILBERT F. JONES,
farmer, section 5. David Jones, the grandfather of Gilbert F., was
one of the earliest settlers of Cooper county, and represented the
county in an early day in the state legislature. His son, David A.,
the father of Gilbert, was born in this county in 1826, and after grow-
ing up was married to Miss Melvina Lee, of Howard county. Of
this union there were ten children born, of whom seven are still liv-
ing, five sons and two daughters, Gilbert F. being the second in birth
.and the eldest of those living. He was born February 1, 1849, and
was reared in this county. At the age of nineteen he was married to
Miss Nancy M. Apperson, November 25, 1868. Five children have
resulted from this union : David W., born July 12, 1870 ; Lewis F.,
born September 4, 1872; Nannie L., born January 25, 1875; Rich-
ard L., born November 1,1876, and Minnie P., born August 11,
1879. Mr. Jones is a farmer by occupation and is located as above
stated. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist church at
Pisgah.
WILLIAM D. KIMSEY,
farmer. Benjamin Kimsey, the father of William D., was a native
of North Carolina, born April 25, 1794. In an early day his parents
removed to Tennessee, and in 1817, bis father having died, he, with
his mother and two sisters, came to Missouri and settled in Howard
county. There he met and married Miss Elizabeth Morris, also orig-
inally from North Carolina, who was brought by her parents first to
Kentucky in 1789 and then, in 1818, to Howard county. Their mar-
riage occurred a short time after her arrival there, she then being a
young lady a few years her husband's junior. Eight children, five
sous and three daughters, followed their union, but two of whom,
however, are living: Francis M., born December, 27, 1832, married
Miss Martha Baxter, now residents of Arkansas, and William D., the
subject of this sketch. Their mother died, March 3, 1858, in Platte
county, whither the parents had removed and their father in the
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1021
same county, March 25, 1876. William D. Kimsey was reared in
• Howard county, where he was bora February 19, 1834, and where he
was married, February 3, 1858, to Miss Permelia Baxter. She was
born January 16, 1842. They have had twelve children, six sons and
six daughters, five of whom are living; Elizabeth A., born January
17,1862; Daniel W., born November 22,1864; Martha C, born
June 27, 1866, died April 18, 1867; Francis M., born February 23,
1868; Jackson W., born March 30, 1870; Eosa E., born January
18, 1874, died September 5, 1874 ; Anna G., born November 25,
1880, died October 14, 1881, and an infant, born March 17, 1883.
Three died in infancy. In 1879 Mr. Kimsey sold his farm in Howard
county and came to Cooper county and purchased his present place
of 174 acres. He is an energetic farmer and is one of that class of
industrious, thrifty agriculturalists who never fail to succeed where-
ever they cast their fortunes. He and his wife are both members of
the Baptist church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
JUDGE ROBERT A. M'CULLOCH,
farmer. Few men have been longer or more worthily identified with
the material development and prosperity of Cooper county than Jud°-e
McCulloch. Principally reared here, he early became a leading farmer
of the county, and for nearly half a century has contributed by
his industry, intelligence and enterprise to the upward and onward
progress of the county, from a comparative wilderness to one of the
wealthiest and most progressive communities of the State. He was
born in Albemarle county, Virginia, November 2, 1825, and is the
fifth of six children now living reared by Thomas and Mary (McCune)
McCulloch, both natives of the Old Dominion. In 1828 the parents <
came to Missouri and settled in Franklin township, Howard county,
but in the spring of 1831 came over to Moniteau township in this
county where they bought and entered 800 acres of land on which
they made their permanent home. The father became one of the
wealthy farmers and prominent citizens of the county. He died here
in 1853, his wife having preceded him to the grave about six years.
Robert A., the subject of this sketch, grew up on his father's farm and
in 1857 was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of James A. and
Mary H. Mahan, of this county. Three children are the fruit of this
union: Mary M., born July 21, 1859; Matilda, born October 13,
1860, and Albert, born October 29, 1871. The mother of these died
four years ago, January 1, 1879, of pneumonia. Judge McCulloch's
farm contains several hundred acres of fine land, and he gives his
66
1022 History of howard and cooper counties.
attention principally to grain and stock raising. During the gold
excitement in 1849 he went to California, making the trip across the
continent by ox train in four months. He remained on the Pacific
coast about four years and returned by the pack mule system of
travel. In an early day, long before railroads linked the Atlantic and
Pacific coasts, he accomplished the remarkable journey of travelling
from ocean to ocean by horseback. In 1874 he was elected by a
majority highly complimentary to him personally to the office of
judge of the county court, which position he held for four years.
As a citizen he is enterprising and public spirited and is ever ready to
lend a helping hand to any movement looking to the advancement of
the public interests, and as a farmer he is energetic, progressive and
more than ordinarily successful. As a neighbor he is hospitable and
kind, and as a man he is upright and honorable and above reproach.
JEFFERSON C. MARTIN.
Mr. Martin was the eighth of a family of ten children of Moses
and Nancy E. (Burrus) Martin, late of this county, but both now
deceased. The father was born November 17th, 1801, in Kentucky,
and the mother the year following, in the same state. They were
reared there and married in 1820, and one year after their marriage
removed to this state and settled in Moniteau township of Cooper
county. Here their children were born and reared, and here the
parents died, the father November 17th, 1871, and the mother nine
years afterwards, October 23d, 1880. Their children are as follows:
Louisa, deceased ; Martha A., wife of William Hestard, of Moniteau
county; Mary, deceased ; William B., late of Chariton county, de-
ceased ; John S., of Texas ; Melissa, widow of John Maiter, deceased ;
Malinda, deceased; Jefferson C, James M., of Henry county ; and
George W., deceased — the last two twins. Jefferson C. Martin, the
subject of this sketch, was born June 1st, 1835. Reared on a
farm, he naturally adopted farming as his occupation for life, and has
followed it from youth. May 6th, 1863, he was married to Miss Eliza
J. Martin, of Moniteau county .They have had six children, of whom
four are living. The following are the dates of the births and deaths
of these children: William H., born January 19, 1864; George F.,
born November 1,3th, 1865, died November 15th, 1867 ; Mary L.,
born April 21st, 1870 ; Viola J., born April 17th, 1873 ; Willis W.,
born June 7th, 1879 ; Minnie O., born February 20th, 1881, died July
21st, 1882. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Baptist church of Mount
Pleasant.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1023
JOHN H. MARTIN,
farmer. Mr.' Martin entered upon the activities of life for himself
without anything, comparatively, to begin on, and by industry and
economy has established himself on a good farm of 240 acres, which
he bought from time to time, as he was able to pay for it, and which
he now has comfortably and substantially improved. He was born in
Cooper county, Missouri, December 5th, 1834. His father, Isham
Martin, and mother, formerly Elizabeth Hill, were both natives of Ten-
nessee, and were married in 1817. They came to this county, in an
early day, and both died here, he in 1873, and she two years after-
wards. They had eleven children, six of whom are living, four sons
and two daughters. In early manhood John H., the subject of this
shetch, was married to Miss Rebecca C. Drinkerater. She died
December 20th, 1857,, leaving one child, Permelia J., born
June 5th, 1855. Mr. Martin was married a second time, Miss Susan
A. Burrus then becoming his wife. Four children have been born of
this union, Cynthia A., born December 29th, 1860, died June 5th,
1865 ; Albert D., born February 9th, 1863 ; William P., born April
22d, 1867, and Sarah E., born February 19th, 1869. Mr. and -Mrs.
Martin are both members of the Baptist church of Mount Pleasant.
EDWIN R. MAXEY.
Mr. Maxey was the second of a family of nine children, of whom
there are six still living: William G., Edwin R., Nancy A., Emily,
JamesL., David A., the youngest. The father of these, Rev. John P. L.
Maxey, was born .in Cumberland county, Kentucky in 1817, and their
mother, formerly Miss Tolitha C. Jones, was born in Cooper county,
Missouri, in 1822. Rev. John Maxey came to this state in early life,
and here subsequently met and married Miss Jones, their marriage
occurring in 1841. She died in 1878, but her husband is still living,
now a resident of this county. Edwin R., after he grew up, February
17th, 1864, was married to Miss Nancy A., daughter of Henry S. and
Mary A. Guyer, of Cooper county. She was born July 30th, 1844.
Four children blessed this union, one of whom, however, is now de-
ceased. Those living were born as follows : May C, November 30th,
1864; John H., August 7th, 1866; George F. S., November 21st,
1879. Mr. Maxey came to Cooper county with his parents, who
removed here in 1861 from Jasper county, this state, where they had
settled, since which he has been a resident princip ally of Moniteau
township. He settled on his present farm a number of years ago,
and he now has his farm well improved. In 1882 he erected a new ;
1024 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
residence on his farm, which is a model of completeness and neatness.
He and his entire family are members of the Cumberland Presbyter-
ian church of Moniteau township.
HUGH G. ODNEAL,
farmer, was born on the 24th of January, 1837, and is a native of
Moniteau county, Missouri. His parents were Valentine and Daisy
(Gilbreath) Odneal, both originally from Tennessee, the former born
February 5, 1812, and the latter December 25, 1815. They emigrated
with their parents to Missouri at an early day, and subsequently,
August 14, 1834, were married. The result of this union was eight
children, as follows: William J., born August 21, 1835, died
December 22, 1862, having been killed at Tipton by Federal troops ;
Thomas B., born April 15, 1840, died in 1873, in Texas; John W.,
born January 25, 1842, married Miss Wilmerth I. Yarnyard, who
dying soon afterward, he again married, Miss Alice Barnes, of Texas,
becoming his wife; James Mason, born April 2, 1844; George C,
born September 22, 1846, married Miss Jane Harris ; Nancy J., born
July yi , 1850, married Arsenus Foster ; Madora R., born January 25,
1852, wife of Thomas Hanners, and Hugh G. The latter, the second
child in the family, married Miss Narcissa Jeffress, of Cooper county,
and they had one child, Valentine J. L., born December 22, 1860,
died August 16, 1876. Mrs. Odneal died November 22, 1862. On
December 21, 1865, Mr. O. married Miss Martha J. Devasher, of
Cooper county. They are the parents of three sons and one daughter :
Daniel M., born May 21, 1865; Jefferson D., bom August 8, 1866;
Nancy R., born April 28, 1873; and Thomas M., born April 14,
1879. Mr. Odneal's farm of 160 acres, in section 5, of this town-
ship, is a fine one and he is cultivating it in an excellent manner,
fully in keeping with the character of the man.
JOHN C. PEALER,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Pealer is a worthy representative of
the distinguishing and sterling qualities of the German character —
industry, level-headedness and thrift. He was born in Bighenbauch,
Darmstadt, Germany, June 13, 1833, but was reared in this country,
being but five years old when his parents immigrated to America.
He was married February 18, 1858, to Maiy A., daughter of David
Bittenger, of Richland county, Ohio, where he himself was brought
up and started out in life after his marriage without a dollar. He
rented a piece of ground for a year and went to work on it, farming,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1025
•
and kept it seven years. He had then accumulated enough to buy a
farm of his own, which he did, purchasing a place in Kosciusko
county, Indiana, in partnership with his former landlord. They sold
it in five months at an advance of $1,000. He then went to Iowa
and bought a farm there, and in two years sold that place at an
advance of $900. He bought again and in a few years more sold a
third time, with a clear profit of over $1,000. In the mean time he
had been successful as a farmer as well as a land dealer. In 1873 he
came to this county and bought a fine tract of 200 acres of land in
Moniteau township, which has been increased to 280 acres, a part of
which his sons own and they now have one of the best grain and stock
farms in the county. They raise all kinds of stock and have fine
grades of almost every class. Mr. and Mrs. Pealer have six children :
John M., Milton A., Luetta M., wife of William Mun ; Eleanor C,
wife of James Stephens ; Zella and R. F. Mr. Pealer was the fourth
of a family of ten children, six of whom are living, born to John C.
and Margaret Pealer, both of whom are still living in Ohio, and both
are nearly eighty years of age, yet both are hale and vigorous.
EUGENE L. PRIEST, M. D.
One of the most thoroughly educated and capable physicians of
Cooper county is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He
is a son of George L. Priest, a leading and worthy farmer of Pettis
county, and was born in that county, September 5, 1859. His father
is a native of Kentucky, born in Logan county, June 25, 1803. His
mother was originally of North Carolina, but came to Kentucky with
her parents in early life, and there became the wife of George L.
Priest, November 25, 1823. She is two years her husband's junior.
Eleven children were born of this union, of whom four sons and four
daughters are living, the doctor being the youngest of the family.
Eugene L., after taking the usual course in the common schools in
Pettis county, at the age of fifteen went to McLain county, Kentucky,
and there entered the high school of Calhoun, where he continued as
a student three years. He then entered the widely and favorably
known Bethel college, of Russellville, Logan county, that state,
where he had the benefit of an advanced course of study. Shortly after
the conclusion of his college career, he began the study of medicine,
under Dr. J. F. Hedges, a prominent physician of Pettis county,
Missouri, and for three years applied himself to the preparatory cur-
riculum of medical works, with untiring industry and diligence. In
1874 he became a, matriculate in the medical college of Louisville,
1026 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
e
Kentucky, and remained there for two years, graduating with marked1
honor iu the centennial class of that institution. Immediately after
his graduation he entered actively and vigorously upon the practice
of his profession. He has been at his present location since 1878, and
by his skill and ability as a physician, as well as the excellent success
that has attended his professional labors, he has built up a wide and
lucrative practice. Prior to 1878 he practised mainly in Pettis
county. The doctor is a member of the M. E. church, and of the
I. O. O. F.
JAMES V. STEWART,
farmer. Mr. Stewart is a Pennsylvanian by birth, who came here
since the war, in 1868, with but little else to make his way in the
world than an upright character, a good education and industrious,
economical habits. He taught school for some time, and when not
teaching gave his attention to farming. Finally he became able to
buy a farm, and purchased an excellent place of 100 acres, on which
he is now living. November 25, 1872, then twenty-four years of
age, he was married, in this county, to Miss Margaret Douglass.
Their union has been blessed with five children: Adella J., born
December 16, 1873 ; Katie, born November 22, 1875 ; the third child
died in infancy; Thomas S., born June 16, 1879; and Cora, born
December 27, 1882. Mr. Stewart was the seventh of a family of
eight children, of Wm. and Eliza J. (Gibson) Stewart, of Butler
county, Pennsylvania, and was born March 4, 1848. His parents are
now both deceased, and but five of their children are living. James
V. was educated in West Sunbury academy, Pennsylvania, and since
his academic course followed school teaching about thirteen years,
after which he turned his attention exclusively to farming. Still a
young man, and having already made a good start in life, he has the
prospect before him of becoming one of the leading farmers and
prominent citizens of the county.
CHRISTIAN CARL TRE1BER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 4. Among all the immigrants who
flock to the shores of this country, none are more welcome or make
better or more valuable citizens than those of the German agricultural
class. Industrious, intelligent and perfectly reliable, they are al-
most invariably prosperous farmers and law-abiding, useful citizens.
Prominent among this class in Cooper county is the gentleman whose
name heads the sketch. It is no disparagement to others to say that
he is one of the best farmers of the county and that his farm is one of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1027
the finest in the surrounding country. It contains 552 acres, or
nearly a whole section, which would make it a mile in every direction
in the form of a square, and is exceptionally well improved in'every
particular ; his residence, barns and other buildings are of a very
superior class, and his fences and general improvements are of the
first quality. His place is kept in excellent, business-like condition,
and is well arranged with regard to fields, pastures, etc., for a first-
class grain and stock farm. By the industry and enterprise of citizens
like Mr. Treiber, Cooper has been made one of the foremost counties
of the state, and by them it is still being carried forward to greater
wealth and prosperity. Christian Carl Treiber was born in°Bona,
Saxony, Germany, November 2, 1827, and was reared and educated
in his native country, receiving in youth more than an average educa-
tion. He is the only surviving one of a family of four sons, born to
his parents, Christian Frederick Treiber and wife, formerly Miss
Christine Elizabeth Harold. His father was born in Groitzsh,
Saxony, May 5, 1795, and his mother in Bona, of the same kingdom,
May 6, 1805. They were married in that country January 11, 1824,
and there reared their family. The father died in Saxony February
28, 1878, but the mother is still living there, a widow at the a<*e of
seventy-eight years. Christian Carl Treiber, after reaching man-
hood, was married in his twenty-fourth year, June 6, 1854, to Miss
Theresia Pauline Showmann, of Saxony, and of their union six chil-
dren have been born, five of whom are living: Christian Carl, Jr.,
born December 27, 1855, married Miss Emma Hobrecht and is now a
clothier in California, Missouri ; Minnie Mary, born November 30,
1859, now in Germany ; Christian Frederick, born December 20,
1861 ; Anna Mary, born May 29, 1863, still in Germany, and Ernest
Emil, born October 7, 1866, now in Chicago preparing for the whole-
sale clothing business. Christian William, the second child, born
March 27, 1857, died November 28, 1873. Emigrating to this country
some time afterwards, in 1879, Mr. Treiber bought his present farm
in Moniteau township, and has since given his whole attention to his
farm interests. Besides grain he raises cattle, mules and hogs for the
market, and is highly successful in all these interests. As citizen he
is upright and unvaryingly law-abiding, and as a neighbor, kind, ac-
commodating and hospitable. He is a member of the German Lu-
theran church at Clark's Fork.
JOHN B. WHITE,
farmer and stock raiser aud dealer. In a comparatively early day the
parents of Mr. White emigrated from Kentucky and settled in Moniteau
1028 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
county, this state, where they reared their family and lived until their
death. His father, John White, was originally from Alabama, and
was born in 1815. His mother, formerly Miss Mary Stinson, was a
native of Kentucky, born in 1817. They were married in 1829, and
the mother died in 1858, the father two years afterwards. Of their
family of twelve children but seven are now living: Stephen H., of
Moniteau county ; Martha, wife of S. P. Claybrooks, of Macon
county ; Robert M. ; Marimna A., wife of J. G. Claybrooks, of Macon
county; Edward S., of Gainsville, Texas; Ellis G. ' of Moniteau
county, and John B., the subject of this sketch, born in Moniteau
county April 2, 1838. In 1864 John B. White became a citizen of
Cooper county. That year he bought a tract of land in Moniteau
township, this county, and engaged in farming, having followed that
occupation previously in his native county. He has been highly suc-
cessful as a farmer, and now owns several hundred acres of fine land
and has his farm well improved. He gives his attention to raising
both grain and live stock, and for a number of years has been buying
and shipping stock to the general wholesale markets. Wheat is his
principal crop in grain, of which he produces annually the usual yield
of a hundred acres. However, he always raises large quantities of
corn. Mr. White was married February, 1864, to Miss Louisa J.,
daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth E. Martin. Five children have
been born to them : Charles H., born December 14, 1865, died June
13, 1870 ; EmmaL., born June 1, 1870 ; Thompson D., born Decem-
ber 1, 1872; Willie A., born March 21, 1875, and Walter E., born
March 25, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Baptist
church at Mount Pleasant, and Mr. White himself is a member of the
A. F. & A. M.
BENJAMIN D. WILSON,
farmer and stock raiser. Among the substantial and well-to-do
farmers and stock raisers of Moniteau township, the subject of this
sketch is worthy of special mention. He was born in this township
October 23, 1848, and was a son of Joseph A. and Mary J. (Dea'ring)
Wilson who immigrated to this state from North Carolina in 1838,
and settled in what is now Moniteau county. They had a family of
nine children, seven of whom are living: Nancy M., born October
16, 1834; James P., born July 31, 1836; John W., born February
14, 1838; Susan I., born June 25, 1842; Martha L., born August
9, 1844; Benjamin D., born October 23, 1848, and Joseph E., born
March 3, 1851. The mother of these died March 25, 1852, and their
father married, November 17, 1855, Miss Marilda Wood. Two
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1029
daughters were born of this union : Alomanza, born February 20,
1856, and Prudence, born November 6, 1865. Their father died
March 16, 1870. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, after he grew
up, was married to Mary J., daughter of John M. Lawson, May 25,
1871. She was born September 22, 1851. Four children have blessed
this marriage: Georgia A., born March 22, 1872, Mary M., born
August 14, 1875 ; Elbert M., born November 7, 1879, and John B.,
born January 31, 1882. Mr. Wilson's farm contains 160 acres of
fine land in the Moniteau bottom and extending over some of the up-
lands. He raises large quantities of grain and also cattle, hogs and
mules for the markets. He has a fine flock of sheep, consisting of
Cotswolds and Southdovvns. He is an enterprising, progressive
farmer.
OTTBEVILLB TOWNSHIP.
FRANK J. ARNI,
proprietor of blacksmith, wagon and general repair shop, owes his
nativity to Switzerland, he having been born there in 1842.
Christian Ami, his father was born in the same country and was there
married and had five children, of whom three survive. His wife
died while our subject was very small. The senior Ami, emigrating
to America, took up his location in southern Illinois, at a point where
the Illinois Central railway was in process of construction. Two
years afterward he removed to St. Louis, and from there to Jefferson
City, where he died in 1861. Frank J. Ami, learning the trade of
blacksmith in that locality, remained there until. 1864, when he went
to Pettis county. He soon came to Otterville, working in the employ
of Henry Waggonish, until, in 1867 he started a shop of his own.
In 1867, Mr. Ami was married to Miss Eliza Smith, whose father
was George W. Smith. By this union there were five children :
George C, Maggie, Virginia, Katie and Lloyd Saunders, Mr. Ami
is enjoying an excellent trade, having constantly employed four or five
men. Politically he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the school
board, and is one of the town trustees.
HENRY BENTE,
originally from Germany, was bom in 1822. His father, Andy Bente,
also a native of that country, was born about 1792, and took for his
1030 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
wife Miss Amelia Toke,. who bore him ten children, of whom Henry
is the third child. Emigrating to the United States in 1853, he
settled in Ohio, and on December 6, 1857, was married to Miss
Dorate Copp, whose parents died when she was but a child. They
have had eight children : Christopher H., born July 4th, 1858 ; W.
Abuer, born October 10th, 1860 ; John M., born November 10th, 1862 ;
Jeremiah, born September 20th, 1864,; Henry, born July 8th, 1866;
George, born November 12, 1870 ; Minnie, born January 12th, 1873,
and Charlie born in 1876. In 1858, Mr. Bente came to Missouri and
settled in Pettis county, removing thence to Cooper county, in 1863,
and here he has since lived. He is now actively engaged in farming,
and stock raising, and has under his control about 200 acres of land.
He is a democrat. His eldest son, Christopher, is attending the Cum-
berland Presbyterian college, at Wadesburgh, Pennsylvania, prepar-
ing himself for the ministry.
WILLIAM M. BLYTHE,
aKentuckian by birth, was born April 1st, 1822, his parents being
John B. and Sarah Blythe, nee McCall, both natives of Kentucky,
the former born about the year 1800. William M., the oldest of nine
children, leaving home when twenty-one years of age, went to Cyn-
thiana, Harrison county, Kentucky, to learn the blacksmith's trade,
at which he worked three years, then going to Milford, Bracken
county. After laboring there some time, he came to Missouri in
1855, living a short period in Morgan county, after which he pur-
chased the farm now occupied by himself. This has since been his
home, and here he has since followed blacksmithing and farming.
Mr. Blythe was married in 1846 to Miss Nancy W. James, of Kentucky,
and a daughter of Nathan James. She was born in December, 1824.
To them were born ten children: John J., born in the year 1847 ;
Benjamin F., September 16, 1848 ; W. J., May 16, 1850 ; Henry A.,
April 30, 1852 ; Eliza E., April 16, 1854 ; Emaline, April 19, 1856 ;
James N., April 20, 1858 ; Margaret A., April 12, 1860 ; Mary, June
5, 1862, and Naucy, January 11, 1864. Mr. Blythe was married the
second time September 5, 1864, to Miss Mary E. Fink, who was born
April 29, 1837, she being the daughter of Joseph Fink, of Jefferson
City. They are the parents of seven children : Daniel W., born in
1867 ; Charles E., 1869 ; Cordelia E., July, 1870 ; Ada I., Novem-
ber, 1872 ; Bertha S., July 20, 1875 ; Francis L., November 2, 1878,
and Jennie, March 26, 1880. Mr. Blythe was one of the earliest set-
tlers in this portion of the county. He now owns 192 acres of land
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1031
in sections 5, 6, aud 7, his house, barn and shop being in section 5.
This farm is well improved and is one of the best in the neighbor-
hood, upon which is a fine residence. In politics he is a democrat.
He still devotes some attention to his trade, working in both wood
and iron.
JOSEPH H. BRIDGES
was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 15, 1825, being the
. sou of Joseph Bridges, a Virginian by birth, born in 1789. He went
to Kentucky when a small boy and was there married to Miss Nancy
Fitch in 1810. Joseph, the seventh child of a family of ten children,
and one of six now surviving, remained with his father until thirty
years old. January 1, 1854, he was married to Miss Sarah Bowman,
the eldest daughter of a family of ten children of Jacob and Mary
(Gudgel) Bowman, who were married May 26th 1831. The former
was born in 1806, and the latter in 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridges
-have been born eight children : Lulu, born November 12, 1855, wife
of Milton McCarty ; Cyrus, born September 28, 1857, married Miss
Maggie Thompson ; Eva, born April 19,1860, now Mrs. George Riss-
ler ; William, born August 21, 1862 ; Charles J., born August 1, 1865 ;
Ollie, born August 3, 1869 ; James, born May 15, 187£, and Lizzie
M., born September 15, 1874, and now deceased. In the fall of 1858
Mr. Bridges, leaving Indiana, located in Bureau county, Illinois, with
his family, where he lived for seventeen years. Then he came to
Missouri and settled at his present location. His estate embraces
153 acres in section 17, one-quarter of a mile from Clifton City, bor-
dering on the railroad. His residence is surrounded with the finest of
walnut timber, and commands a good view of the adjacent country.
In politics he is a democrat, and religiously a Methodist, belonging
to the M. E. church south, at Clifton.
ISAAC BROOKS,
a native of Maryland, was born January 30th, 1 830, and was the son
of Joseph Brooks, born in the year 1802. On the 9th of September,
1827, he was married in Washington county, Maryland, near Harper's
Ferry, to Miss Catharine Miller, also of Maryland, born April 26,
1810. They had eight children: Sarah E., born September 12,
1828 ; Isaac, borri January 30, 1830 ; Thomas, born December 6,
1832 ; JohnW., born November 22, 1834 ; Mary, born October 27, 1835 ;
Joseph F., born December 30, 1838; Daniel A., born February 12,
1840 ; Louisa, born November 12, 1842. All these children but one
are now living. When nineteen years old, Isaac, leaving home in
1032 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
company with his brother, Thomas, went to California (1850), return-
ing in 1851. He then lived with his father (who had moved to Mis-
souri in 1844), for two years, and then about a year elsewhere, in
St. Louis county, Missouri. On September 6, 1855, he was married
to Miss Amanda C. West, of St. Louis county, and a daughter of
Thomas West, now of Pleasant Green, Cooper county. They have
been blessed with seven children: Martha W., born August 13,
1856, married Washington Gillumon October 4, 1876 ; Thomas H.,
born June 10, 1858, married December 25, 1881, Eliza P. Chambers ;
Sallie W., born February 20, 1860, married Thomas K. Godbey
March 13, 1879; Joseph L., born February 14, 1862, died April 11,
1863; Kitty A., born September 10, 1864; Mary S., born Nevember
7, 1766, and John W., born June 28, 1869. Mr. Brooks is independ-
ent in his political preferences. He owns sixty-two acres of land on
section 31 , his residence being in the central portion of it.
GEORGE T. BUTLER,
a native of Ste. Genevieve county, Missouri, was born in 1844, his
parents being David S. and Frances J. (Dugar) Butler, who were mar-
ried November 27, 1823. The former was born near Richmond, in
King William county, Virginia, March 5, 1795, and the latter was
born February 17, 1804. To them were born eight 6hildren, of whom
six are living. David Butler dying when George T. Was but three
years old, the latter went to live with an uncle, Judge Butler, with
whom he remained until eighteen years of age. Entering the United
States army, he served in company A, 33d regiment, Missouri volun-
teer infantry, serving tor eighteen months, when he was discharged
ou account of disability. On March 31, 1869, he was married to Miss
Annie Phillips, a daughter of Abraham Phillips. They have two chil-
dren : George A. and Willie H. Mr. Butler commenced business at
his present place as general merchant in 1875, though previously hav-
ing been occupied as a confectioner. His business is constantly in-
creasing, and his store is well stocked with goods in his line.
TOM C. CRANMER
Was born in Cooper county, Missouri, near Cliftpn City, on February
10, 1836, his birth place being included in the present farm of J. H.
Bridges. His parents were George and Catharine F. Cranmer, nee
Winters, who were married in 1822 or 1823. The former was bora in
Kent county, Delaware, in 1801, and while a small boy was taken to
Frankfort, Kentucky, where he served an apprenticeship as a cabinetr
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1033
maker. In 1826 he came to Booriville, Missouri, and shortly after-
"wards moved to a place near where Clifton now stands, immediately,
in 1829, commencing to build the first flour and grist mill in the
eounty. This was located where the Missouri, Kansas and Texas
railroad crosses Lamine river, and was the central mill for a large
population of people, many coming from far distant points, among
others from Maysville, Arkansas. It also had a saw mill in connec-
tion with the flouring mill. Mr. Cranmer, in 1842, disposed of it to
Mr. EliCorum, and it was afterwards known as " Corum's mill."
In 1850 he emigrated to California and died at Michigan Bluffs in
1855. His wife had died in this county in 1844. Tom C. was one
of a family of ten children, only three of whom survive.
In 1853 he made his first trip to California, remained there
three years, and then returned, and from that time up to
1866 he had made twenty-four different trips across the plains
to various places, such as Salt Lake, Santa Fe and other
freighting points. In 1861 he enlisted at Osceola in the Confed-
erate service, and served until surrendering, July 4, 1865. After
continuing the freighting business for two years, he conducted a hotel
at Otterville, and then, purchasing a farm, has since given his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Cranmer was the chosen represen-
tative of the people for the 31st and 32d general assembly, and is
now holding the same position. He is chairman of the committee
on roads and highways, and a member of the committee on a perma-
nent seat of government, which has for its duty the responsibility of
guarding and looking after all public property. In politics he is a
staunch democrat. On the 1st day of March, 1860, Mr. C. was mar-
ried to Miss Lucy M. Taylor, of Otterville, and a daughter of Robert
M.Taylor. They have been blessed with six children: George R.,
now deceased ; Pauline F., Wade Hampton, now deceased ; Mary E.,
Thomas R. and Catharine F. Miss Pauline is now attending Pilot
Grove Collegiate Institute, which, under the able management of
Professor Johnson, has become one of the leading schools of the
state. Mr. Cranmer is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
MONROE CRAWFORD,
a native of Ohio, was born in 1837, and was the son of Thomas H.
Crawford, of the same state, born in 1814. His wife was formerly
Maria Teresa Barr, and they had one child — A. J. Crawford. Mr.
Crawford, Sr., was married the second time to Elizabeth Dunington,
arid to them were born five childreu : Monroe, R. H., E. T., Violet
1034 HISTORY- OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
M., Minerva A. Mrs. Crawford dying in 1844, Mr. Crawford was
subsequently married to Catharine Gardner, who bore him one child —
Catharine C. His fourth marriage was to a Mrs. Sharrom, a widow.
They had seven children. The senior Crawford was the father of
fourteen children, of whom ten were raised to manhood and woman-
hood. When sixteen years of age, Monroe Crawford, our subject,
commenced learning his trade with Murray S. Chase, at Newton, Wis-
consin, and after remaining with him two years became occupied in
harness making at La Crosse. Three years later he was working at
the carpenter trade in Ohio, and continued in this one year, going
thence to Illinois. He labored at his trade there for one year, moved
to Wisconsin and stayed until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the
1st Wisconsin battery, serving for three years and then returning to
Wisconsin. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary A. Williams, a
daughter of George Williams. They are the parents of two chil-
dren: Ada F., born July 28, 1865, and IdaE., born December 29,
1867. Leaving Wisconsin in the spring of 1865 Mr. Crawford went
to Illinois and remained until the fall of 1875, when he came to Otter-
ville, Cooper county, Missouri. In a year he embarked in the under-
taking business, also conducting a general furniture store. His stock
is complete in necessities and -is very valuable. Politically he is a
democrat. He is a member of Lodge No.. 102 I. O. O. F. at Otter-
ville, and also belongs to the Christian church.
P. F. CREAGAN
owes his nativity to St. Lawrence county, New York, where he was
born in 1836. His father, William Creagan, originally from county
Meath, Ireland, was married in St. Lawrence county, New York, to
Elizabeth Scullin, and to them were born seven girls and two boys, of
which number P. F. was the fifth. In 1850 the senior Creagan died,
his widow departing this life soon after. Our subject then spent about
nine years in travelling through the east, and in 1859 he emigrated to
Missouri and settled at St. Louis, living there for seven years. He
was subsequently engaged in railroading in different capacities on the
Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, and in 1876 he located in Cooper
county. Here he purchased a farm of 280 acres of good land, and is
now occupied in improving it, having in process of erection a fine resi-
dence, barn and outbuildings. Politically he is a democrat. He is a
member of the Catholic church at Sedalia, and, owing to the fact that
this denomination has no church building in Otterville, mass is often
said at Mr. Creagan's house. In 1863 he was married to Miss Fannie
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1035
Keenan, of St. Louis, and a daughter of Daniel Keenan, of New York.
They have had nine children : Fannie E. — known as Daisy— William
J., Eva, Matt, Frank, Charles, Maggie, Leo and Henry. They are
all living.
REV. WILLIAM T. GILL
was born in Marshall county, Tennessee, in 1836, and was the son of
Joseph J. S. -Gill, born in North Carolina in June, 1816, Avho, on
December 11, 1834, was united 'in marriage with Miss Angelina
Moore, born in May, 1818. They were the parents of nine children :
William T., Robert L., Alpha M., Mary Y., James A., Henry B.,
Joseph, Sallie H. and Olive F. Three of these children are deceased.
When twenty years ot age William Gill commenced merchandising,
continuing it until the late war. December 13, 1859, he was married
to Miss Mary F. Lloyd, who was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in
June, 1842. She was the daughter of William B. and M. P. Lloyd, both
of Petersburg, Virginia. They have had eight children : Anna, born
September 5, 1860, died the 6th of the same month ; Joseph Lloyd,
born September 27, 1861, died November 7, 1861 ; Lulu Belle, born
November 17, 1862; Mattie J., born January 10, 1865; Fannie M.,
born October 15, 1867, died September 15, 1869 ; Suella, born July 6,
1870 ; Mary A., born April 22, 1873, and TommieL., born July 13,1881.
In 1862 Mr. Gill enlisted in Stone's regiment, Dysart's company of
Forest's brigade, of the Confederate service, and served two months,
when, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged. Then
he engaged in tanning during the war, and upon the termination of
hostilities became occupied in preaching, farming and merchandising,
following these occupations until 1870. Then he became an itinerant
minister in the southern conference of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and has been actively engaged in preaching ever since. In November,
1881, he emigrated to Missouri, located at California and travelled the
California circuit. At present he holds an appointment from the
sowthwestern Missouri conference to preach on the Sedalia circuit,
and is therefore located at Otterville.
JOHN J. GILLUM
was born in Cooper county, Missouri, in 1852, and was the son of
Smith and Ann (Rice) Gillum, who were married in 1840. The
former was born in 1812, near Louisa Court-House, Louisa county,
Virginia. The latter was the daughter of Charles E. Rice, Esq. They
were the parents of five children : Edward, Thomas, Charles M., G.
W. and J. J. When the latter was but a year old his father died,
1036 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
his mother departing this life about a year later. Then he resided
with his grandfather Eioe for fifteen years, at the expiration of which
time he went to New Mexico. He remained there for eighteen months,
spending the time in travelling and looking over the country, and, in
1869, he returned to Cooper county, becoming occupied in farming.
This has since been his home, and he is now the owner of 120 acres of
well improved land in section 5, a school-house being situated upon
his property. March 26, 1873, Mr. Gillum was married to Miss
Lucy Hogan, a daughter of William Hogan. She was born in 1854.
They have two children : Wade, born in 1876, and Ada, born in 1880.
In his political preferences he has ever been democratic. He is a
member of the Christian church at Otterville.
REV. JOSIAH GODBEY,
originally from Pulaski county, Kentucky, was born June 30,1817,
and was the son of William Godbey, a native of Caroline county,
Virginia, born in 1781. He married Miss Sarah Smith, also a Vir-
ginian by birth, and to them were born thirteen children: John,
Jacob, Fannie, Nancy, Iby, Matilda, Sarah, William, Harrison H.,
Josiah L., Josiah and Josephine (twins), and Melissa. Of this num-
ber, twelve grew up, but only six are now living, and three of the
boys have been Methodist ministers. The subject of this sketch spent
his youth at home until twenty years of age, when he was married in
1837 to Miss Sena Kelly, a daughter of Samuel and Nancy Kelly. By
this union they have had ten children : William C, John E., Martha
J., Sarah H., Milton, Samuel M., Josiah, Maggie, Thomas and Sena
Alice. In 1833, Mr. Godbey having been converted, commenced
studying for the ministry, though by his own efforts. In 1841 he
entered the ministry of the M. E. church, by joining the Kentucky
conference as an itinerant, being ordained two years later, in Louis-
ville, by Bishop Morris. He continued to preach the gospel in Ken-
tucky, with great success, for eleven jrears, when, in September,
1852, he came to Missouri. For over thirty years he has been oc-
cupied in the ministry in this state.
J. B. GOLLADAY
was born in Callaway county, Missouri, on the 7th of March, 1837,
his father being John W. Golladay, a Virginian by birth, born in 1805,
who married Miss Mary Bell. By this union there were three chil-
dren : Francis M., George and J. B. Our subject remained with his
father until twenty-five years of age, and March 6, 1863, he was mar-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1037
ried in this county to Miss Elvina Bidstraup, whose father, Doctor
Bidstraup, died in Dade county when she was quite small She was
born December 20, 1843. To them were born six children : Mollie,
born November 29, 1864; Cora, born June 20, 1867; Ruth, born
October 20, 1870 ; Jud, born January 11, 1872, and Joe, born May
30, 1877, are living, and one son, Frank, is deceased. Soon after
his birth, Mr. Galloway was taken to Tennessee by his father, and
lived there until he was ten years of age, then again coming to this
county, where he has since resided, most of the time living in Otter-
ville. His father was the first one to drive an omnibus into Boonville,
it being an old-fashioned four-horse coach. By trade, Mr. Golladay
is a painter, and is considered one of the best workmen in this part of
the country. He was a member of the town council for five years,
from 1875 to 1880 ; and during 1883, the people recognizing his pop-
ularity and ability, elected him their mayor. He is now actively en-
gaged in working at his trade. In politics he is a democrat.
JERRY HARLAN,
farmer and stock raiser, section 20, was born in Boyle county, Ken-
tucky, July 24, 1826, his parents being Henry and Bertha Harlan,
nee Bryant. The former, also a native of Boyle county, was born in
1798, and the latter was probably born about the year 1803. They
were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the subjeet of this
sketch was the seventh. When twenty-one years of age he com-
menced working on a farm in his native county, and at the age of
twenty-two he was married to Miss Isabella Robinson, who was born
about the year 1827, and a daughter of Thomas Robinson. They had
two children : William B., who died in February, 1881, and Elizabeth,
now living. Mr. H. was again married in 1854 to America Myres, a
daughter of Henry Myres. Her birth place was Stanford, Lincoln
county, Kentucky. In 1865 Mr. Harlan took for his third wife Miss
Sallie Hutchings, a daughter of Alamander Hutchings. They have
three children : Louisa, born May 11, 1867 ; OlliejL., born December
25, 1871, and Alamander, born March 4, 1874. In 1855 Mr. H. first
came to Cooper county, Missouri, locating at his present place of resi-
dence, and, with the exception of two years and a half spent in Boyle
county, Kentucky, has since made this his home. His present landed
estate embraces 200 acres, though he formerly owned about 500
acres. He has given good farms to his children. He is now a demo-
crat in his political preferences, but was raised a whig. He is a
member of the M. E. church south at Clifton.
67
1038 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ANSON HEMENWAY
was born in Hardwick, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on Decem-
ber 30, 1817, and was the son of James and Nancy (Graham) Hemen-
way, the former of Birmingham, Massachusetts. They were the
parents of three children : Sarah E., Anson and William A. Mr. H.
died in 1826, but his widow still survives. After the death of his father,
Anson lived with a cousin for a short time, then returned to his mother,
and worked at various occupations during the summer, attending the
schools in the winter, though the greater part of his education was
obtained by self-application. Before twenty-one years of age, he
commenced teaching school at Shelburne, Massachusetts, and taught
one term. Going to Rockville, Connecticut, he worked in a paper mill
for about a year, when, owing to ill health, he was obliged for two
years to forego business of any kind. As soon as able, he devoted
his energies to farming for a while, and subsequently travelled for the
Boston cultivator for one year. The railroad business next attracting
his attention, he began work, and in 1858 came to Missouri, and was
engaged by the Missouri Pacific railroad as section foreman. Later,
he was promoted to station agent at Otterville, acting in that capacity
for five years. He is at present engineer of tanks on this railroad.
He owns a corilfortable residence and ten acres of land adjoining the
town of Otterville. In 1848 Mr. Hemenway married Miss Laura
Lawrence, a 'daughter of Josephus Lawrence, of Massachusetts, and
they have one child, Cora O., now Mrs. Randolph Brewster. They
have a little daughter, Laura N.
HUPP BROTHERS,
dealers in groceries and hardware, is a firm among the more recent
acquisitions to the business interests of Otterville, but one which ha*
already taken a front rank in the commercial industry of the place.
It was established in 1883 by J. H. & I. W. Hupp. Their father, a
Virginian by birth, born in 1815, accompanied his father to Ohio
while a boy, spending his life in that state until 1845, when he emi-
grated to Missouri, settling in Morgan county, near the line of Cooper
county, his present residence. His wife was formerly Miss Mary
Homen, and they had three sons and one daughter : Joseph Harrison,
Isaac W., Charlie H. and A. Bettie. J. H. Hupp was born in Mor-
gan county, Missouri, in 1854. The principal part of his education
was obtained duriug three months of schooling at the state normal at
Warrensburg, Missouri, where he fitted himself for teaching. This
he commenced in 1874, and has continued it for fifteen or sixteen
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1039
terms, acquiring quite a reputation. His brother, Isaac W. Hupp,
who was born about two miles south of Otterville, in Morgan county,
on February 7, 1856, received his education in the common schools.
He began teaching in" the public schools in 1873, and has taught in
winter every year since that time. These brothers are now living
with their father. They are enjoying a lucrative patronage, and are
more than ordinarily successful.
THOMAS R. JAMES,
owner and proprietor of saw and grist mill at Otterville, was born in
England, May 20, 1833, his parents being Richard and Catherine
James, nee Saekett, both natives of England, the former having been
bora in 1792. They had three children, who are all now living : Hen-
rietta, Richard and Thomas R. The latter, leaving his father in 1855,
came to the United States, and first was located in New York for six
months, going thence to Canada. After remaining there one year he
returned to New York, settled in Oswego, and, upon a residence there
of one year, moved direct to St. Louis. This was his home from 1857
to 1870, and in 1871 he came to Otterville. In 1858 he was married
to Mrs. Eliza P. Condon, a widow, and a daughter of a Mr. Maddox.
They have seven children : Henry A., Richard E., William P., Charlie
J., Katie W., Josie and Lizzie. Mr. James is the owner of twenty-
one acres of very valuable land, one-quarter mile west of the railroad
depot of Otterville. His mill is furnished with all the latest improve-
ments for milling purposes, and, besides doing a custom business, he
buys large quantities of grain. Mention of this mill is made elsewhere
in this work.
WILLIAM KNAUS,
a native of Howard county, Missouri, was born March 2, 1823. His
father, Henry Knaus, a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1797, married
Miss Elizabeth Monroe. They had four children : the eldest died in
infancy, William, Henry and Elizabeth. Henry Knaus came to How-
ard county in 1817, with his family, they spending the winter in Old
Franklin, and part of the family lived in the keel-boat by which they
had ascended the river. The following spring, going down the river
to Bonne Femme, they ascended again by means of a keelJboat, and
established what is now known as New Franklin. When in his nine-
teenth year William Knaus, leaving home, went to Henry county and
completed his trade of blacksmith. Two years later he returned to
Howard county, and on March 6, 1843, he located in Cooper county.
October 26th, of the same year, he was married to Miss Melvina
1040 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Frances Oglesby, a daughter of John B. Oglesby, and a resident of
Cooper county. From this union there are five children living : Eliz-
abeth C, Martha E., Henry Walter, Nancy Margaret and Amanda
Frances. Two died in infancy, and Mary Eliza died at the age of five
years. Mrs. Knaus died in 1856, and Mr. Knaus was again married
in 1857 to Elizabeth Ann Harris, a daughter of J. J. Harris, of this
county. They have four children living : James M., Sallie H., George
T. and Rosa A. One infant is deceased. Mr. Knaus is a blacksmith
by trade, and now conducts quite a general machine shop, gunsmith
work, etc., and he is also a wagonmaker of no ordinary ability. He
deals in farming utensils, and is the agent for the widely celebrated
and justly renowned Champion reaper and mower. His political views
are democratic, though he was raised a whig. He is a member of the
I. O. O. F. lodge at Otterville, having joined the order in 1856.
CHAELES L. McCARTY
is a native of Cooper county, Missouri, having been born seven miles
from Boonville in 1848. William S. McCarty, his father, was born
in Culpepper county, Virginia, in 1822, and upon leaving there with
his grandfather, Dennis McCarty, came to this state when a boy, about
the year 1830, locating in Boonville, where he followed the livery bus-
iness for about twenty years. In 1842 he was married to Miss Mary
Ferguson, a daughter of Joshua Ferguson, of this county. Of their
original family of children, five are living: William E., Charles L.,
Milton, Sallie and Mollie. Those deceased were named Nellie, Flor-
ence, John and Douglas. Mr. McCarty died in Boonville in 1869.
After his death our subject, together with his brother, continued the
livery business for several years, and then, in 1870, C. L. McCarty
purchased the family interest in the home farm, and the same year
moved upon it and has since remained there. This contains ninety-
one acres of well watered and improved land, and will compare favor-
ably with any in the county. Mr. McCarty was married in 1877 to
Miss Ann Gebhard, of Pettis county, Missouri, and a daughter of
Louis Gebhard. They have two sons : Claudie L. and Frank. Mr.
McCarty is a member of the M. E. church south, at Clifton City,
while his wife is connected with the Christian church.
JOSEPH MINTER,
one of the most progressive farmers in Otterville township, and the
owner of an excellently well improved farm of 240 acres, located in
section 5, township 45, range 19, was born in Harrison county, West
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEE COUNTIES. 1041
Virginia, in 1846. He is the youngest child of a family of three boys
and three girls, born to Jacob and Nannie Clarissa (Neely) Minter.
The father of the subject of this sketch was born in Virginia in 1800,
and continuing principally in that state and "West Virginia all of his
life, engaged in the peaceful pursuit of farming, died in the latter
state in 1869. His bosom companion, who departed this life a few
years after his death, or in 1872, was a native of West Virginia, born
there in 1863. In 1875 Miss Fannie Ross, a native of Benton county,
Missouri, born there in 1801, became his wife. Her father, a native
of Kentucky, came to Missouri in 1835, and settled in Benton county.
Her mother, born in Boston, Massachusetts, came to Benton county,
this state, in 1845, and after becoming a wife, in 1853, came with
her husband to Cooper county. Mr. Minter left the place of his
birth in 1870, and emigrating to Kansas, spent a few weeks in that
state, and subsequently came to Cooper county, Missouri. He pur-
chased his farm in 1874, of the heirs of William Sloan, and since that
time has taken every pains to "grass" it, so that he might have pas-
turage for the fine herds of stock of which he is the possessor.
CHAELES B. NEAL,
farmer and stock raiser, section 7, is a Kentuckian by birth, and was born
in 1827, being the son of Charles Neal, oiiginally from Virginia, born
in 1763. He lived in that state until grown, and upon going to Ken-
tucky, settled in Logan county, where he was married in 1823. He
and his wife had seven children, three of whom are living. In 1833
Mr. N. came to Cooper county, Missouri, and located on the farm
which his son now occupies. Charles B., the third child of the family,
lived at home until twenty-one years of age, when, in 1848, he took a
trip to New Mexico, only remaining a short time. Returning to
Cooper county, he stayed until the spring of 1852, when he went to
California, leaving there upon his return, in the fall of 1856. In 1857
Mr. Neal was married to Mrs. Mary F. Bentley, of this county, and
the widow of George Bentley, and daughter of Henry Harlan, of
Boyle county, Kentucky. They have two children, William H., and
Sallie Johnson. Mr. Neal is the owner of eighty acres of fine land,
the improvements of which are very good. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church south. Politically he is a democrat.
GEORGE NEELY
was born in Harrison county, Virginia (now in West Virginia), on
on the 29th of June, 1830, being the son of Matthew Neely, of the
1042 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
same county, born in 1793. The latter spent his life until about
twenty years of age in the vicinity of his birthplace, and there
attended the common schools. In 1818 he married Miss Maria
Newlon, a daughter of Elijah and Mary Newlon,. To them were born
twelve children, five girls and seven boys, and of this family nine
survive. Mr. N., senior, was quite active in public life, first acting
as justice, then assessor, and afterwards sheriff, each of the offices
being held under the old law of seniority of Virginia. He died June
11th, 1857, his wife having preceded him on February 24th, 1851.
George, the fifth child in the family, remained at home until October,
1855, when he came to Missouri. In August, 1857, he went to Illi-
nois, remaining there until September, 1860, when he returned to
Missouri and located in Pettis county. This was his home until 1870,
when he became a citizen of Cooper county. In March, 1858, Mr.
Neely was married to Miss Anna Murray, of Virginia City, Cass
county, Illinois. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 30th,
1834, and was a daughter of William and Grace Murray, of that
county. They have had eight children : Julia Adelaide, Maria Grace,
Mary, Charles William, John, George A., Flora and Bettie. Of these
five are now living, one boy and four girls. Mr. N. has been acting
as a railroad contractor and builder ever since 1856, building roads in
various parts of the United States. He has recently completed a
contract for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern road.
J. E. POTTER,
the leading merchant of Clifton City, and a representative business
man of the county, was born September 13, 1844, in Cooper county,
Missouri. His father, J. H. Potter, was also a native of this county
born in 1816, but his grand-parents both died in Kentucky. J. H.
Potter was married in 1843 to Miss Susan Winders, a daughter of
Daniel Winders, of Cooper county and to them were born eight
children: J. E., Nancy, S. W., Ellen, Mary, George, J. H. and
Robert. Our subject remained at home uutil 1866, when, owing to
his father's removal to Morgan county, he went to Pettis county,
coming to Clifton City in June, 1877. He soon established the store
which he now conducts, and has at this time as complete a. stock of
general merchandise, including dry goods, groceries, queensware, etc.,
as can be found in any place of the size of Clifton. He owns consid-
erable property in Clifton City, and is also the owner of 1045 acres
of land, the principal part of which is in Pettis county. Besides his
mercantile enterprise he is engaged in handling stock. In 1882 Mr.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1043
Potter was married to Miss Edna McGuire, who was born in Pettis
county in 1865, she being a daughter of A. J. McGuire.
DR. S. H. SAUNDERS
was born on the 1st of August, 1813, in Kentucky, and was the son
of S. S. Saunders, a Virginian by birth, born February 14, 1783,
who married Miss Eliza White Davidson , By this union there were
four children: S. H., Ann E., Jane L. and Robert D. The senior
Saunders married for his second wife Miss Eliza Derieoux. He was
for a long time an extensive tobacco merchant. In 1833 the subject
of this sketch entered college at Georgetown, Kentucky, graduating
in civil engineering in 1834, and receiving the highest honors of his
class. He followed civil engineering until 1838. In 1837 he was
married to Miss Sallie A. Feris, a daughter of Dr. M. A. Feris. They
had two children, Eliza McK. and Shields A., but one is deceased.
The doctor's second marriage occurred in 1844, to Mrs. Sarah A. Ken-
edy, widow of S. N. Kenerly and a daughter of John B. Otey, of
Bedford county, Virginia. They had six children: A. R., B. O., S.
H., T. E., E. L. and Eva C. All but one child survive. In 1847
Dr. S. commenced the practice of medicine and has continued it to
the present, though for the last three years he has confined himself to
a few of his oldest patrons. He previously enjoyed a most lucrative
practice, but has retired from the profession with the exception of the
cases above mentioned. He was the first master of Pleasant Grove
Lodge No. 142, of the Masonic order, and at this time is its master,
and he was grand master of the State Lodge of Missouri, during the
years 1858 and 1859. In his political preferences he is a Democrat.
Dr. W. T. SIMONDS,
a native of St. Charles county, Missouri, was born on the 20th of
November, 1851, his parents being J. W. and Eliza Goodrich Simonds,
the former of Rockbridge county, West Virginia, born in 1816, and
the latter of St. Charles county. Their family consisted of two
children: W. T., and Margaret J., now the wife of Silas Miller, of
St. Charles county. The subject of this sketch, after leaving the
common schools and having settled upon the practice of medicine as
his future profession, began his preparatory studies at Westminster
college, of Fulton, Callaway county. Leaving this school he began
his professional studies in 1873, graduating from the Missouri medi-
cal college, on March 4, 1875, in the regular course with high honors.
February 27, 1878, the doctor was married to Miss Martha Potter, a
J
1044 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
daughter of Jacob Potter of St. Charles county. They have two
children: Wallace, born January 22, 1879, and Nora, born January
12, 1881. Dr. Simonds came to Otterville on the 20th day of
March, 1880, and has rapidly secured a well deserved reputation from
the citizens of the place.
T. J. SMALL,
owes his nativity to Tennessee, where he was born in 1834. His
parents were MathewB., and Mary Small, nee Stone. The former
born in 1812, emigrated to Tennessee in 1832 or 1833. To them were
born seven children, of which number five are now living. The
senior Small came to Missouri in 1852, and located in Otterville,
where he resided at the time of his death in 1854. T. J., the eldest
of the surviving children, remained with his father until 1852, at
which time he went to Oregon, stopping there until 1857. Return-
ing that year to Otterville, he lived here for three or four months,
went back to Tennessee, and made his home there until 1860. Coming
again to Otterville, he resided here until 1862, when he took a trip
south. After two years he took up his permanent location at this
place. In 1867, Mr. Small was married to Miss Margaret Finley, a
daughter of Milton O. Finley, of Morgan county. They have had
five children : John E., Lettie, William, Laura G. and Mary. Mr.
S. is a democrat, and as such served three terms as deputy sheriff.
He has been marshall of Otterville for fourteen years, and has made
a most capable official.
GEORGE W. SMITH,
the oldest settler in Otterville, was born in Albermarle county, Vir-
ginia, May 10th, 1810. His father, John Smith, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, under the direct command of Washington. He
was born in Pennsylvania in 1747, and married Miss Martha Wallace,
a daughter of General Wallace, and lineal descendant of the cele-
brated English family of that name. George W., the youngest of a
family of four boys and three girls, left home when fourteen years of
age, and went to Augusta county, Virginia, to learn the trade of black-
smith, at which he worked for several years. While there he was
married in 1831 to Miss Margaret Beard, who bore him five children :
Ephraim G., died on the plains near Cottonwood Springs, in the
spring of 1860 ; Virginia A., wife of Joseph Finley ; Ellen, now Mrs.
Henry Wagonish ; Eliza J., wife of Frank Ami. Mr. Smith's
second marriage was to Miss Nancy E. Neal of Cooper county, and a
daughter of Nathaniel Neal. They have had six children : Joseph
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1045
L., died in the fall of 1882, from the effects of a well-damp ; James
W. ; Peter F., married a Miss Corda ; Albert N., married a
Miss Bain; Martha J., wife of M. L. White, and Rosa L. In
October, 1837, Mr. Smith, leaving Augusta county, Virginia,
removed to Illinois, and one year later came to Cooper county,
Missouri, located in Palestine township, and on the 13th day of
February, 1839, entered the present village of Otterville, then known
as Elktown, and for forty-four years has made this his home. After
coming here, then a poor man, he followed his trade for thirty years.
Now he has about 600 acres of land in different parts of this and
Lebanon townships, and in Morgan and St. Clair counties. During
the war he furnished beef for fourteen regiments for about three weeks,
when the state contract was let to a St. Louis firm, who sub-let this
portion to Mr. Smith. For three months his house was the head-
quarters of Generals Palmer, Davis, Pope and Turner. Politically
he is a democrat. Farming and raising stock now occupies his atten-
tion.
ELIAS P. STONE,
originally from Tennessee, was born June 11th, 1833. His father,
Eli Stone, and, also his mother, Mary (Jones) Stone, were both
natives of Tennessee ; the former born in Murray county in 1806,
and the latter in 1808. They were married in 1826. To them were
born seven children: Milton (now deceased), Louisa, Elias P.,
Thomas, Amanda, William and Mary. In 1839, leaving Tennessee,
Eli Stone emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Cole county, but
one year later came to Cooper county, in 1840, living here until 1866 ;
then he went to Bates county, where he died ; his widow now resides
- there. Elias P. Stone, when eighteen years of age, went to California
in 1852, and stopped until the fall of 1864, when, returning to
Missouri, he again settled in Cooper county, at Otterville. After two
years he moved into Bates county, which was his home for six years,
and, upon the expiration of that time, he came to Clifton City,
embarking in business on January 1st, 1883. He was appointed
postmaster of this place, having previously been assistant for two
years. In connection with his official duties, he conducted a general
grocery and queensware business. He is a member of the Masonic
Order, at Otterville. In 1868, Mr. Stone was married to Mrs. Ann
E. Homan, widow of Samuel Homan, and a daughter of D. E. D.
Dobbins. They had three children, all of whom are deceased. She
died in 1872, and Mr. Smith was again married in 1880 to Miss Ann
E. Cole, a daughter of John Cole, of Cooper county, and a member
1046 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of the pioneer family of that name. They have one son, Willie.
Politically Mr. Stone is conservative, never having'cast a vote.
T. M. TRAVILLION,
a native of Albermarle county, Virginia, was born on September
20, 1815. His father, James Travillion, was born in the same county,
in 1788, and was married to Miss Mildred Cany in 1814. They were
the parents of six children, of whom T. M. was the oldest. His
father dying in 1825, he lived with his mother until eighteen years of
age, then taking up his residence with a man by the name of Sneed.
After five years, or in 1838, he came to Missouri, settling near Otter-
ville. He was married on the 25th of August, 1842, to Miss Ann
Williams, and to them were born four children — James, Wallace,
John and Henry. Mr. Travillion is a farmer by occupation, and
owns 126 acres of land in this township, about a mile from Otterville.
In his political affiliations he is a democrat.
JASPER M. WHEELER,
a Kentuckian by birth, was born in Morgan county, May 13, 1855.
His parents were Amos H. and Hannah (Morris) Wheeler, the former
also of Kentucky, and they had twelve children, of whom Jasper
was the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, with their family, re-
moved to Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1858 or 1859, where the senior
Wheeler died in 1862. His widow, with the children, then went to
Pettis county, and she subsequently married Archibald Lovelace.
When twenty-one years of age the subject of this sketch left home,
removed to Cass county and lived there four years, soon returning to
Clifton City, where he entered into the drug business. Since that time
he has been engaged in the same occupation, having started his pres-
ent store in September, 1§79. This is the only one in the place, and
Mr. Wheeler has, through his own efforts and progressive business
spirit, acquired a firm standing among the people of this vicinity, and
is much thought of by all his acquaintances. He owns town prop-
erty in Clifton, and is a part owner of 260 acres of land in Barton
county. Mr. Wheeler is a member of Otterville Lodge, No. 203, I.
O. O. F., and he belongs to the Missionary Baptist church.
A. L. ZOLLINGER,
a native of the state of Maryland, was born August 30, 1825, being
the son of George Zollinger, of the same state, born in 1791. His
wife was formerly Miss Catharine Myers, of Pennsylvania, and they
had nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth
child. When twenty-three years of age he accompanied his father to
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1047
Missouri, in 1848, and in 1850 he- went to California and remained
for seven years, having been occupied in merchandizing and the stock
business. In 1857 he returned to this county, and in 1858 began the
mercantile business at Otterville, which he continued until the late
civil war. Then he enlisted as captain of the 2d Missouri cavalry
regiment, Chalmers' division and Forrest's corps, and served four
years. Upon his return he resumed the life of a merchant at Otter-
ville, which has since been his occupation without intermission. He
is the senior member of the firm of Zollinger & Homan, the leading
merchants in the place, they carrying a most complete stock, valued
at $10,000. They also deal in all kinds of grain, produce, etc. The
building now occupied by them is a brick structure, 25x110 feet, and
was erected in 1872 at a cost of about $5,000, it being the second
largest store-room in the county. In 1870 Mr. Zollinger was married
to Miss Louisa Mayfield, a daughter of J. M. Mayfield, of Cooper
county. They have been blessed with five children — George, Stella,
Augustus, Elma and John, constituting a most interesting family.
Politically he is a democrat of the old type, and he is a man who has
done much to promote the prosperity of this section of the country.
STEPHAN ZUMSTEG,
a well-known representative of the mercantile interests of Otterville,
owes his nativity to Switzerland, where he was born February 14,
1836. His father, Xavier Zumsteg, originally from the same canton,
was born in 1812, and in 1831 Was married to Vereua Steinakker.
They were blessed with six children — Verena, Frank, Stephan, Ro-
salia, Maria and Sigmund. Stephan, the second child in the family,
leaving his father in 1853, emigrated to the United States and located
at Cleveland, Ohio, from whence in a short time he moved to Chicago,
remaining in Cook county, Illinois, for five years. Then he went to
St. Louis, stayed two years, and subsequently served two years in the.
army, in company E, 1st Missouri infantry. After returning from
the war he settled near the northern boundary of Montgomery county,
on the Missouri river, making his home there until 1872, when Se-
dalia became his place of residence. After eighteen months he came
to Pleasant Green, Cooper county, and in 1879 located at Otterville,
where he has since lived. In 1864 Mr. Zumsteg married Miss Dora
Kiser, of Gasconade county, Missouri, a daughter of John and Mary
Kiser. They have an interesting family of six children — Frank,
John, Peter, Charles, Verena and Elizabeth. Mr. Zumsteg is quite
successful in his business operations. He is a member of the school
board and city council, and in politics is a democrat.
1048 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
PALESTINE TOWNSHIP.
W. F. BOULWARE,
farmer. William L. Boulware, the father of W. F., was for many
years one of the prominent farmers and leading landholders of Pales-
tine township. He was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife, for-
merly Miss Lucinda Terrell, but they were of different counties. She
was of Culpepper, he of Caroline county. They removed to Missouri
in 1836, and first located at New Franklin, in Howard county, but
two years afterwards came to Cooper county and settled in Palestine
township. He died here in 1849. He was a man of good education,
of more than ordinary intelligence, and took an active interest in
general affairs, political, church, etc. Personally, he had no aspira-
tion for advancement to public position, but in politics he always took
a decided stand for his convictions. He was a zealous member of the
church, being identified with the Baptist denomination, and contrib-
uted liberally of his time and means to all movements calculated to
further the cause of religion. He had a family of eight children, of
whom W. F. was the only son. The sou was given good school ad-
vantages. He took the usual course in the common schools, and also
attended school at Boonville. He was twenty-three years of age at
the time of his father's death, and had completed his education, hav-
ing been born in Caroline county, Virginia, January 1, 1826. After-
wards he was married, in Randolph county, Missouri, in 1860, to Miss
Hannah J., daughter of Edward Owens, of that county. After their
marriage they lived in Randolph county until 1866, and then removed
to Palestine township, this county, and the following year located on
their present farm. Their place contains nearly 300 acres, nearly all
under fence and substantially improved. While in Randolph county,
Mr. Boulware was running a flouring mill, but it was burned during
the war by military incendiaries, as was also his residence. Mr. and
Mrs. Boulware have a family of four sons and five daughters : William
L., Robert E., Fannie M., Lucy L., Catherine B., James F., P. G.,
Edward G. and Laura L. Both parents are members of the Mount
Nebo Baptist church.
JAMES JESSE BYLER,
farmer and stock dealer. Judge Joseph Byler, the grandfather of
James J., came to this county with his family from Pennsylvania, of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1049
which state he was a native, in 1820, and here he became, as he had
been in the Keystone State, a prominent and influential citizen. His
son, Abraham Byler, was then a lad ten years of age, and after he
grew up was married in this county, in 1832, to Miss Mary Bowman,
a daughter of one of the early settlers of the county. Eight years
afterwards, however, she died, and of the family of six children by
this union, three are now living. In March, three years afterwards,
in 1843, Abraham Byler was again married, his second wife having
been, before her marriage to him, a Mrs. Penelope Wood, a native of
Kentucky, but reared in this county. She was born in 1811, and was
but three years old when her parents came to this county. Three
children bless this marriage : Sarah A., wife of Christopher Colwell,
residents of Bates county; Thirza E., wife of M. P. Gallagher, and
James J., the subject of this sketch. James J. was given a good
education in his early years. He had the advantage of good local
schools, which he did not fail to improve, and he also attended col-
lege two years. After his college course he devoted himself to the
life of a farmer, which he has sin<?e followed. His farm is the same
place on which his father settled before the latter' s first marriage, in
1831, fifty-two years ago, and the son now lives in the house in which
he was born. His mother is still living, and they reside together on
the old homestead. Besides farming, Mr. B. has been engaged in
feeding stock and stock trading about four years, and with excellent
success. He and his mother are both members of the Baptist church.
CAPTAIN LEWIS CASTLEMAN,
farmer and breeder of Alderney cattle. In the acquisition of Captain
Castleman aud his family as residents of Cooper county, the people
of the county have received an addition to their economic and social
life upon which they have every reason to congratulate themselves.
They represent, by descent, several of the tirst families of the county,
and themselves occupy an enviable position in social life. But, more
important than this, Captain Catleman is a business man, and an in-
telligent, progressive agriculturist whose influence upon the material
progress of the county cannot but prove of marked value. He was
born in Lafayette county, Kentucky — that cardiac centre of the blue
grass regions and of the culture and refinement of the state — in Octo-
ber, 1832, and was a son of Colonel David Castleman, a wealthy mer-
chant and leading citizen of Lexington, by his second wife, formerly
Miss Virginia Harrison. Colonel Castleman was a native of Wood-
ford county, Kentucky, but when a young man went to Lafayette
1050 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
county, in which he made his home until his death, in 1852. For
many years he merchandised in Lexington, but later in life, having
acquired a comfortable fortune, he retired to a country estate, near
that city, which he owned — " Castleton," as it was known " — where
he spent the remainder of his days. As has been suggested, he was
twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Breckinridge, daughter
of General John Breckinridge, originally of Virginia, but afterwards
of Lexington, Kentucky, the grandfather of General John C. Breck-
inridge, the democratic candidate for president in 1860, and himself a
United States senator from Kentucky, the attorney-general of the
United States in President Jefferson's brilliant cabinet, and, above
all, the distinguished author and advocate of the celebrated Virginia
resolutions of 1798-1799 — scarcely less famous than the Declaration
of Independence itself. Colonel Castleman's second wife, the mother
of Captain Castleman, was also of an eminent family — the Harrisons.
She was a daughter of Hon. Robert C. Harrison, originally of Vir-
ginia, who was a first cousin of President Harrison, of which state
the latter was also a native, and of 'Thomas Jefferson, the third pres-"
dent of the United States. Hon. Carter H. Harrison, of Chicago,
who was born and reared in Fayette county, Kentucky, is also a near
relative. Captain Castleman's mother is still living at the advanced
age of seventy-seven, and although the mother of fourteen children,
ten of whom are living, she is remarkably well preserved in mind and
body, and as active and bright as women usually are at sixty, or even
younger. Coming of the family he did, it goes without saying that
in youth Captain Castleman enjoyed the best advantages ample means
could command. He took a thorough English and classic course and
graduated at Jefferson college, of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree
of A. M. in the class of 1851. Though used to city life, with all its
glittering yet empty attractions, his tastes were and have ever been
decidedly agricultural. Accordingly, on returning from college, he
became interested in agricultural pursuits, and also dealt in hogs and
carried on a pork-packing establishment at Louisville, Kentucky. In
1858 he removed to Arkansas and conducted a large cotton plantation
there. He was engaged in this in 1861, when the war burst upon the
country with all its fury. His antecedents foretell the side he took in
that unfortunate struggle. He became the captain of a company in
the 13th Arkansas Confederate states army, and served until the final
surrender. However, in the fall of 1861, he was transferred to the
quartermaster's department, in which he continued during the remain-
der of his service. Upon the restoration of peace, Captain Castleman
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1051
returned to Arkansas and resumed cotton planting, but two years af-
terwards went to New York city, where he was engaged in merchan-
dising for about twelve months. In the fall of 1868 he removed to
Kentucky and there followed merchandising some seven years. In
Kentucky he experienced two heavy losses by fire, against neither of
which was he insured. In 1879 Captain Castleman removed to Mis-
souri, and after living in St. Louis for two years, in April, 1881,
bought his present farm, in Palestine township, this county, upon
which he at once located . Here, in addition to farming in a general
way, he is making a specialty of breeding and raising fine Alderney
cattle, of which he has some of the highest and best grades. On the
29th of March, 1871, Captain Castleman was married to Miss Susan
M., daughter of William T. Herndon, a prominent merchant and bus-
iness man of Franklin county, Kentucky. Mrs. Castleman was born
and reared at Frankfort, the county seat of that county, but was edu-
cated at Vaesar college, New York. She is of the well known Hern-
don family, of the Blue Grass state. Captain and Mrs. Castleman
have two children : Dayton and William Herndon. One died in in-
fancy : George. Both parents are members of the old school Presby-
terian church.
L. L. CHAMBERLIN,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Chamberlin is an elder brother to
Albert M., and a son of J. W. and Eliza (Headwald) Chamberlin,
mention of whom is made in Albert M.'s sketch. L. L. was born in
Jefferson county, Virginia, January 22, 1838, and remained in his
native county until after the close of the late war. He was reared on
the farm, a homestead that has been in the possession of the Cham-
berlin family for nearly 300 years, since about 1600, and is still
owned by one of the members of the family. In youth he received an
excellent English education in a private academy. On the outbreak
of the war he enlisted in company B, 12th Virginia cavalry, Colonel
Harmon's regiment, in Ashby's brigade, afterward known as the
" Laurel Brigade," and served with his command until the close of
the war. The gallant and glorious part the celebrated " Laurel
Brigade," led by the noble and intrepid Ashby, took in the late un-
fortunate civil war, is too familiar a matter of history to require
comment here, even if space permitted, which it does not; suffice it
to say that history has inscribed, upon its blood-stained and tattered
banner, more hard-fought battles than any other command on either
side participated in during the war. It never surrendered but at the
1052 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
close of the war disbanded, and its members, or those that were left
of them, went Home, surrendering, if at all, individually. L. L.
Chamberlin was in all the battles in which his command took part,
and although nearly always in the front rank, doing his full duty
with his heroic comrades, he passed through the entire struggle with-
out a wound. He was under fire continually for forty days during
one of their most severe campaigns. Aftei4 the war he engaged in
farming on the old Chamberlin family homestead, but in the fall of
1865, came to Missouri, and settled in Cooper county. He located
on his present farm of 349 acres in 1882, of which he has 290 acres
under fence, and has his place well improved with good buildings, etc.
August 8, 1867, he was married at Bell Air, to Miss Mary M.,
daughter of Rev. Jehu Robinson, of Johnson county, one of the
purest and best men that ever honored Missouri by their citizenship.
Mrs. C. was born in Henry county, but reared in Cooper. Her father
had large landed interests in all three counties. Mr. and Mrs.
Chamberlin have five children : Magnus J., Daisy M., Bertha, Min-
nie M., Homer L. D. Both parents are members of the Baptist
church, and Mr. C. is a member of the I. O. O. F.
ALBERT M. CHAMBERLIN,
farmer and stock raiser. Albert M., a son of J. W. Chamberlin, de-
ceased, was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, January 28, 1844.
His father was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was born in
1811. His mother's maiden name was Miss Eliza Headwald. They
were married in Jefferson county, and there reared their family. The
father was a well-to-do farmer of Jefferson county, and followed that
occupation in his native county until his emigration to Missouri, in
1861. In this state he located on a farm in Cooper county, having
brought a part of his family out with him. He then, however, re-
turned to Virginia, to close up his affairs there preparatory to making
this county his permanent home. But just then the war burst upon
the country with all its fury, and travel to and from the south was
effectually cut off, hence he remained in Virginia during the entire
struggle. He had three sons in the Confederate army, and, although
not in the service himself, he was in such proximity to the chief opera-
tions of the war, that he personally witnessed many of the leading
battles of that unfortunate struggle. In fact, General Crook's battery,
during one engagement, was planted on his farm in Jefferson county.
After the restoration of peace he returned to Cooper county, and
lived on his farm here, where his son Albert now lives, until his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1053
death, October 11, 1881. He was a successful farmer, and left a
landed estate of 500 acres — a splendid farm, well improved. He
was a singularly generous, kind hearted man, and particularly open-
handed to the poor. An appeal for help never went unanswered
when he was near, and none were ever turned an hungered from his
door. Albert M. came out to this county with his father, in 1861,
and remained here until 1863, when public affairs assumed such a
temper that it was impossible for him to remain longer. He then
made his way back to Virginia, and continued there until 1869, en-
gaged after the war in farming. Coming back then to Cooper county,
he has resided where he now lives ever since. March 24, 1874, he
was married to Miss Bettie, an estimable daughter of Judge Barnett,
of Morgan county. They have four children : Albert Sidney, Gracie,
Clara Stone and Jennie. Mrs. C. is a member of the Baptist
<shurch.
EDWARD CRAMER,
general merchant and dealer in grain. Merchandising has thus far
been Mr. Cramer's life occupation, and in his chosen calling he has
been reasonably successful. He was a son of Dr. Edward Cramer,
the first physician that ever practised in Gasconade county, a thor-
oughly educated and accomplished member of the medical profession.
Dr. Cramer was a native of Prussia, and graduated in medicine from
one of the noted institutions of that country of pre-eminent learning.
Shortly after his graduation he came to America and located in Gas-
conade county, Missouri. Here he was married to Miss Margaret
Krocker, originally of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Edward, the sub-
ject of the present sketch, was born of this union at Harmon, Gas-
conade county, March 12, 1844. After practising medicine for a
number of years at his adopted home, Dr. Cramer retired from his
profession and engaged in merchandising, which he was following at
the time of his death, January 3, 1878. He was a man of more than
ordinary public spirit, and took a zealous and active interest in the
cause of general education. He held numerous local offices and was
esteemed by all who knew him 'for his many excellent qualities of mind
and heart. He gave his son good school advantages. Besides the
instructions in the ordinary preparatory schools, Edward had the ben-
efit of a course at the St. Louis university, then as now one of the best
institutions^ learning in the west. After his university course, Ed-
ward was connected with Judge Heim, at Boonville, for about six
months in the mercantile business. This was in the forepart of 1862.
In the fall of that year he went to St. Louis and clerked in a hard-
68
1054 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ware store in that city for six years. After this, in March, 1869, he
came to Bunceton, and established his present business, in which he
has since been engaged. Here he has had substantial and satisfactory
success. In 1878, however, he met with a serious loss in the burning
of his business house. But he has erected a new building, a com-
modious, well-arranged business house, and he is rapidly recovering
from his pecuniary misfortune. He carries an excellent and well
selected stock of general merchandise, and commands a good trade.
Like his father, he takes a deep interest in educational matters, and
in recognition of his zeal in these interests he has been made a director
of the Parish Institute, a school built up by private enterprise. He is
also the present secretary and treasurer of its board of directors. Oc-
tober 7, 1875, he was married to Miss Louisa, daughter of Captain
Samuel Henley. His wife was born and reared in Boone county.
They have three children: Kate M., Otto H. and Walker. Mrs.
Cramer is a member of the Lone Elm Christian church, and Mr. Cra-
mer is a Baptist. He is also a member of the Masonic order.
J. T. CRENSHAW,
farmer and raiser and shipper of merino sheep. Mr. Crenshaw is a
native of the Blue Grass state, where to farm and not raise fine stock
is considered no farming at all. He was born in Harrison county,
July 28, 1856, and was a son of R. M. Crenshaw, a prominent farmer
of that county, and afterwards a leading farmer of Cooper county.
R. M. Crenshaw, having married in his native state Miss Nancy S.
Majors, came to Missouri with his family in the fall of 1861, and set-
tled on the farm where the son, J. T., now lives, and where the father
died in 1875. The mother died one year before, in 1874. They
reared a family of two children, one besides having died in infancy.
J. T. has a sister, Maggie A., widow of the Rev. G. B. Sergeant,
whose sketch appears elsewhere. J. T. Crenshaw, the subject of this
sketch, was given an excellent education in youth, taking a course in
the higher English branches as well as mastering the usual curriculum
of the common schools. Reared on the farm he thus acquired a taste
for the free, independent life of a farmer, which decided him to adopt
that as his regular, permanent occupation. In this he has seen no
cause to regret his decision, and each year strengthens his attachment
to his catling, and adds additional and greater success to his career in
his chosen line of employment. His farm contains 245 acres of fine
land, all under fence and well improved, having good buildings and
an excellent class of other betterments. He makes a specialty of rais-
HISTORY Or HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1055
ing fine merino sheep, of which he has a flock of the best quality, and
he also deals in this class of stock to a considerable extent. October
10, 1877, Mr. Crenshaw was married to Miss Maggie E., daughter of
E. M. Hansberger, of Pettis county. She was reared and educated in
that county, and is a most amiable and accomplished lady. She is a
member of the M. E. church, and Mr. Crenshaw is a member of the
Masonic order, Lodge 456, at Bunceton.
PEOF. S. W. CEOSSLEY,
county school commissioner and justice of the peace. Among the
public-spirited, well educated and useful citizens of Palestine town-
ship and of Cooper county, is the one-armed Confederate soldier, a
son of the Old Dominion by nativity, whose name heads this sketch.
He was born in Eockingham county, Virginia, November 23, 1842,
and up to the outbreak of the war had enjoyed good common school
advantages. When the authorities at Washington took steps to rein-
force the- garrison at Fort Sumter in the early part of 1861, thus
presaging an open conflict between the north and south, he was then
in his nineteenth year, and on the first call of old Virginia for volun-
teers to defend her altars and hereditary institutions, he was one of
the first to answer her appeal. He became a volunteer in company
E, 52d Virginia infantry, and marched to the' music of the
Confederate drum, until he lost his arm in the battle of Gaines' Mill,
on the 27th of June, 1862. He was severely wounded in the elbow
and shortly afterwards his arm had to be amputated near the shoulder.
Up to that time he had participated in nearly all the leading battles in
Virginia, among which were Port Eoyal, Winchester, the three-days
battle, Ci'oss Eoads, PortEepublic, the seven-days fight atEichmond,
and a number of others. On recovering from his wound he returned
home, and after the close of the war entered Botetourt academy at
Roaripg Eun, Virginia, where he continued as a student for three
years, applying himself with untiring zeal and energy. At the con-
clusion of his academic course he engaged in teaching in Virginia, and
himself kept up a course of study in the higher branches. He fol-
lowed teaching there until 1870, and in the fall of that year came to
Missouri and located in Boone county, where he taught for four
years. Having married during this time he removed with his family
to Cooper county, in 1874, and since then has been one of the most
active educators and successful teachers in the county. His great
zeal and success here as a teacher was not long in becoming recognized
throughout the county. In the spring of 1879 he was elected to the
1056 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
office of school commissioner of the county, and he is now filling his
third term in that position, having been re-elected in 1881 and again
in 1883. During; this time he has established the normal institute of
Cooper county, one of the most thorough and efficient organizations
of its kind in the state. As a matter of accommodation to his
neighbors he consented to discharge the duties of justice of the peace
of the township, to which position he was accordingly elected. This
office he now holds. On the first of January, 1874, Prof. Crossley
was married in Boone County, to Miss Elbertie, daughter of Elbert
Givens, Esq., of that county. She is a native of Kentucky, but was
reared and educated in Jackson county, this state, whence her par-
ents removed to Boone county. They have one son, Wallace, a
promising boy. Prof, and Mrs. Crossley are both members of the
Baptist church.
J. W. EDWARDS,
blacksmith at Bunceton. Mr. Edwards is a native of Kentucky, and
was born in Clark county, April 25, 1836. His parents, Thomas W.
and Nancy (Combs) Edwards, removed from that state to Missouri
when he was two years of age and settled in Pettis county, where J.
W. was reared to manhood. However, when eighteen years of age
he entered a blacksmith shop to learn the trade at Ridge Prairie, in
Saline county, where he worked for three years. In the spring of
1858 he established a shop of his own near Blackwater, in the western
part of Cooper county, and was carrying it on with excellent success
when the war broke out in 1861. He was one of the first to enlist in
the service of the south, and joined Captain Cunningham's company,
but shortly afterwards became a member of company G, 5th Mis-
souri cavalry, under Colonel McCowan, and served until the close of
the war. He participated in the battles of Lexington, Missouri ; Elk-
horn, Arkansas ; Corinth, Mississippi ; Grand Gulf, Mississippi ;Vicks-
burg, Mississippi ; Atlanta, Georgia ; Franklin, Tennessee, and njimer-
ous others. During the service he was on the disabled list for two
months, caused by a wound in the right arm, but upon recovery
re-entered the active service. He was captured at Vicksburg,
Mississippi, and paroled, but rejoined his command upon exchange
and, surrendered with it at Mobile, at the close of the war. After the
restoration of peace Mr. Edwards returned to Missouri and opened a
shop about three miles west of Bunceton, and in 1875 removed to the
last named plaee, where he has a good run of custom and is meeting
with excellent success. December 25, 1866, he was married in Ala-
bama, to Miss Martha, daughter of Oswell Edins, of that state.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1057
They have one child, a daughter, Louella Josie. Mr. and Mrs. E.
are members of the Baptist church.
HON. WILLIAM C. EWING,
deceased. Major Ewing, as he was called by all who knew him, was
a representative of the distinguished Ewing family, whose name is so
conspicuously and honorably interwoven with the histories of Missouri,
Ohio, Kentucky and other leading states of the union. He was a
near relative of the late Judge E. B. Ewing, of the Missouri supreme
court, and of the Rev. Finis Ewing, the eminent Presbyterian divine.
Major Ewing was born in Logan county, Kentucky, July 14, 1814,
and was a son of Reuben Ewing and wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Hammon. His father was a native of Kentucky, but his
mother was originally from the District of Columbia. It 1819 the
family emigrated from the Blue Grass State to Missouri, and settled in
Cooper county, where both parents lived until their deaths. Here
William C. grew to manhood, and as school advantages in this county
in that early day were very indifferent, he had to rely almost wholly
upon his own efforts for what education he acquired. Notwithstand-
ing, however, the absence of regular instruction, by private study
and by persevering application to his books, he succeeded in acquir-
ing more than an average education for those times. Farming became
his chosen occupation for life, and in this as in everything with which
he was connected, the superior quality of his mind manifested itself.
He was not only eminently successful as a farmer, but conducted his
farming interests on those broad-minded business principles which
distinguish the man of ability in whatever calling he is engaged from
what, speaking of a class of mechanical lawyers, Quiuitilian terms,
"plodders in the forum." Although gifted to a high degree with the
qualities that would have made hiin a conspicuous figure in the learned
professions or in public life, he had no ambition above that of leading an
honorable, quiet life, and leaving a name to his children untarnished by
a wrong act. He looked at life with a philosopher's eye, all are equal
at the grave and only those are superior beyond it whose lives here
have been the purest and the best. Hence here he strove to do the
full measure of his duty in whatever relation he was placed, and if
called upon to discharge the duties of a public office he did it with the
same seriousness, plainness and modesty, and with the same thorough-
. ness and earnestness, with which he attended to his own private
affairs. Besides other positions of trust and distinction he was called
upon to fill, he was twice prevailed upon to serve the county in the
1058 HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
legislature, and in that body he wielded a potent and salutary influ-
ence for the welfare of the state, an influence that integrity and
ability combined with modesty and dignity never fail to exert. Major
Ewing was married on the 3d of February, 1845, to Miss Lucretia,
daughter of Henry Corum, one of the pioneer settlers of the county.
Four children were reared of this union : Oscar F., now merchandis-
ing in Bunceton ; Eva, Lilly and W. H. Clay, now at William Jewell
college, Liberty, Missouri. Prior to the winter of 1881-82 Major
Ewing's health had been failing for some time, and he was advised to
visit the Eureka Springs, of Arkansas, in the hope that the use of
their waters would benefit him. Bat this unfortunately proved delu-
sive. He went there and died soon afterwards, on the 20th of Janu-
ary, 1882. The sad news of his death was received with a sigh by all
who knew him, for he had lived a singularly oflenseless and blameless
life. In his death the county lost one of its best and most worthy
citizens. He had long been a consistent and exemplary member of
the Presbyterian church. His wife, a most worthy, noble-hearted
lady, still survives him.
T. B. GOODE,
druggist, is also engaged in the grocery business at Bunceton. Mr.
Goode, after receiving an excellent education, at the age of nineteen,
in 1874, entered the drug store at Pilot Grove, this county, under
Dr. A. H. Thruston, the proprietor, to learn the drug business and
continued with him for six years, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge
of the business. After this he came to Bunceton and engaged in the
drug business on his own account, and here his recognized qualifica-
tions as a druggist, and his popular, gentlemanly bearing soon won
him an excellent trade. Full of enterprise and ready to engage in
any honorable pursuit that promises satisfactory returns for the
means and time employed, he has also added a stock of groceries to
his drug business, and in this line is likewise meeting with gratifying
success. He was born in Morgan county, May 24, 1855. His father
John Goode, is a native of Virginia, but removed to Morgan county,
Missouri, when a young man. In that county he was married to
Miss Mary A. Walton, originally of Tennessee. He followed farm-
ing and stock raising until 1865, and then went to St. Louis, but three
years aftewards located at Pleasant Hill, Cass county, where he still
resides. His son, T. B., the subject ©f this sketch, spent his early ,
youth mainly in the common schools and afterward entered the Pleas-
ant Hill high school, where he continued as a student for about six years
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1059
thus acquiring a good, practical English education. From Pleasant
Hill, in 1874, he came to Pilot Grove as above stated. February 16,
1881, Mr. Goode was married to Miss Anna, daughter of J. W.
Chamberlin, whose sketch appears elsewhere. She was born in Vir-
ginia but was principally reared in this county. They have one child,
Beulah Lee. Mrs. G. is a member of the Baptist church. Mr.
Goode is still a young man, and has every promise of a future of suc-
cess in life and usefulness as a citizen.
D. F. HARNESS,
of Harness & Ewing, dealers in general merchandise, hardware and
farming implements. The above named firm, in which Mr. Harness
is the senior partner, are successors in business to W. D. Wilson,
whom they bought out in 1882. Both gentlemen are excellent busi-
ness men, and Mr. Harness has had considerable experience in mer-
cantile pursuits. He is a native of Cooper county, Missouri, and is a
son of Conrad and Ann (Tucker) Harness, old and highly respected
residents of this county, who came here from Virginia in 1830. The
Harness family is one of the oldest of the Old Dominion, having set-
tled in that state, then a colony, long prior to the revolution. Mr.
Harness' grandfather served in the continental army from Virginia
and held the position of quartermaster to his command. In Conrad
Harness' family there are eleven children, nine sons and two daugh-
ters, of whom D. F. is the eighth son but the ninth of the family.
His father being a well-to-do farmer and fully alive to the importance
of education, D. F. was given good school advantages. After com-
pleting the curriculum of the common schools he entered William
Jewel college at Liberty, Missouri, where he took a higher course of
study, thus acquiring an excellent education. At the conclusion of
his college course he returned home and shortly afterwards, in Janu-
ary, 1875, was appointed deputy county clerk, under Jackson Mon-
roe, one of the most efBcient officials and popular men who ever held
public office in this county. In this position he served four years to
the hearty satisfaction of Mr. Monroe, and with the cordial approval of
the public. In 1879 he went to St. Louis and was employed there in
a clerical position in the publishing house of the Christian Advocate
the two following years. He then became a travelling salesman for
the mercantile firm of Heltzell & Co., of that city, and remained
with them until the early part of 1882, when he engaged with a cousin
of his in the lumber business at Aurora Springs, but sold out six
months afterwards and joined Mr. Ewing, his present partner,. in the
1060 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
purchase of the stock, good will, etc., of Mr. Wilson, at Bunceton in
which he has since been engaged. They carry unusually large and
well selected stocks of general merchandise, hardware and agricul-
tural implements, and have a widely extended and rapidly increasing
trade. Mr. H. has always been identified with the democratic party r
and although decided and firm in his political convictions, he is liberal
and tolerant in his intercourse with others and recognizes that those
who hold diametrically opposite views to his own, may be equally sin-
cere and conscientious in their opinions. So unobjectionable is he in
this respect to all parties that in 1882 he was nominated by the inde-
pendents for county clerk without his consent, however, and being a
democrat he very properly, but respectfully, declined their nomina-
tion. He is a member of the Baptist church and of the Masonic
order.
GEOEGE C. HAKTT, M. D.,
physician and surgeon at Bell Air. Dr. Hartt, himself one of the
most skillful physicians in this section of the state, came of an ancestry
of physicians noted for their eminence in their profession. His father,
also named George, was one of the pioneer physicians of Cooper
county, having located at Boonville as far back as 1818, and for
many years he ranked as the Nestor of the medical profession
in Central Missouri, not so much for his early location and long
practice here — and he was one of the earliest and oldest physi-
cians of the country — as for his recognized pre-eminence as a,
physician and surgeon. He performed many operations in that
early day among the most remarkable and successful known to medi-
cal surgery. Being called upon at one time to attend a patient virtually
dying of stone in the bladder, and having no instruments available
with which to remove the stone, he went to a gunsmith's shop and
himself improvised such instruments as he needed and successfully
performed the surgical operation, cutting into the man's bladder and
removing the cause of the difficulty. Many, even more remarkable in-
stances of his great skill and ability are related, which space cannot
be given here to mention. It is a fact in his history, however, that he
was never known to lose a case in surgical practice. He was born at
Harrodsburg Springs, Kentucky, in 1781, and received both his general
and medical education in the Blue Grass State. From there during:
the first decade of the present century, Miss Maria Davis having be-
come his wife in the meantime, he with his family removed to Mis-
souri and located at New Madrid, on the Mississippi river. But after
the war of 1812, in 1818, he came to Boonville, where he lived until his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1061
death in 1852, engaged in the active practise of his profession here
for nearly forty years. His grandfather of the same name, George
C, the ancestor of the fourth generation of George C, the sub-
ject of this sketch was also an eminent and successful physician.
Dr. George C. Hartt, of Bell Air was born in Boonville, Aug. 7,
1826, and in early youth attended the local schools of this city. At
the age of sixteen, in 1842, he entered the St. Louis university, then
the most famous school this side of the Alleghanies. He continued
as a student in this institution for three years, during which he applied
himself to his studies with great energy and assiduity. Returning
home at the expiration of this time, he then entered regularly upon
the study of medicine under his distinguished father. In due time
he attended medical lectures, first at Lexington, Ky., and then at
Louisville, in the same state. Continuing his studies without inter-
ruption, he entered the St. Louis medical college, which he attended
until 1857, when, on the 28th of February of that year, he was gradu-
ated with merited honor. After his graduation, Dr. Hartt went to
San Francisco, California, where he practised his profession for about
two years, but then returned to Cooper county and engaged in the prac-
tice here. In 1861 he removed to Little Rock, Ark., where he
remained for over twenty years, building up a large and lucrative prac-
tice. But in 1882 he returned to his native county, and located at
Bell Air, where he is recognized as one of the ablest physicians-in the
profession, and is rapidly accumulating an extensive practice. Dr.
Hartt has been twice married. First in Boonville in 1850 to Miss
Mary Stewart, a native of Kentucky. She died in 1861. Of that
union there are two children, Jessie and Mary. Again in 1864, the
doctor was married in Little Rock, Arkansas, Mrs. Fanny Amos, a-
widow lady, then becoming his wife. There are two children by this
marriage, Geo. C. Jr., and Agnes. Dr. Hartt was for some time
a lecturer in the medical department of the state university, and also
served a term as state medical examiner while a resident of Arkansas.
He is a member of the Catholic church.
JUDGE GEO. W. HELMREICH,
farmer and stock raiser. Judge Helmreich, a prosperous farmer and
prominent citizen of Palestine township, is a Bavarian by nativity, and
was born November 16, 1819. His parents, John Frederick and
Sybila ( Schindler ) Helmreich, were both natives of the same country.
He grew up to manhood in Bavaria, and was educated in the excellent
schools for which all the German states are noted. In keeping with
1062 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the regulations of that country — that all youths must learn some use-
ful trade, profession or occupation — young Helmreich learned the
milling business, and followed it there until his emigration to the
United States in 1843. In the fall of that year he came west and
located in Howard county, Missouri, where he followed farming and
milling for about two years. In 1845 he moved to Cooper county,
coming to Palestine township, and here gave his attention to farming.
He located on his present farm in 1854, which now contains 340 acres
of the best quality of land, and is well improved. In addition to the
ordinary farm interests, Judge Helmreich is also giving considera-
ble attention to stock raising. In December, 1843, he was married to
Miss Sybila Weber, originally of Bavaria, who lived to brighten his
home for over thirty years, but in May, 1875, was claimed by the in-
satiate cormorant, Death. The following year, in March, 1876, Judge
Helmreich was again married, his present wife having been at the
time of her marriage to him Mrs. Maria, the widow of the Eev. John
Koelle. By her first husband Mrs. Helmreich had four children :
Ophelia M., Samuel, Emma and John Koelle. The judge and Mrs.
Helmreich by their union have one son — George W. Judge Helmreich
is a member of the Evangelical church, and his wife is a member of
the Methodist denomination. As a public man, the judge has held
numerous township offices, and he was appointed road and bridge
commissioner of the county by the county court, a position he held
for four years with great satisfaction to the people. He was also
appointed by the court a director to represent the stock of the county
in the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad company, in which
he served two years with credit to himself and advantage to the
county.
CHAELES E. LEONARD,
owner and proprietor of Raven Wood farm. There are few farms in
Missouri, if any, that present a'handsomer picture of advanced agricul-
ture than the one referred to in the present sketch. Raven Wood
farm, devoted mainly to stock raising, contains 1,900 acres in a solid
body, all under fence and in an exceptionally fine state of improve-
ment. The residence of the proprietor, one of the handsomest and
most commodious structures of its kind in the state, is in the interior
of the farm, and the place is so divided into fields and pastures that all
open through gates into lanes leading directly to the barns and stock
lots near the dwelling. Moreover, the farm is so arranged that stock
may be transferred from one pasture to another, however far apart,
and grain or other products brought out of the different fields, without
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1063
passing through other enclosures and always by the most direct routes.
The fences are all of the best quality, and are kept in neat farm-like
condition, while each enclosure, of convenient size for the purpose for
which it is designed, is abundantly supplied with good water, either
by a running stream, a well or a pond, but usually by the former.
The surface conformation of the place is gently rolling, with occa-
sional abrupt declivities near the draws that lead through it, but no
where too broken for cultivation, while every acre of ground is well
drained. Here and there are handsome groves of forest trees, which
add an additional charm to the natural beauty of the farm, and afford
welcome shades to the flocks and herds that tenant its pastures. In
short, as a stock farm, both in natural advantages and in the manner
in which it is improved, it is without a superior, if it has an equal, in
the state. The dwelling of the proprietor, to speak without warmth,
is a perfect triumph of the art of architecture. Cost seems not to have
been considered in its construction. Beyond question, it is one of the
finest country mansions in the west, if not in the whole country. It
is built on an almost colossal plan, and is arranged and finished
according to the most approved ideas with regard to comfort, con-
venience and good taste. The whole building is lighted with gas and
supplied with water from private works constructed on the place. In
a word, as a home it is all that a cultivated and refined mind could
wish, or that abundant means without vulgarity could supply.
The other buildings on the place are in keeping with the
residence. All in all, Eaven Wood farm, with its fine mansion
and other buildings, its miles of undulating fields and well kept
pastures — the one waving with rich harvests like the waters of a
lake gently agitated by the wind, and the other relieved here
and there by flocks and herds of grazing stock, with its handsome
groves of shade trees and its long lines of lanes leading off as far as
the eye can reach — all conspire to present a picture of prosperous
farm life and beauty, which, to use an expression of Quintilius, may
be felt by the observer, but cannot be described. That a man who
would show the enterprise and good taste displayed by Mr. Leonard
in the improvement of this magnificent estate, to say nothing of the
ability necessary to successfully manage it, would have a class of stock
on his farm worthy of the expense and labor involved in preparing it
for stock raising purposes, goes without saying ; and so are found
upon his place the best grades of stock of nearly every class to be had
in this country or in Europe. At the present time he is making a tour
of the countries beyond the Atlantic, selecting from the different
1064 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
classes of stock the very finest representatives for purchase and for
importation. His best stock all come from long lines of pedigreed
families, as officially authenticated registers show ; so that when a
hoof is taken from his farm with the usual guarantee, it may be relied
upon as being what it is represented. In the quantity as well as the
quality of his stock Mr. Leonard ranks among the leading fine stock
raisers of this section of the country. And in introducing the finest
grades of stock into Cooper county, as well as encouraging by exam-
ple progressive, enterprising methods of farming, he has rendered a
service to the county of the highest importance to its agricultural, and
therefore to its best interests. The biographical sketch of such a
farmer is well worthy of more than the usual measure of space in the
history of the county. Nor would such a sketch have been at all satis-
factory or just without a notice of his magnificent farm. The Leonard
family is an old and honored one in the history of the country. It
comes down to us from a date long prior to the revolution, and in
every generation has been represented by members prominent for
their services in public or private life. In the war for independence
an ancestor of Mr. Charles E. Leonard was a trusted and personal friend
to General Washington, and was relied upon by the latter in emergencies
of the highest importance to the welfare of the colonies ; and so from
that day to this the family has held an honorable place in the affairs
of the country. But space does not permit a review of the lives and
services of each of its members in this connection. Nathaniel Leonard,
the father of Charles E., the subject of the present sketch, was born
at Windsor, Vermont, June 13, 1799, and was reared and educated in
his native state. In an early day he came west, and fiually
fixed upon Cooper county as the place of his permanent abode.
Here he engaged in farming, and soon afterwards in stock
raising, and, notwithstanding the many hardships and disadvant-
ages with which he had to contend in that early day, his industry,
energy and enterprise triumphed over all obstacles, and he ultimately
became one of the most successful farmers and wealthy stock raisers
of central Missouri. On the 27th of September, 1832, he was married
to Miss Margaret Hutchison, originally of Bourbon county, Ken-
tucky, born February 1, 1810. Both lived to old age. He died
December 30, 1876 ; she January 2, 1880. They were as highly es-
teemed as neighbors and friends, and in every relation in life, as any
residents within the borders of the county. They reared a worthy
family of children, and of these Charles E. Leonard, the subject of
this biography, was the fourth. He was born March 27, 1839, and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1065
was reared on the farm. His father being a man of superior educa-
tion himself, and appreciating the full value of mental training and
culture, determined to give his children the best school advantages the
country afforded. Charles E., after some time spent in the primary
schools, was sent to Kemper's well known school at Boonville, that
modest but able institution of learning to which central Missouri owes
so much. There he pursued his studies until he was prepared to enter
upon a university course. From Kemper's he became a matriculate
in the state university at Boonville, in which he continued until he was
duly graduated. Returning from the university he at once entered
actively upon the duties of assisting his father in the management and
conduct of the large stock farm, the responsibilities of which had begun
to weigh heavily upon the latter on account of his advancing years.
Thus brought up to the occupation of handling fine stock, for his father
was a noted raiser of the best grades of stock, and having since devoted
his whole life to this line of business, it is not surprising that he is
justly regarded as one of the most competent and successful fine stock
men in Missouri, and, in fact, throughout the west. His career
has been an eminently successful one, and still comparatively a
young man, the future promises results far more important
to himself and valuable to the stock interests of the state than
he has yet realized. Let our stock raisers generally imitate the ex-
ample of Mr. Leonard, and Missouri will become, as she has every
natural advantage to, the first fine stock state in the union. On the
22d of October, 1872, Mr. Leonard was married to Miss Nadine N.,
daughter of James M. Nelson, Esq., banker at Boonville, Missouri.
They have one child, a son, N. Nelson. Mr. Nelson is expected to
return from Europe during the coming fall.
H. H. MILLER, M. D.,
physician and surgeon, Bunceton. Few members of the medical pro-
fession in this section of the country have enjoyed better advantages
and opportunities than Doctor Miller for becoming thorough and
accomplished physicians and surgeons. His father, Colonel Miller,
was a wealthy planter and business man of Rockingham county,
Virginia, and in youth, the son was given superior English and classic
education, taking a course in the sciences, and in Latin and Greek,
qualifications of the utmost importance to the higher attainments in
medicine and surgery. After his courses in the New Market and
Southwestern academies of his native state, he entered upon the study
of medicine, under Doctors Miller and Jennings, at Elkton, Virginia,
1066 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and when prepared to attend medical lectures became a matriculate
in the University of Virginia, graduating from that eminent institu-
tion in the spring of 1860. During the winter of the same year he
attended lectures in the Medical College of Richmond, and in the fol-
lowing year received a diploma also from that able school of medi-
cine. He had hardly more than completed his professional education
when the war burst upon the country with all the lurid glare and deaf-
ening thunder of its fury. True to the Old Dominion and to her im-
perishable traditions, he laid all his hopes and aspirations for a life of
eminence and usefulness in his profession aside, and flew to the ranks
of her brave sons, then gathering from every mountain and every
valley, to defend with his life the sacred soil where Washington lived
and died, from the hostile tread of an invading foe. The first year of
the war he served as first lieutenant of a company in the 10th Vir-
ginia infantry, commanded by Colonel Grivans, one of the regiments
of Stonewall Jackson's immortal command. During this service he
participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which the tireless,
sleepless, fearless Jackson was engaged, including both the battles of
Bull's Eun, the seven-days' fight around Eichmond, the terrible battle
of Cedar Mountain, and many others. In 1862 he was appointed
assistant surgeon in the same command, and served in that capacity
until the close of the war. < On the restoration of peace Doctor Miller
returned to Elkton, Virginia, and engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession. Well schooled in medicine and surgery as he was when the
war began, his three years' experience with the suffering and dying
of Jackson's noble command, his friends and comrades, was a school,
a sad and almost heartrending one, but a school, nevertheless, worth
more to the practitioner than a life time spent in the colleges would
he. He went into the war a thorough scholar ; he came out of it a
thorough physician. In 1870 Doctor Miller came to Missouri, andlo-
cated at Taberville, and in 1873 came to Bunceton, where he has since
been engaged in the practice. Here he enjoys an enviable reputation
as a physician and surgeon, and commands a wide and lucrative practice.
Personally he is as highly esteemed as he is professionally. Doctor
Miller was born in Eockingham county, Virginia, July 11, 1839, and
was a son of Colonel Henry and Susan (Hansberger) Miller, of that
county. His paternal ancestors for four generations were natives of
the same county. His father was a leading planter of that county, and
was also largely interested in the milling business, flouring, grist, card-
ing, and sawing. He died there in 1875. After his removal to this
county, Doctor Miller was married, April 10, 1873, to Miss Amanda,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1067
daughter of Reuben Ewing, one of the pioneer settlers of Cooper
county. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church, and the doctor is a member of the A. F. and A. M., atBuuce-
ton, Lodge No. 456.
S. C. MITCHELL, M. D.,
physician and surgeon ; also interested in farming and stock raising,
Palestine. Doctor Mitchell, a leading physician, and influential citizen
of Palestine township and that section of the county, is a representa-
tive of one of the oldest and most highly respected families in the
county. His father, W. N. Mitchell, who was a native of Tennessee,
came here as early as 1816, and located at that time, at or near
Cole's Fork, the central place of rendezvous for most of the early
settlers of the county. His wife, Miss Margaret Miller, was origi-
nally of North Carolina. They reared a family of four sons and four
daughters, of whom the doctor was the youngest child. His father
became a prominent farmer of the county, and died here May 6, 1865.
The doctor was born November 26, 1839, and grew up on his father's
farm. In youth, by study, in the ordinary country schools, and at
home, during his leisure from farm employment, he acquired a sub-
stantial and practical education. At the age of twenty-three, he com-
menced the study of medicine, atBoonville, Missouri, under Dr. H. C.
Gibson, one of the most thorough and scientific physicians of central
Missouri, and in due time became a matriculate in the St. Louis medi-
cal college, from which he was graduated with marked honor, in
1865. Returning then to Cooper county, he at once entered actively
upon the practice of his profession, which he has since continued with
untiring energy, and with the most gratifying success. Although
more of a physician than a business man, in the sense of accumulat-
ing property, his twenty years, nearly, of hard work in his profession
have not been altogether without substantial returns. Besides being
comfortably situated at Palestine, he has a neat farm near this place,
where he is interested in both grain growing and stock raising, the
latter, however, only in a general way. As a citizen, he is progressive
and public-spirited, and as a neighbor and friend, he is universally
esteemed. Doctor Mitchell was married November 15, 1867, to Miss
Ann Eliza, daughter of James and Lucinda Craig, old and valued resi-
dents of the county. The doctor and his estimable wife have one
daughter, Miss Mattie E., a cultured and amiable young lady. He
and his family are members of the Baptist church.
1068 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
J. HENDERSON MOORE.
In the biographies of such families as that of which Mr. Moore is
a worthy representative, is to be read the true history of the develop-
ment and prosperity of Cooper county. His father, G. W. Moore,
was one of its early settlers, and opened up a large farm here, leaving
the county at his death the richer and more prosperous by his having
lived in it, and with a large family to carry forward the work of de-
veloping its resources and improving it. He was a native of North
Carolina, and came here when a young man and located in Palestine
township. He made his farm on land he entered from the govern-
ment, and was married to Miss Frances T. Stephens, originally from
Virginia, a lady worthy to have taken part with him in building up a
comfortable fortune. After forty years of intelligent and successful
industry in the county, he died at his homestead on the 18th of April,
1861, sadly regretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances,
and deeply mourned by his family. He and his good wife reared a
family often children: eight sons and two daughters. Of these J.
Henderson, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. He was born
March 22, 1822, and was reared in the family homestead. After he
grew up, and some years after he attained his majority, he was mar-
ried to Miss Mary A., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Miller) Mc-
Carty. She (Mrs. Moore) was a granddaughter of Judge James
Miller, one of the three first judges of the county court. They were
married on the 24th of January, 1850. Three children, now living,
followed this long and happy union, viz. : Lorenzo H., J. Warren and
Hattie J., wife of O. N. Dills, all residents of Palestine township.
After his marriage Mr. Moore located on the farm where he now lives,
an excellent homestead of 330 acres, well improved and in good con-
dition. He is a modern, ideal, progressive farmer, paying more re-
gard to the quality of the products and stock he raises than to the
quantity. Neat about his farm and enterprising in its management,
he is one of the business-like, successful farmers of the county. Per-
sonally, he is regarded as a valued citizen, and a kind and and accom-
modating neighbor. His excellent lady, Mrs. Moore, is an earnest
and devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
J. WARREN MOORE,
proprietor general store, Palestine. Mr. Moore, a son of J. Hender-
son Moore, a prominent farmer of this county whose sketch* precedes ' f
this, was born at the family homestead December 28, 1856 and was
m
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1069
reared on the farm. His father being a man of advanced and liberal
ideas with regard to education, as well as other matters, gave his son
good school advantages in youth. J. Warren, after the usual course
in the preparatory schools, entered William Jewell college, of Liberty,
Missouri, where he prosecuted his studies with great zeal and energy,
and in his course at that institution acquired an excellent Euglish ed-
ucation. After his return from college, in February, 1880, he estab-
lished his present store at Palestine. He carries an excellent stock of
goods in the general mercantile line, and, by his energy, fair dealing
and pleasant, popular bearing, has built up an extensive and profitable
trade. He was married March 20, 1882, to Miss Clara Pasmore, origi-
nally of Canada, but reared and educated at Liberty, Missouri— an
accomplished and most estimable lady. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have
one child, a bright little daughter, Pearl. Mrs. Moore is a member
of the Baptist church.
CHARLES F. MOORE,
farmer, stock raiser, trader, veterinary surgeon and piscatorist. Few
men, if any, in Cooper county, or in this section of the state, have led
more active lives, and, in the pursuits in which Mr. Moore has been
engaged, more successful ones than his has been. Reared in the
country, and to a farm life, to'whieb circumstances and his own tastes
inseparably attached him, in this situation his great energy and enter-
prise have found various employments of profit to himself and of value
to the community, in all of which he has been entirely successful.
The common average of men are content to follow one line of indus-
try— whatever they may happen to fall into in youth or early man-
hood. Others of strong character and of vigorous intellect and energy,
strike out into new fields of existence — anywhere and everywhere
that promises favorable results. To this class the biography of Mr.
Moore shows him to belong. He was born in Cooper county May 6,
1826, near the place where he now resides, and was a son of George
W. and Frances T. (Stephens) Moore, reference to whom is made in
the sketch of J. Henderson Moore, on a previous page of this work.
At the age of about twenty-two, July 26, 1846, he was married to
Miss Martha A., daughter of Hutchins Euglish, of Moniteau county,
where she was reared and educated. He resided one year in Moni-
teau after his marriage, and then removed to his own native
county, in which he has since made his home. For five years he fol-
lowed farming here with great assiduity and energy, giving his atten-
tion to nothing else. At the expiration of this time such had been his
69
1070 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
success that he was able to engage also in merchandising, which he
did at Palestine, and, by a nine years' experience in this line, showed
that he had the qualities to win success in this calling as well as in
farming. He then turned his attention to buying and shipping to-
bacco, and in 1863 began buying and shipping live stock to the whole-
sale markets, which he followed for three years, reaping annually a
rich harvest from this business. In 1866 Mr. Moore withdrew from
all other pursuits and turned his attention exclusively to his present
magnificent farm. This splendid estate contains 225 acres of the
finest quality of land, all under fence and handsomely improved. His
buildiugs, including dwelling, barns, sheds, etc., are all neat, sub-
stantial and comfortable. He follows grain growing and stock rais-
ing on a large scale, and also deals largely in wheat and other
grain, which he has followed since 1857. He ships annually from
50,000 to 100,000 bushels of grain to the general wholesale mar-
kets. On his place he has a fine orchard, consisting of 1,000
grafted peach trees of the best varieties, and about 300 apple trees,
all of fine grades. An intelligent, educated stockman, he has made
a specialty of studying the diseases of domestic animals, and has
become, both by scholarly research and many years' practical ex-
perience, one of the best posted and most thorough veterinary sur-
geons in this section of the state. He has a wide reputation and
an extensive practice in this profession. On his estate he has two
large ponds, or more properly small lakes, each of Which covers
about one acre of land, and these are devoted to fish culture, as
well as being used for stock purposes. He has a large variety of
fine fish, in the propagation and cultivation of which he takes an
active interest. Mr. Moore arid his excellent wife have reared a
family of six children: George H., R. L., general railway agent
at Boonville; Cornelia, now the wife of L. B. Windsor; Florence,
Gillie and Gertie. Mr. Moore and family are members of the Bap-
tist church, and he has been a member of the Masonic lodge at
Boonville.
JAMES M. MOORE,
farmer and stock trader. Mr. James M. Moore is another worthy
representative of the George W. Moore family mentioned in the
sketches of J. Henderson, Charles F., and R. L. Moore in this vol-
ume. He was born in this county on the old homestead, February 2,
1834. Like his brothers he was reared to the occupation of a
farmer, in which his father was a marked success, and at the age of
about twenty years was married, November 16, 1854, to Miss Rebecca,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1071
aughter of J. C. Todd, of Morgan county. They settled on a
irm in Cooper county, and he and his worthy wife went to work to
arve out their fortunes by honest, patient industry. But seven years
ad not circled round before the hand of death was laid upon her,
ndshe was no more. She died January 5, 1861. Of this union one
on is now living, J. T. Moore. Afterwards the father was married
3 Miss Jane, a daughter of Robert Seaton, formerly of Natchez, Missis-
ippi, but for many years prior to his daughter's marriage a citizen of
!ooper county. She was born in Natchez but was reared in this
ounty. They were married June 5, 1862. Three children were
eared by this marriage : Aggie, Minnie and Myrtle. Mr. Moore
ettled on his present farm in March, 1867, a comfortable homestead
f over 100 acres, exceptionally well improved. He is a neat farmer
nd an intelligent, business-like manager, and succeeds better with a
mall farm than many do with twice or thrice his number of acres.
Ie has been engaged in stock trading a number of years, and in this
usiness achieves satisfactory success. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are
'orthy and exemplary members of the Christian church .
FREDERICK NUNN,
inner and stock raiser. Mr. Nunn, who is one of the neatest and
lost intelligent farmers of Palestine township, is a native of Bavaria,
ud is a self-educated, self-made man. He was born September 9,
815, and was a son of Michael and Barbara (Ulrich) Nunn, of the
line kingdom. He was reared in his native country and acquired
is education, sufficient for all practical purposes, by private study of
renings after working hours, and at other times when not at work,
f'ter he had reached his majority. He came to America in 1835 and
ved in Virginia for nineteen years. There he obtained his start in
ie world by digging wells — dug eighty-five in Jefferson county, in
ie vicinity of Harper's Ferry, that averaged 100 feet in depth each,
11 through rock. He also improved two farms in that county. From
lere he came to Cooper county in 1854, where he has since lived and
aen engaged in farming. He has one of the neatest, best kept farms
" over 200 acres in the county. Besides ordinary grain growing he
ves considerable attention to stock raising, in which he is very suc-
sssful. Mr. Nunn has been married twice : First, in his native
»untry in 1833, to Miss Catherine Page. She died eleven days after
ieir arrival in Boonville in 1854. Of his family of three children by
is union, two are living, John and George. In the fall of 1855 he was
arried to Miss Catherine, daughter of David Wedneltou,, originally
1072 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
)
of Germany. Eight children have followed their marriage : David C,
Barbara, wife of George Watson ; Fannie, deceased ; Maggie, de-
ceased ; Jennie, William M., Lulu and Lena. Mrs. Nunn is a member
of the Baptist church.
H. F. OGLESBY,
farmer. Among the well-to-do farmers of Palestine township who
are natives of the county is Mr. H. F. Oglesby, who was born here
May 13, 1836, and has spent his whole life so far in the countv of his
nativity. He was one of two children of P. G. Oglesby and wife, Millie
C, a daughter of Henry Woolery. His father, who was born in Ken-
tucky in 1804, came here with his parents from that state when a young
man and lived in this county until his death July 2, 1845. He was
married to Miss Woolery a short time after his arrival here, and be-
sides H. F. they had a daughter Nancy E., now Mrs. Henry S. Tits-
worth. H. F., after he grew up, was married April 14, 1859, to Miss
Martha C. Nichols, who bore him three children : Mary, now the wife
of C. W. Cordry, Charles W. and Pleasant G. But on the 4th of
June, 1864, death invaded his home and took his uoble wife, the de-
voted mother of his children. Two'years and a half afterwards Mr.
Oglesby was again married, November 24, 1871, Miss Nancy E., daugh-
ter of Joseph and Nancy Woolery, then becoming his wife. This union
is blessed with two children : Mattie Hamilton and Eobert F. Farm-
ing has constituted Mr. Oglesby's life occupation. Immediately after
his first marriage he settled on the old homestead in Palestine town-
ship, where he has since lived. He has 200 acres in this place, and
has it substantially and comfortably improved. He is a good practical
farmer and a well respected citizen and neighbor. Mr. Oglesby and
his wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist church
GEORGE A. ORMROD,
farmer and fine-stock breeder. Mr. Ormrod is a representative of the
younger, well educated class of farmers of Cooper county, who find as
much use for their heads in farming as for their hands. By these the
old course of going to mill with a rock in one end of the sack and the
corn in the other, and all similar crudities, have long since been dis-
carded. They believe in farming on intelligent business principles.
Hence he is a representative of this class. Mr. Ormrod, instead of
conducting his fine farm of a section of land in a slip-shod sort of way,
sows and plants the best qualities of grain and raises the finest class
of stock, thus making his farming operations undoubtedly profitable,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1073
'hereas otherwise they would probably result iu actual loss, at least
1 no profit. He has a flock of 1,000 head of fine Merino sheep,
mong which are a large number of registered representatives of this
reed. His cattle are also of the thoroughbred breeds, and some of
hem are of the very finest grades. Mr. Ormrod is a son of Joseph
)rmrod, deceased, formerly a leading farmer of this county. The
ither was a native of England, and was a thoroughly educated man.
le was born in 1791, and came to America in 1817. After stopping
t Bedford, Pennsylvania, about four years, he came to Boonville, and
lere for a long time was engaged in editing a paper. Here subse-
uently he engaged in mercantile pursuits and conducted important
earning interests. From these affairs he turned his attention to farm-
ng, in which he proved a marked success, and which he followed un-
il his death, August 22, 1854. He was twice married : First to
Lmanda Adams, in Boonville, November 7, 1824. She died April 17,
846. By this union there were twelve children, but three of whom,
lowever, grew to maturity. These also are now dead. His second
rife, who still survives him, was at the time of her marriage to him a
ilrs. Eliza A., widow of John L. Hickman. She was a daughter of
?hotnas Hutchison. They were blessed with seven children, five of
rtiom are living, four of these being residents of this county and the
ither is in California. The only son, however, by this last marriage,
3 George A., the subject of this sketch. He was born February 2,
.848. He was educated in the common schools and spent three years
Q the high school at Boonville. February 18, 1880, he was married
o Miss Florence Buchanan, born in California, but reared in this
ounty. She is a daughter of Andrew Buchanan. One child was
lorntothem, little Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Ormrod's mother
ives with them on the family homestead. All these are members
f the Baptist church, and he is an active member of the I. O. G. T.
THOMAS J. PARRISH,
iU-mer, also constable of Palestine township. Mr. Parrish comes of
n excellent Old North state family, but is himself a native of this
ounty. His father, David Parrish, was a representative of the well-
nowu Parrish family of North Carolina, where he himself was born
nd reared. But soon after his marriage in that state, in 1840, he re-
loved to Missouri and settled in Cooper county, where he became a
fell-to-do farmer and lived until his death. He died in 1872. His
'ife was formerly a Miss Lively Waller, also of North Carolina. T.
., the subject of this sketch, was born the second year after the immi-
1074 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
gration of his parents to this county, viz., in 1842. Reared on a farm,
he not unnaturally adopted the life to which he had been brought up
when the time came for him to start out in the world for himself. In
his early years he had attended the common schools of the district and
succeeded in acquiring the practical rudiments of an ordinary educa-
tion, so that later in life he has not only proven a good, intelligent-
minded farmer^ but is also a capable, clear-headed business maq.
Recognizing his qualifications for the discharge of the duties of con-
stable of the township, the people by a highly complimentary majority
elected him to that office, which he is now filling. In July, 1869, he
was married to Josephine, daughter of Ambrose C. George, a former
citizen of the Blue Grass state. Five children have blessed their
married life: Mollie Maud, Clarence H. and Samuel M. The other
two, alas ! are dead, one in boyhood, the other in infancy. After his
marriage Mr. Parrish settled on a farm near Bunceton, where he lived
about five years, but in 1874 removed to his present place, a neat farm,
comfortably improved. He and his wife are both members of the
Christian church.
ANTHONY J. READ, deceased.
He whose name heads this memoir lived a life that was useful and
just to those around him, and died a death unracked by regrets for
the past, and unclouded by fears of the future. To have done this is to
have fulfilled to the utmost one's mission upon the earth — to have,
accomplished the divine purpose of his creation. In the affairs of the
, world Anthony J. Read was upright and successful ; in the concerns of
the future life he was a deeply pious man, an earnest, faithful Chris-
tian. He was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, December 23, 1823,
and was a son of Judge A. F. and Ellen C. (Ewing) Read, of that
county, but later of Cooper county, this state, where both parents lived
until their deaths. Judge Reed removed from Nelson county first
to Todd county, Kentucky, in which he filled the office of sheriff, and in
about two years afterward, in 1826, immigrated to Cooper county,
Missouri. Judge Reed was a man of liberal ideas with regard to edu-
cation, and gave his children good school advantages. Anthony J.
was educated at Hanover college, Indiana, an institution of high stand-
ing at that time in the west. Returning home after his college oourse,
he remained on his father's farm until his marriage, immediately after
which he settled on the farm where he continued to live through life,
and where his family now resides. He was married January 14, 1847,
to Miss Evaline, daughter of Robert Ewing, of Lafayette county. She
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1075
is a granddaughter of Chatam Ewing, and a niece of Rev. Finis
Ewing, the noted Cumberland Presbyterian divine. Eight children of
their family are now living; Rettie, wife of John Decker; Eva,
Ewing, wife of George E. Titsworth ; Finis C, Sally, Blanche, An-
thony J. and Katie. Their homestead, at Mr. Read's death, contained
800 acres of land, but since that a portion has been disposed of. Be-
sides farming, Mr. Read also gave his attention to dealing in stock,
principally cattle, hogs and mules, in which he was extensively en-
gaged. He was for many years prior to his death an earnest, active
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and contributed
liberally of his means whenever necessary to advance the cause of
religion. As a neighbor he was a friend to all around him, and always
strove to keep peace and good feeling in the neighborhood by exerting
himself to bring together those who had fallen out. He took an ac-
tive part in the grange, and was three times elected master of the
grange in his township. He died July 25, 1876, sadly regretted by
all who knew him, and deeply mourned by his family and a wide circle
of friends. Mrs. Read and all her family, except the two youngest
children, are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
A. J. REAVIS,
farmer, fruit grower and stock raiser. There are few, if any, neater,
more business-like and successful farmers in Cooper county than Mr.
A. J. Reavis. His plac^ contains 400 acres, all within excellent fenc-
ing, and most of it subdivided into fields of forty acres each. In
other respects, also, his place is exceptionally well improved. His
residence is a spacious, well constructed and comfortable brick ; his
barn is a large, neatly finished and substantial one ; his fields, mead-
ows and pastures are in good condition ; in short, everything about
him reveals the thorough, intelligent farmer that he is. He has an
apple orchard of forty-two acres, bearing the best varieties of that
class of fruit. Besides this, he has a peace orchard of some two hun-
dred trees. His annual yields of fruit often amounts to twenty car-
loads. He also raises and feeds stock for the wholesale markets, and
grows large quantities of grain for shipment. The biography of such
a farmer is well worth perusing. He is a native of the county, and
was born in Kelly township, October 11, 1838. His father, W. T.
Reavis, came to this county with his parents in 1821, when a lad ten
years of age ; the family, however, removed from North Carolina (in
Rutherford county of which W. T. was born September 14, 1811) to
Missouri in about 1818, but stopped in St. Louis and Franklin conn-
1076 HISTOK? OP HOWARD AND COOLER COUNTIES.
ties some three years. la Cooper county they settled in Kelly town-
ship, near Vermont station. W. T., after he grew up, was married
to Miss Mary A. McCulloch, originally of Culpepper county, Virginia,
who came here with her parents when she was about thirteen years
of age. Having entered a body of 480 acres of land, W. T. Reavis
improved a large farm, and there both parents lived until their deaths;
she died January 13, 1877 ; he, November 18, of the same year. In
youth A. J., their son and the subject of this sketch, received a good
common school education. He was married March 28, 1865, to Miss
Lotta A., daughter of Abner Bailey, of Howard county. Prior to this,
he had been engaged in the mercantile business in this county, and
afterwards in St. Louis. After his marriage he engaged in business
at Tipton, and sold goods there about a year. During all this time
he was a member of the firm of B. F. Reavis & Co., the former being
his brother. In 1866 Mr. Reavis came to his present farm, where he
has since resided. As a farmer he is a marked success. Over three
years ago he had the misfortune to lose his wife, who died April 30,
1880. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
and a woman of devout piety and of great personal worth. She left
two children: Minnie L. and Benjamin F. November 17, 1882, Mr.
Reavis was married a second time ; his present wife, a most amiable
and excellent lady, is a daughter of James O. Nelson, and was for-
merly Miss Nora R. She is a member of the Baptist church.
WILLIAM ROBERTS,
farmer and proprietor of saw and grist mill. Mr. Roberts is a native
of Ohio, and was born in Muskingum county, October 17th, 1835.
His father, Joseph Roberts, was born in Pennsylvania, but came out
with his parents to Ohio in early youth, where he grew up and was
married to Miss Mary Berry, by whom he reared his family. In 1847
the family removed to Iowa, and settled in Davis country, where they
still live, and where William, the subject of this sketch, was princi-
pally reared and educated. On the 1st of May, 1856, William was
married to Miss Mary, daughter of Abdel Pnrsons, of Clark county,
Missouri. After their marriage, they continued to live in Davis
county, Iowa, where Mr. Roberts was engaged in farming until 1865,
when he sold his farm in that county and removed to near Arrow
Rock, Missouri. There he lived nearly two years, following farming,
and in the spring of 1867 came to his present farm, where he has 120
iicres of good land substantially and comfortably improved. He
also has a saw and grist mill, which he has been running with excel-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1077
lent success, since his removal here. Mr. and Mrs. Eoberts have a
family of seven children : Maggie, now the wife of John P. Sheets ;
Ella, now the wife of Thomas Orr ; William E., Thomas M., Mary
M., Florence and Edwin E. Both parents are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
E. H. RODGERS,
farmer and breeder of the Atwood merino sheep. Mr. Rodgers is a
native of Virginia, and was born in Ohio county, December 6th, 1843.
His parents, John G. and Margaret Rodgers still reside in that county.
Their homestead is composed of land entered of the family several
generations ago. His grandmother, of the fourth generation, on the
father's side, was the first white woman that ever set foot in the
county. His father is now seventy-one years of age, and is as hale
and vigorous in mind and body as men usually are at fifty. He is a
large and successful farmer of Ohio county, and still manages and
conducts his farm himself. In the late war E. H. Rodgers, still a
youth, espoused the Union cause, and in his nineteenth year, in
August, 1862, enlisted in company D, 12th West Virginia volunteer
infantry, and served until the close of the war, witnessing the final
surrender of Lee at Appomattox, in 1865, in person. He was in the
battle of Winchester, under General Milroy, and numerous other
engagements. After the restoration of peace he farmed for two years
in his native county, and then in 1868 removed to Missouri, and
located in Pilot Grove township, Cooper county, where he lived for
twelve years. In 1880 he sold his farm in PilotGrove, and bought his
present place, a splendid farm of 720 acres of land, principally under
fence, and otherwise well improved Besides general farming he
makes a specialty of breeding and raising the celebrated Atwood*stock
of merino sheep, of which he has a flock of 1,250 head. Mr.
Rodgers was married in Ohio county, Virginia, to Miss Mary L.,
daughter of James Elliott, of that county, August 18th, 1870. They
have one child, an interesting daughter, Mary M. A.
ROBERT ROE,
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Roe is a native of Maryland, and was
born in Caroline county, February 27th, 1815. He is therefore closely
ipproaching the allotted age of three score and ten. His parents,
Samuel and Elizabeth (Leith) Roe, emigrated from that state to
3ooper county, Missouri, in 1827, and entering the land where Pilot
Grrove now stands, opened and improved their farm there. The
1078 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
father continued to reside in this place until his death, in 1878, at the
advanced age of ninety, having been born in 1788. He held various
local offices, and was postmaster at Pilot Grove some fifteen years.
He was also justice of the peace a number of years. Robert was a
lad twelve years of age when his parents removed to this county.
After he grew up he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at Boonville,
where he worked nearly three years. He then went to Calhoun,
Henry county, where he carried on a shop two years, after which he
sold out and engaged in farming, in that county. He followed farm-
ing there for fifteen years, and returned to Cooper county, in 1857,
locating on a farm two miles and a half east of Pilot Grove. This
place he sold in 1869, and bought his present farm, which contains
200 acres of good land, and is in a good state of cultivation and
improvement. Mr. Roe was married in Henry county, in December,
1840, to Miss Fanny, daughter of Bennett Harrelson, then of that
county. She, however, is a native of Cooper county. Of their
family of twelve children seven are now living : Martha, Anna, wife
of William Annan; Mary A., wife of E. F. Waller; J. B., R. S.,
E. H. and O. L. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the M. E.
church.
ROBERT SEATON,
farmer and stock raiser, Mr. Seaton, who is a well-to-do farmer and
highly respected citizen of Palestine township, is a native of Scotland,
and commenced life for himself by learning the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked in that county until his immigration to America, and
afterwards in this country for about twenty years. He was born in
May, 1797, and in boyhood and early youth, up to his fifteenth year,
had the advantages afforded by the excellent free schools of Scotland,
then, as now, one of the best systems of public education on the
globe. In 1812 he became apprenticed in the carpenter's trade, in
which he served, under a skilful master, for five years. He then
cast his fortunes in the great city of Glasgow, the metropolis of his
native country, and worked there at the ligneous art ten years. In
the meantime he had met Miss Joan Lyle, a fair maiden of his native
country, and a mutual attachment grew up between them, resulting
in their marriage, in about 1829. This union proved a long and happy
one, and was blessed with a numerous and worthy family of children.
In 1833, Mr. Seaton, believing there were better opportunities to
make himself comfortable in life in the new world than in the old
and thickly settled country, where he was born and reared, immi-
grated to the " virgin continent beyond the Atlantic," and landing
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1079
at New York went from there, with his family, to Hartford, Connecti-
cut, where he followed his trade three years. About this time good
carpenters were in great demand at Natchez, Mississippi, and he at
once went to that city, where he worked three years, to good advant-
age. During the "thirties" and "forties" there was an immense
rush of immigration to the Boone's Lick country, in Missouri, and,
in fact, to the whole Missouri river valley, in this state. Wisely
divining that carpenters would command good wages here, he came
to Boonville, in 1839, and in this city was kept busy at his trade for
five years. By this time, however, his family of children were grow-
ing up around him, and he was anxious to be settled on a farm, so
that his sons might be reared in the country to the honest, industrious
lives of farmers. Accordingly he bought a place in Palestine town-
ship, and moved into it, whei-e afterward his boys took the leading
part in managing the farm for some years, and he continued working
at his trade. He was a thorough carpenter, and was in great request
all over the country, being constantly employed in his chosen occu-
pation. Every where, in this section of the country, may be seen the
houses that were built by his honest, industrious hands. But, as age
began to slacken the vigor and steadiness of his activity, he retired
from his trade and lives upon the farm, in the enjoyment of the fruits
of his labors and the society of his family and friends. Of his family
there were twelve children, three of whom died in infancy and two
in mature years. Those surviving are John Seaton, of Cass county:
Jeannette, wife of Henry Knaus ; Jane, wife of James M. Moore ;
Henry, Mary, wife of Robert Herst ; Martha, and Robert. Robert-A,
the youngest, conducts the farm, and is engaged in both grain grow-
ing and stock raising. Robert Seaton, Sr.,is a member of the Lone
Elm Christian church.
REV. G. B. SERGEANT, deceased.
Rev. G. B. Sergeant was born in Trigg county, Kentucky, March
19th, 1844, and died at San Antonio, Texas, where he had gone from
Cooper county, Missouri, his adopted home, for the benefit of his
health, April 16, 1881. Within this period, of scarcely more than
thirty-seven years, was lived a life of as little evil and as much purity
as seldom mark the earthly career of man — a life free from the
ambitions and vanities of this world, and devoted to the service of
God and humanity. In the lives of such men there is a beautiful
poetry, an inspiration, a sentiment that makes even the plainest
sketch of their way through the world, strewn, as it is, with the
1080 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
flowers of tender, noble deeds, interesting and attractive to the
reader — a subject upon which he loves to dwell with the sweet sadness
that lingers in the heart after a gentle dream of the loved and lost
has come and gone. His early youth was spent in his native county,
and at the age of sixteen he became a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church, in the ministry of which fee was destined to be
a bright, but, alas ! so transient, an ornament. Soon he determined
to devote himself wholly to the service of his maker and his fellow-man,
and to become a light in the pulpit that should make bright the way of
those around him on to the portal of Heaven. Accordingly, he entered
regularity upon the course of study necessary to qualify himself for
the ministry, and in due time became a matriculate in the university
of Oxford, Mississippi, in which he remained until he received a com-
plete ordination. This was consummated in 1873. For several years
he was located in Mississippi, where he became noted as a deeply
pious, earnest Christian minister, and as one whose eloquence in the
pulpit, and activity in parish work, gave great promise of future use-
fulness. From there he came to Cooper county, this state, where he
soon won the affection of the church community, and, indeed, of all
with whom he came in contact, such were his gentleness, his modesty,
and his deep piety, and, withal, his earnestness and power as a min-
ister. Here he was married to Miss Maggie A., the beautiful and
accomplished daughter of Mr. E. M. Crenshaw, of this county. An
interesting little daughter, Hortense M., blessed this happy union, a
union destined to be soon broken by the hand of death. Already
that grim messenger had given warning that he would soon knock at
their door. Hard study in youth, and harder work in the ministry,
had completely undermined Mr. Sergeant's naturally frail constitu-
tion. He quit work entirely, hoping that rest would restore him at
least to comparative health, but it did not. He then went to Texas,
and there, in San Antonio, as we have said, he breathed his last.
What more appropriate than the noble lines of Willis?
" How beautiful it is for a man to die
Upon the walls of Zion; to be called,
Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel,
To put his armor off and rest in Heaven.
THOMAS B. SMITH, deceased,
late farmer and stock raiser. At the age of sixty-nine, on the fourth
day of May, 1870, died, at his residence, in this county, Thomas B.'
Smith, a man who for over a generation bad been one of the leading
farmers of Palestine township, and for many years was a prominent
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1081
stock dealer of the county. He was a man of more than an ordi-
narily enterprising, active mind, and of great industry, and by his
activity and energy, succeeded in acquiring a comfortable estate in
life. Farming was his regular occupation, but while he was in the
strength and vigor of middle age, he also dealt extensively in mules
for the southern markets, to which he annually shipped large num-
bers. Personally he was an open-hearted, frank, brave, generous-
minded man, and among his acquaintances he could number his friends
by the score, while he had but few, if any, enemies. He was born in
Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1801, and came with his parents,
Daniel and Nancy (Barker) Smith, to this county in an early day.
His father settled in Palestine township, entering a large tract of land,
which he improved, and where he lived until his death, in 1846. In
July, 1842, Thomas B. was married to Miss Elizabeth Massie, a
daughter of Sylvanus Massie, originally of Madison county, Kentucky,
where she was born in 1822. Of this family of children, four are
living, as follows: Sue L., wife of Charles H. Bradford ; Margaret
E., wife of L. C. Todd; Mary D., and M. M. Smith. Immediately
after his marriage, Mr. Smith located on the farm where his family
now live, which continued his home through life. It is an excellent
farm of over 300 acres, and is substantially and comfortably improved.
In his family Mr. Smith was a devoted husband and a kind, affection-
ate father, and as a neighbor he was hospitable and obliging to all
around him. Politically he was a life-long democrat, and was earnest
and active in support of his convictions, but never sought, nor would
he accept, any political office. In religion he was the soul of tolerance,
believing in and holding fast to the general great truths of religious
faith, but discarding all narrow, exclusive tenets, which, if true,
would have the effect to exclude any human being, whose life had
been just and true, and characterized by good works, from Heaven.
He was what God intended that man should be, an upright conscien-
tious man of the world.
GEORGE W. SON,
farmer and miller. Among the enterprising farmers and millers of
Palestine township, the name of George W. Son is worthy of special
mention. His parents, William Son and Lue A. (Burger) Son, both
came to this county early in life, and were here married and reared
their family. His father was from Kentucky, and his mother origi-
nally from Tennessee. George W. was one of a family of eleven
children, nine of whom are living, tive sons and four daughters, and
1082 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
was born September 24th, 1828, in Palestine township. His mother
died at the age of fifty-five, in 1865, and his father in 1873, at the age of
seventy-two, in California. George W. became administrator of his
father's estate, consisting of nearly 400 acres of land, about 160
acres of which were in California, besides considerable personal prop-
erty. This duty he discharged with excellent business ability, and
entire satisfaction to all concerned. He now has a neat farm in Pal-
estine township, and also owns and conducts a saw mill, which he
runs principally during the winter and spring months. Besides these
interests he is the proprietor of a grain-thresher, which he runs with
success and profit during the garnering season. Mr. Son has been
three times married. His first wife, formerly Miss Martha J. Howard,
to whom he was married August 25th, 1852, died the second year after
their marriage, leaving a daughter, who survived her mother only a few
years. Some time afterwards Miss Elizabeth Tray became bis second
wife. She lived to brighten and bless his home about ten years, but
was taken from him by death March 9th, 1867. By this union there
are two sons and a daughter living, of a familvof five children.
His present wife was, before her marriage, a Miss Nancy A. Stark, of
Moniteau county. She has borne him three children, two of whom,
a son and daughter, are living.
CAPTAIN JOHN H. STEPHENS,
farmer and stock raiser. In any worthy history of Cooper county
the Stephens family will always occupy a conspicuous and honorable
place. They were among the first settlers of the county, and from
its pioneer days have been prominently identified with its history —
with its material development, its public and business affairs, and
with its social life. The founder of the family in this county, now so
numerous, prominent and influential, was a sturdy son of the Old
Dominion, a worthy descendant of the brave-hearted and knightly
cavaliers who settled in that colony during the first century of the
colonization of the country. Joseph Stephens, a man of the most
stirring enterprise, and of unconquerable resolution, the grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, left a home of comparative ease in Vir-
ginia and became, with his family, a pioneer settler in the new country
of Kentucky. But later on, learning of the material wealth of cen-
tral Missouri, he determined to cast his fortunes with this, then little
known, wilderness. Accordingly, he arrived in Cooper county, with
his family, in 1816 ; and here he spent the remainder of his days.
He bought a large body of land at the land sales of 1818, and on a
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1083
part of this, near where the town of Bunceton now stands, improved a
large farm. There were five sons in his family : William, Peter, Lawrence
C, Joseph and James M. Lawrence C, the third son and the father
of John H., was born before his parents left Virginia, but was partly
reared in Cooper county. After he grew up he was married here to
Miss Margaret P., a daughter of Major Wm. H. Moore, another
pioneer settler of the county. Of this union seven children were
born, five sons and two daughters, of which family Captain John H.
Stephens was the third. Lawrence C. Stephens inherited all the
stronger and better qualities of his father's character. He came up
in an age of the country when school advantages were out of the
question ; yet, naturally of a superior mind, and animated by an
earnest desire for knowledge, largely by his own exertions, and with-
out the aid of an instructor, he succeeded in acquiring an excellent,
practical education. Not only this. All through life he was a con-
stant and judicious reader of the best class of books, so that he be-
came a man of extensive information. In the industrial and business
activities of life, he was abundantly successful. Brought up to habits
of industry and sober frugality, a lifetime of well directed energy
could hardly have failed to produce substantial results. He became
one of the most substantial citizens of the county — the possessor of
a handsome estate. But he did not make the pursuit of wealth the
controlling influence of his life. He was keenly alive to all the duties
and responsibilities of citizenship, and to the moral and religious in-
terests of society. That a man of his qualities of head and heart
would hold a high place in the confidence and esteem of those around
him, was to have been expected. And so it was with Judge Stephens.
None ever stood higher in the respect and estimation of the commu-
nity than he. Though free from all political ambition, and preferring
the quiet and independence of private life to the perplexities of offi-
cial station, he did not let his personal inclinations stand in the way
of duty when called npon to serve the public. Besides positions of
minor importance, he was a member of the county court for a number
of years, and also represented his county in the state legislature. In
office and in private affairs he was the same clear-headed, conscien-
tious and upright man. Public interests could not have been en-
trusted to safer hands. For many years before his death he was an
earnest and exemplary member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church; and in church, as in every other relation of life, his character
shone out with singular brightness. Not only in professions, not
only in sentiment and convictions, was he a follower of the Cross ;
1084 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
but in acts and deeds be was more than he professed. Though always
ready with counsel and advice for those in distress, he invariably pre-
faced what he said by substantial aid when it was needed ; and his
liberality was not of the calculating, business-like kind, but as gener-
ous and abundant as the noble impulses of his own free, open-hearted
nature. To the church he gave freely of his means for the advance-
ment of the cause of religion, and for all benevolent purposes. In a
word, he was a sincere, practical and useful Christian man. He died
at his home in this county, on the 13th day of March, 1873, passing
away peacefully when at last the end came, and in the bosom of his
family, after a long and useful life? in which there was as little to re-
gret as seldom falls to the lot of men —
" Two hands upon the breast,
And labor's done ;
Two pale feet cross'd in rest,
The race is won."
Captain John H. Stephens, the third of Judge Stephens' family, and
a brother to the late Colonel Joseph Stephens, of Boonville, was born
at his father's homestead in this county, on the 19th day of June,
1829. His father having been a prominent farmer and stock raiser
of the county, John H. was brought up to these occupations. From
what has been said of his father, it goes without statement that the
early education of the son was not suffered to fall into neglect. John
H. had the benefit of good common schools, and afterwards, also, of
a course in the Boonville high school. He continued with his father
on the farm until after his marriage, which occurred on the 20th of
June, 1855. He was then married to Miss Margaret K., a refilled
and accomplished daughter of Iteuben A. Ewing, of this county.
Mrs. Stephens comes of one of the best families of this section of the
state. She was educated at Boonville. After his marriage Captain
Stephens located in the northern part of the county and engaged in
merchandising. He also conducted a large farm. He was occupied
with these interests when the war broke out, and had already taken rank
among the leading, successful men of the county. Of Virginia ante-
cedents and of southern kindred, he not unnaturally sympathized with
the south in that unfortunate struggle. Under Governor Jackson's
first call, in 1861, for volunteers to defend the state and repel northern
invasion, he raised a company of which he was elected captain, and
served in the state guard until he was captured during the fall of the
same year. During his service he was a participant in the battle at
Boonville. After his capture he was paroled by the Federal authori-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1085
ies. He kept his parole of honor, and did not afterwards take up
rms against the government at Washington. He remained at home
intil 1863, when the condition of affairs became such, that if he had
onger continued in the county, he would have been compelled to
gain take a hand in the war. He therefore left home, and remained
way nearly the whole time until after the restoration of peace. Re-
urning in 1865, he bought his present farm and engaged in farming
md stock raising. In both of these interests he has been more than
irdinarily successful. The following year, in 1866, he also turned
lis attention to railroad contracting — the building of roads under
jontract — which he followed with excellent success' for eleven years,
;arrying on, at the same time, his farming and stock interests. While
n the railroad business, Captain Stephens enjoyed a high reputation
unong railroad men as a contractor of energy, reliability and business
capacity. He not only executed his contracts with unusual dispatch,
but did his work thoroughly, and to the entire satisfaction of the
managers ; and, while his terms were always reasonable and fair, still
he never failed to make substantial profits upon his undertakings ;
indeed, he was one of the most successful of contractors. In his agri-
cultural interests he has shown the same high order of business
qualities. He is recognized as one of the most successful farmers and
stock raisers in this section of the state. His farm contains 800 acres
of as fine land as there is in the county, and besides this he has large
landed interests elsewhere in the county. He also has a large cattle
ranch in Texas. Captain Stephens' stock interests are confined
mainly to cattle and sheep, although he also has other kinds of stock.
He has one of the best herds of high grade cattle in the surrounding
country, and over 1,000 head of fine merino sheep. Mention of these
facts throws more light on his career, as an agriculturist and business
man, than anything that could be said aside from them, and for that
reason only they are stated. Asa clear-headed, successful man of
the world, he has shown himself to be not unworthy of the ancestor
he sprang from, nor of the name he bears. And what is true of him
in this particular is true in every other. But he is still among the
living, and the converse of the rule, " That we should not praise the
living," is nearly as true as the rule itself—" That we should not
speak ill of the dead." Captain and Mrs. Stephens have a family of
four children : Sallie E., now the wife of John W. Wheeler, of Bates
county; Anna E., now the wife of Robert L. Harriman, also of Bates
county; Mattie, Gussie and Clara Lindell, the last two at present
attending school. The captain and wife, together with their three
70
1086 HISTOEY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
eldest daughters, are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church ; and the captain is also a member of the Masonic order.
W. H. H. STEPHENS,
farmer and raiser of fine stock. Mr. W. H. H. Stephens is another
worthy representative of the family whose name he bears, that has
been so long and so prominently identified with the material develop-
ment and social life of Cooper county. He is a native of this county
and was born October 20, 1839. His father, James M. Stephens, son
of Joseph Stephens, came to this county with his parents when a lad
seven years of age, in 1817. They settled near where Bunceton now
stands. Arriving too late in the fall to build a house, they had to
spend their first winter in Missouri, in what was called a " half-faced
camp." But Joseph Stephens possessed the qualities that make brave-
hearted, successful men. He went to work with pioneer courage and
soon became a worthy and prosperous farmer. In these early days
and amid the scenes and hardships of pioneer life, James M. grew up
to manhood. The school advantages of the county were very indiffer-
ent and hence his education was limited to the common, elementary
branches. But what he lacked in book knowledge he more than made
up by observation and good, common sense. When he was of age
his father gave him 160 acres of good land in the timber near his own
homestead. On this the son opened a farm, and after building a good
residence, was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of David Adams,
Esq., a prominent farmer near Boonville. On this place James M.
Stephens lived until his death on the 3d of November, 1882, at the
ripe age of nearly seventy-three years, having been born in Ken-
tucky, January 13, 1810. By a life of industry, intelligent economy
and good management he added to his landed possessions and other
property interests until he became a wealthy man. He reared a large
family of children and brought them up under such influences, and
gave them such advantages, that have become an honor to his
name and memory and a credit to the community in which they live.
In every relation of life, James M. Stephens acquitted himself with
singular merit and approbation. As a citizen he was true to every duty,
public-spirited, yet modest and unassuming ; as a neighbor none were
more kind and considerate of others than he ; socially he was pleasant,
affable and peculiarly agreeable in his intercourse with those about
him ; and in his domestic relations he was a model as a husband and
father. For a number of years he was a faithful and earnest member
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and his life was a beautiful
illustration of the faith he professed, for in works of Christian charity,
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1087
in contributions to the poor, in liberality to the church and its minis-
ters, in doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, in short, in
all good works, none were before him, and none were more quiet or un-
obstrusive in doing what they did than he. He did his kindnesses not
for the praise of others, but for the approval of his conscience and
from the prompting of his own heart. However, he did them quietly,
without ostentation, and oftentimes in secret. He was a man in
whose death all that knew him felt a heavy personal loss, for he died
without a known enemy and deeply mourned by the whole commun-
ity. Such was the father of W. H. H. Stephens, and the son is not
an unworthy descendant of his father. W. H. H., unlike his father,
had good school advantages in youth. His early years were spent on
the farm and in the common schoc-ls. Afterwards he entered West-
minster college, where he remained as a student for two years, thus
acquiring an excellent education. When the war broke out he was a
young man twenty-two years of age, and he became a volunteer in
the Missouri state guards, called out by Governor Jackson. During
the first year of the conflict, however, he was taken prisoner by the
Union forces and released on parole' of honor not to take up arms against
the government again during the war. He kept his pledge of honor
and abstained from further participation in the struggle. In the fall
of 1863 he went to California, where he remained until the spring of
1866, engaged in the sheep business and in farming. He then re-
turned to Cooper county and in the fall of the following year was
married to Miss Cordelia, daughter of Hon. H. Bunce, of Boonville,
a wealthy banker of that city. His wife was born and reared in this
county and was educated at the Cumberland college, of Boonville.
After his marriage, Mr. Stephens improved a farm on the prairie near
Bunceton, where he lived until 1875, when he settled on his present
place. Here he has an excellent farm with a good residence, and other-
wise well improved. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising
thoroughbred, short horn and high grade cattle, of which he has a fine
herd. He also gives special attention to breeding and raising fine
sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have a family of three children :
Florence, Mary L. and Bunce. Both parents are members of the
Presbyterian church.
GEOEGE L. STEPHENS,
merchant and postmaster. Among the prominent business men of
Bunceton the gentleman whose name heads < this sketch may, without
impropriety, be singled out for special mention. He is a native of
this county, and is one of that worthy and excellent family whose name
1088 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
he bears, that has contributed so much to the material prosperity and
social esprit of this county. His father, Joseph Stephens Sr., came
here from Kentucky, of which state he was a native, iu 1814, and
settled on the land where the town of Bunceton now stands. Joseph
Stephens was a successful farmer, an eminently respected citizen, and
in every way a worthy, good man. He was twice married; first
to Elizabeth Cropper and after her death to Sarah Marshall, a widow
lady, daughter of James Covert. By each he reared a family. Of
the last union there were three sons, George L., the subject of this
sketch, being the youngest. He was born June 29, 1850, and re-
ceived a good English education in a private academy. After com-
pleting his school course, he engaged in teaching, which he followed
during the winter months for about twelve years. In the fore- winter
of 1880 he established his present merchandising business at Bunce-
ton, to which he has since given his entire attention. He carries a
good stock of groceries, notions, etc., and has a substantial, prosper-
ous trade. On the 7th of March, 1872, Mr. Stephens was married to
Miss Ella, daughter of Larry Stephens, of Moniteau county. His
wife, however, is a native of Cooper county. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens
have a family of three children: Walter T., Maria Blanche and Ada
May. Both parents are members of the Christian church, and Mr.
Stephens is a member of the Masonic order.
W. J. WYAN,
general merchant, Bell Air, For ever sixty years Jacob and W. J.
Wyan, father and son (the father, however being now deceased), have
been engaged in merchandising in Cooper county. The father was a
native of Hagerstown, Maryland, where he grew to manhood and
after his majority, removed to Eockingham county, Virginia. Re-
maining in Virginia a few years he then came out to Kentucky, and
thence, in 1820, came to Boonville, Missouri, where at once engaged
in merchandising. However, prior to his removal to this state he
had served in the army through the war of 1812, and had made a
gallant record as a soldier. Here at Boonville he became a successful
merchant and a prominent citizen. Such was his standing here as a
substantial, capable business man and his personal popularity, that he
was called upon to fill the responsible office of county treasurer, which
position he accepted and filled for a number of years with marked
ability and fidelity. He was three times married, W. J., the subject
of this sketch, being a son by his last wife, previously Nancy Shanks,
a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky. W. J. Wyan, the son, was
born in Boonvillle, June 8, 1825, and received his primary education
by private instruction. He then entered the state university at
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1089
Columbia, in which he continued as a student for four years. After
the conclusion of his university course, Mr. Wyan returned to Boon-
ville and followed merchandising here some fifteen years. But in the
spring of 1868 he removed to Bell Air, his present location, where he
has since followed merchandising. However, during this time, there
was an interim of eight years that he was engaged in dealing in stock,
but he resumed his regular mercantile business in 1882. He carries
a large and well selected stock of goods, and his wide acquaintance
with the custom of the surrounding county, together with his long
established reputation as a first-class merchant and an upright man,
command him an extensive and lucrative trade. On the 17th of
August, 1847, Mr. Wyan was married to Miss C. J., daughter of
Judge H. R. Menefee, of this county. She is a native of Virginia,
and was reared and educated in Rappahannock county, from which she
came to this county with her parents prior to her marriage. Mr. and
Mrs. Wyan have a family of five children: Robert F., William F.,
Wyatt T., H. T. and Wesley J., all grown to maturity. Both par-
ents are members of the M. E. church, south, and Mr. W. is a mem-
ber of the Masonic order — Wallace lodge, No. 456, at Bunceton.
PILOT GEOVE TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM M. ALLEN,
farmer, section 5. William Allen, the grandfather of W. M., was
one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky, and was a soldier in the war
of 1812. He was a native of Virginia, but his son James H., the
father of the subject of the present sketch, was born after he set-
tled in the Blue Grass state in Fayette county, in September, 1801.
After James H. Allen grew to manhood he was married in his native
state to Miss Sarah McDowell, sister to Dr. McDowell, of St. Louis,
the founder of the medical college of that city. Of this union W.
M. was born in Fayette county, July 2, 1830, the same county in
which his father was born, twenty-nine years before. Mrs. Allen
died when W- M. was about twelve years of age. However, the son
grew up, and by the time he reached his majority had acquired a good
ordinary English education. From 1850 to 1860 there was a rush ot
immigration to Iowa, and in 1856 young Allen joined the westward-
bound column of emigrants. Arriving in Iowa he engaged in the drug
business, which he followed for two years, and then, 1858, came to
1090 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Cooper county, Missouri, and turned his attention exclusively to
farming. In this he was engaged when the war broke out in 1861,
and, like most of the young men of the county, with southern ante-
cedents, he became a soldier of the new born southern republic. He
followed the brilliant star of the Confederacy from its rise until it
sank behind the horizon of blood and fire to rise no more. The
names of fifty-three battles are written in his army record, where —
"The waves
Of the mysterious death never moaned ;
The tramp, the shout, the fearful thunder roar
Of red-breathed cannon, and the wailing cry
Of myriad victims, tilled the air."
After the war he returned to Cooper county and resumed farming,
which he has since followed and with substantial success. He has an
excellent homestead well improved. October 5, 1867, he was mar-
ried to Miss Cora Bonhaunon. They have five children : James,
Hugh, Sarah, Matthew and Mary. He is a member of the M. E.
church.
PROFESSOR WILLIAM R. ANNAN.
Professor Annan is of Scotch descent, his grandfather, John
Annan, having settled in Canada from the land of Wallace and Burns
about the beginning of the present century. He was a soldier in the
war of 1812. Of his family ofchildren John, Jr., came to the United
States and, marrying Miss Mary D. Martin here, originally of Orange
county, Virginia, settled in Randolph county, Missouri, where William
R.,the subject of this sketch, was born February 1, 1846. Twelve
years after the birth of this son the parents removed to Cooper county,
making their permanent home in Pilot Grove township, and here Wil-
liam R. grew to manhood. Possessed of a quick, active mind, the son,
by great diligence and assiduity in his studies, acquired an excellent
education in the ordinary English course, and at a comparatively early
age began teaching school which he has since kept up with more or less
regularity. As a school teacher he has long been regarded as one of
most practical, successful and efficient in the county. Farming has
also engaged a large share of his attention, and in this industry he has
achieved excellent success. He owns a good farm of over 200 acres,
neatly and substantially improved. February 27, 1867, he was mar-
ried to Anna Roe, of Henry county, Missouri. They have four chil-
dren, having lost three. Those living are: Robert, Edna, Maud and
George V. Mr. Annan has held numerous township offices, and is a
prominent member of the I. O.O. F.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1091
HANNIBAL ARMSTRONG.
of Long & Armstrong, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements,
and manufacturers of plows, wagons, etc. : also, blacksmiths. Mr.
Armstrong is a native of Tennessee, but came from that state at
a comparatively early age with his parents, Samuel and Mary (Sprawl)
Armstrong, who emigrated to Missouri in 1853, and settled in Polk
county. There Hannibal Armstrong grew to manhood and followed
farming until 1874, when, having married in the mean time, he remov-
ed to this county with his family and settled in Pilot Grove. He con-
tinued in the occupation of farming here until 1876, when he engaged in
the hardware business with Mr. Long. They have a large two-story
business house and have it well stocked with an excellent assort-
ment of the different kinds of goods in their line, including agricul-
tural implements, wagons, plows, etc. They also carry on a large
wood-work and blacksmith shop in connection with their other busi-
ness. They are both men of business ability and of upright popular
dispositions, and as a result they have an extensive and profitable cus-
tom in their lines of trade Mr. Armstrong was married October 29,
1867, to Miss Nancy Long, formerly of Virginia. They have one child
living, Charles L. In June 1861 Mr. Armstrong enlisted in Capt.
Mitchell's company of state guards, and served six months, the limit of
their enlistment, after which he enlisted in company A, of Gen. Shelby's
cavalry, and served until the close of the war, being 2d lieutenant of
the company. Most of the time, during this service, however, he was
taken prisoner and held for six months, after which he was exchanged
and finally surrendered at the close of the war at Shreveport, La.
He participated in all the hard fought battles in which his command
was engaged. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I.
0. O. F.
JAMES BARTON,
editor and Proprietor of the Pilot Grove Bee. Mr. Barton establish-
ed the Bee in September, 1882, and thus far it has been attended
with the most gratifying success. He is a gentleman of good educa-
tion, of practical experience in the newspaper business, and possessed
in no ordinary measure with the qualities that go far toward assuring
success in whatever calling one may engage. He was born in Ander-
son couuty, Missouri, February 21, 1855, and was educated in the
schools of Mexico, the county seat of that county. His father, Levi
Barton was born in Warren county, Kentucky, but came to this state
early in life, and for many years followed farming in Anderson county,
1092 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
to which occupation, James, the subject of this sketch was brought
up. His mother was, before her marriage, a Mrs. Pool of the well
known family of that name, of North Carolina ; but she, herself,
was a native of Tennessee. When James, the son, arrived at the
age of his majority, he went to Texas, and for two years was employ-
ed in the Lone Star state as a reporter for the Dallas Herald. He then
returned to Missouri, and in 1881 bought an interest in the Rocheport
Cornbread, of which he was associate editor with J. W. McQuilty
until he established his present paper. On the 2d of last April (of
1883), Mr. Barton was married to a most excellent and accomplised
young lady, Miss Ruth D. Gale, originally of Illinois. Mr. Barton
is a member of the Baptist church.
JAMES C. DAVIS.
Mr. Davis was the second of a family of nine children, of Simon
and Nancy (Craig) Davis, both originally of Virginia, but subse-
quently for many years residents of Ohio, to which state they emi-
grated early in life. In the latter state J. C, the subject of this
sketch, was born, in Morgan county, April 26th, 1841, and he was
there reared and educated. His father, being a farmer and stock
raiser, to these industries the son was brought up, and he followed
them in his native state until 1856, when he came to Missouri and
made his home in Cooper county. Here he engaged in the same pur-
suits he had previously followed, and by industry and intelligent,
business-like management, he has become one of the substantial, well-
to-do farmers, and successful stock raisers and dealers of the county.
He has a good stock and grain farm of 240 acres, and has it conven-
iently and substantially improved. He makes somewhat of a specialty
of sheep-raising, and has a fine flock of high grade merinos, one of
the best in the county. In cattle he also has some fine grades. Sep-
tember 28th, 1862, he was married to Miss Eliza E. Tavenner, of
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are both members of the M. E. church,
and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F.
MESSRS. JAMES F. ELLIS & CO.,
dealers in general merchandise, grain and farm machinery. The above
firm, composed of J. T. Ellis and H. M. Ellis, Jr., carry on one of
the principal mercantile establishments in Pilot Grove and in that sec-
tion of the county. They carry a general stock of merchandise, and
have a steady, profitable trade. Their store building is large and
well constructed, and is arranged to the best advantage for conve-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1093
nience in the keeping and handling of their different lines of goods.
Besides this, they buy and ship grain, and also carry a stock of farm
implements, particularly the McCormick reaper, mower, etc., of
which they make a specialty. Both gentlemen are well educated,
practical business men, and enjoy the unqualified confidence of all
who know them for integrity and fair dealing. J. T. Ellis, the senior
member of the firm, was born in this county, November 12, 1843,
and was a son of Richard T. Ellis, who come from Virginia and set-
tled in Cooper county in 1836. The father was a leading farmer and
stock raiser of the county, and was for many years one of its most
prominent and highly respected citizens. He died in 1863 at the age
of fifty-one. J. T. Ellis grew up on his father's farm, and in youth
received an excellent education in a private school kept near his
father's house. When in his eighteenth year the war broke out, and
he became one of the first volunteers to uphold the new-born flag of
the south —
"Where sabres were clashing and death-shot were pouring,"
continuing in that unfortunate struggle until the southern
——"standard and banner alike were no more."
He was first a member of Captain Alexander's company of old state
guards, and in January, 1862, become a member of company A, 2d
regiment Missouri cavalry, C. S. A. He was in the battles of Pea
Ridge, Corinth (the second one), Ft. Pillow, Memphis, and many
others. After the war he returned to this state engaged in merchan-
dising at Otterville, becoming a member of the firm of Zollinger &
Ellis, where he continued until 1878, when he came to Pilot Grove
and established his present business. June 4, 1872, he was married
to Miss Anna McCutchen, daughter of Judge McCutchen, of this
county. They have five children : Virgil M., Anna, Johnson, Vivian,
and Edwin. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Masonic order and of the
Methodist Episcopal church south. H. M. Ellis, the junior member
of the firm, was born in this county February 22, 1859, and was edu-
cated in the common schools and in Central college, at Fayette, Mis-
souri. While still a youth he began to learn the merchandising busi-
ness, and became a clerk for E. H. Harris, with whom he remained
until 1876, when he went to Sedalia, Missouri, and became book-
keeper in the house of Frank Craycraff, of that city, He held that
position until 1879, at which time he resigned it to become a member
of the present firm at Pilot Grove. January 4, 1882, he was married
to Miss Sallie, daughter of Rev. J. L. D. Blevins. Mr. Ellis is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church south, and of the Ma-
sonic fraternity,
1094 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
WILLIAM P. HAEEIMAN, M, D.,
physician and surgeon ; also interested in agriculture and milling.
Dr. Harriman's father, Dr. William Harriman, was for over thirty-
five years a prominent physician and highly esteemed citizen of this
county. He died here, where the best years of his life had been
spent, June 25, 1881. He was born and reared in New York city.
His wife was formerly Miss Georgia A. Mayo. Early in his married
life he was located at Vidilia, Louisiana, and there William P., the
subject of the present sketch, was born, May 28, 1838. Two years
afterwards he removed with his family to Woodford county, Ken-
tucky, where he practised his profession six years. Informed of the
great need of thoroughly educated and capable physicians in this sec-
tion of the country, in 1846 he came to Missouri and located in
Cooper county, where he soon became widely known as an able and
successful practitioner. Here his son William P. grew up and se-
cured a good education. Under the direction and instruction of his
father, much of his youth was spent with study of medicine, and in
1863 he become a matriculate in the medical department of the uni-
versity of Michigan, where he continued as a student during the
remainder of that ye&r and a part of 1864. In the fall of the last-
named year he entered the St. Louis medical college, from which he
was graduated the following spring. He then entered upon the prac-
tice of his profession in Logan county, Illinois, but the succeeding
fall returned to Cooper county and established himself in the prac-
tice here. He soon built up an extensive and lucrative practice, and
his career has been one of marked success, both professionally and
pecuniarily. Besides doing his full duty in the practice of medicine,
he conducts a large farm — his homestead containing 300 acres of
fine land, well improved : and he is also partner with J. W. Boles in
a large steam flouring mill, which does an important and profitable
business. Dr. Harriman was married April 5, 1866, to Miss Eliza
Russell, a worthy and accomplished young lady. They have three
children: Thomas Russell, Albert C. and Bessie; one also is dead,
Willie M., born April 29, 1867, died May 8, 1883.
" God's finger touched him and he slept."
Dr. Harriman and his wife are both members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church. The doctor, then a young man, served the first
year of the war in the Confederate army, under Captain Alexander.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1095
E. H. HARRIS,
general merchant, farmer and stock man, Pilot Grove. For forty
years Mr. Harris has been a resident of Cooper county, and for many
years has ranked among its most prominent farmers and stock men.
Since 1866 he has been engaged in merchandising in addition to his
other interests, and now has a large store in Pilot Grove, where he
carries a full and well selected stock of general merchandise. As an
old citizen of the community, where the best years of his life have
been spent, and where his name is a synonym of honor and integrity,
he commands an extensive trade of the better class of customers,
which only long established and well proved public confidence can
secure. He was born in the very sinus of the blue grass regions of
Kentucky, Bourbon county, December 20, 1830, and there lived until
he had attained his thirteenth year. In 1843 he came to Cooper
county, this state, with an older brother, and during the remaining
years of his youth attended the schools of his new home much of the
time, completing his education at Kemper's well known family school
at Boonville. After his school days were over he turned his attention
to farming, in which he was not long in giving evidences of his energy
and ability as a successful agriculturist. His farm of nearly 300
acres has for years been looked upon as one of the best in the county.
This is devoted to both grain and stock raising, in which he has been
very successful. He also has nearly a section of fine land in Barton
county. On the 20th of December, 1855, Mr. Harris was married to
Miss Mary Ellis, a lady of great personal worth, a native of the Old
Dominion. Their union has been blessed with seven children : Rich-
ard, Sallie, Maggie, Mary, E.H., Jr., William and Freddie K. Mr.
Harris' father, Richard Harris, was originally of Virginia, but came
west to Kentucky in early life, where he married and reared his fam-
ily. His wife, E. H.'s mother, was previously a Miss Frances T.
Wilson, of the Blue Grass state.
HENRY W. HARRIS,
general merchant, Pilot Grove. Merchandising has been a life occu-
pation with Mr. Harris, and although still a young man, comparatively,
he has achieved a measure of success in business that shows conclus-
ively that, unlike many, he has not missed his calling in life. He
carries one of the best and most complete stocks of general merchan-
dise in the county, and, already deservedly popular and enjoying a
rich and lucrative trade, both his popularity as a merchant and citi-
1096 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
zen, and his trade, are rapidly increasing. He was born in Fleming
county, Kentucky, July 24, 1848, and is a son of Doctor N. W. Har-
ris, also originally of the blue grass state, who, however, removed to
this state with his family in 1856, and settled in Linn county. Henry
W. was then a lad eight years of age, and when he was sixteen years
old the family came to Cooper county, and located where they have
since lived. Prior to coming to this county, young Harris had had
the advantages offered by the common schools of Linn county, and
had already acquired the substantial elements of an ordinary educa-
tion. Here, however, he became a student in Kemper's widely and
favorably known school, in which he became proficient in a more ad-
vanced curriculum of studies. Equipped with an excellent education,
and a quick, clear intelligence, as well as safely fortified with moral,
industrious habits, he entered upon the activities of life at the age of
twenty-one, with every promise of success. In 1869 he engaged in
the general mercantile business in association with his father, and
continued a member of that firm until 1874, when he sold out his
interest in the store to Doctor Harris, and established his present
store. His career from the beginning has been one of uninterrupted
and striking success, and his future is still radiant with promise.
October 19, 1875, he was married to Miss Leona, an accomplished
daughter of T. C. Boggs, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere. They
have an interesting family of three children : Eula, Nina and Henry
They have lost one, Thomas B. Mr. Harris is a notary public and a
member of the Masonic order.
PROF. C. B. JOHNSON,
principal Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute. One of the mqst valuable
acquisitions to the citizenship of Pilot Grove is that of Professor
Johnson, who became identified with this place as principal of the
Collegiate Institute in 1881. Education is the very life-giving prin-
ciple of all prosperity and of all human progress, and no community
can reasonably hope to prosper that neglects it. In the proportion
that the people of a place interest themselves in the cause of educa-
tion, as induced by building up good schools in their midst, and gen-
erally encouraging learning, in that proportion do they advance in
all the higher and better attributes of a progressive, ennobling and
Christian civilization, and hence the securing of a capable and worthy
director to stand at the head of their educational interests, is a duty
of the first importance. In the person of Professor Johnson, the
people of Pilot Grove have secured the services of such an educator.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPEK COUNTIES. 1097
They have a scholar and a professional teacher, who, by his qualifica-
tions and long experience, is eminently fitted to build up in their
midst one of the best institutions of learning in the state. Professor
Johnson was born in Owen county, Kentucky, October 27, 1824, and
was jthe fourth of a family of seven children born to William C. and
Harriet B. (Dillon) Johnson, of his native state. His father, how-
ever, was originally of Ohio, from which state he removed to Ken-
tucky, where he married aud reared his family. The son, the subject
of this sketch, had excellent educational advantages in youth, which
he did not fail to improve. After an elementary course in the pre-
paratory schools, he entered St. Mary's college, of Kentucky, from
which he was graduated with marked honor in 1854. He also had
the benefit of a course in the military institute of that state. After
his graduation he at once engaged in teaching, aud for nearly forty
years he has devoted himself to that noble calling, having during this
time had charge of some of the best schools of both Kentucky and
Missouri. In 1856 he came to this state, aud located at Shelbyville,
where he was afterwards chosen to the office of comity school com-
missioner, a position he filled for two years. He is widely known in
northeast Missouri as an able, successful and pure-minded educator.
Since his removal to Pilot Grove he has taken a high place in the
esteem and confidence of the people by his modest, unexceptionable
bearing, and by his personal worth as an educator, a " citizen and
neighbor. Professor Johnson was married May 15, 1849, to Miss
Hannah Walton, of Kentucky. She died in November, 1851. Three
years afterwards, February 22, 1853, he was married a second time,
Miss Elizabeth Ford then becoming his wife. They have but one child,
W. F. Professor J. is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. F. and A.
M., and of the M. E. church south.
JONATHAN JOYCE,
proprietor Hotel Joyce, Pilot Grove. Mr. Joyce came to Pilot Grove
in 1878, and established his present hotel, building the house he now
occupies expressly for that purpose. He keeps an excellent hotel,
and he has established the reputation of being the right man in the
right place in the hotel business. He was born in Patrick county,
Virginia, August 20, 1835, and is a son of William Joyce of that
county. His mother, previous to her marriage a Miss Hanley, died
when Jonathan was but three years of age, but his father took special
care in rearing the son, and gave him a good practical education as
he grew up. Jonathan remained in his native state, following farming
1098 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
until 1859, when he came to Missouri, and located in Cooper county.
Here he bought the tract of land on which Bunceton is now situated,
and there improved a farm. He lived on his farm until 1878, when
he came to Pilot Grove. September 10, 1860, he was married to
Miss Ellen Hall, a young lady originally of North Carolina. Mrs. J.
is a member" of the Baptist church, and Mr. J. of the I. O. O. F.
JOSEPH L. JUDD.
Mr. Judd is one of that class of neat', excellent farmers who make
as much, and not unfrequently more, on a small place, than others, less
careful and systematic, make on the largest farms. His place contains
but 140 acres, yet it is so managed that he is regarded as one of the
thrifty, successful and progressive farmers of the county. Personally,
he is deservedly popular, for as a neighbor he is hospitable and ac-
commodating, and as a citizen he is never indifferent to the best in-
terests of the community nor to the public good. He was born in
Clement county, Ohio, March 10, 1847. His father, Perry Judd, was
a native of Pennsylvania, but his mother, formerly Miss Nancy West,
was a Kentuckian by birth. Joseph L. was the seventh of their fam-
ily of twelve children. When he was about eight years of age his
parents emigrated from Ohio to Bracken county, Kentucky, where he
grew to manhood. He remained in the Blue Grass state until 1867,
but then came to Missouri and located in Montgomery county, where
he followed farming for three years. In 1870 he changed his place of
resideuce to this county, resuming farming here, and his industry and
sagacity in his chosen calling have been rewarded with excellent suc-
cess. On the 7th of December, 1871, he was married to Miss Susan
Steger, a worthy young lady, a month and three days his junior.
Their union has been blessed with three children : Ida May, Clifford
and John Medley. Mr. Judd is a member of the M. E. church south,
and of the Masonic fraternity.
CHARLES LONG,
of Long & Armstrong, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements,
and manufacturers of wagons, plows, etc. ; also blacksmiths, at Pilot
Grove. Mr. Long, of the above named firm, was born in Loudoun
county, Virginia, October 4, 1842, and was a son of William and Lu-
cinda (Crooks) Long, of that state. When fourteen years of age he
came out to this state with James Long and located in Cooper county,
where he grew to manhood. While still a youth, in his eighteenth
year, he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he soon ac-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1099
quired, and at which he worked until 1872, when he went to Cali-
fornia. He remained on the Pacific coast but one year, and then
returned to Pilot Grove, where he has since been engaged in business.
The nature and extent of the business of the firm have already been
given in the sketch of Mr. Armstrong's life, which precedes this.
January 11, 1874, Mr. Long was married to Miss Virginia Maddox,
originally of Virginia. They have one child, Guy E. Mr. Long is
a member of the M. E, church south, and of the Masonic fraternity.
JUDGE J. M. McCUTCHEN.
Among the old and prominent citizens of Cooper county, without
whose biographic sketches this work could hardly claim to be com-
plete, is Judge McCutchen, the subject of the present memoir. Now
closely approaching the allotted age of three-score and ten years, for
nearly half a century his name has held a leading place in the o-eo-
ponic annals of the county, and for many years he was a prominent
figure in its public affairs. John M. McCutchen was born in Logan
county, Kentucky, February 23, 1816, and was the fifth of a family
of eight children of John and Anna (Matherel) McCutchen, the father
a native of Virginia and the mother natally of Tennessee. John Mc-
Cutchen, Sr., the grandfather of Judge McCutchen, was a soldier in
the war of 1812, and a pioneer settler of Kentucky, where he princi-
pally reared his family. So in keeping with the stirring, enterprising
characteristics of his ancestry, John, the father of our subject, after
he had reached matured manhood, pushed on to the then frontier of
civilization, and became one of the early settlers of Cooper county,
this state. Here he became a successful farmer, and one of the highly
respected citizens of the county. Although school advantages were
not the best in this new country while Johu M. McCutchen was grow-
ing up, yet such was his intelligent appreciation of the importance of
an education, and his untiring perseverance even in youth, that, by
diligent study in such schools as he could attend and at home, he suc-
ceeded in acquiring an excellent education, in so far, at least, as ordi-
nary business qualifications are concerned, and for the daily, practical
needs of life. Arriving at the age when young men of spirit feel that
they should look around them, and choose the best part of the country
accessible for making a start in life, he visited Indiana, Kentucky and
Texas, remaining in each a considerable time, and in the latter state
he improved his stay by teaching school. He was there also made
deputy clerk of the court, a position he filled with thorough efficiency.
But, finding no country equal to that of his boyhood days as a place
1100 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
to lead a prosperous, contented life, he returned to Cooper county,
and has given to it the best energies of an honorable and vigorous
manhood. Here he soon became a prosperous farmer and a promi-
nent, useful citizen. His farm contains nearly a section of land and
is finely improved — including a handsome brick residence, and other
betterments to correspond. Six years he was judge of the county
court, ten years public administrator, and two years a member of the
legislature. The character of these offices shows the position he oc-
cupies in the esteem and confidence of those among whom, practically,
his whole life thus far has been spent. For many years he has been
a worthy and exemplary member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church. Judge McCutchen was married over thirty-six years ago, on
the 17th of August, 1847, to Miss Fannie, an accomplished daughter
of Gabriel and Jane (Gardiner) Tutt, originally of Virginia. Ten
children have blessed his married life, nine of whom are living : Frank-
lin G., John D., Anna J., wife of J. D. Ellis, James W., Henry R.,
Ettie B., Grace G., Willie Lee and Fannie T.
R. B. MADDEX,
farmer. Mr. Maddex, who is a substantial, well-to-do farmer of Pilot
Grove township, owes all he has and the worthy name he bears as a
citizen and neighbor, to his own industry, intelligence and personal
worth ; for he started out in life for himself without means or the in-
fluence of relatives or friends to help him aloug. He came of excel-
lent but not wealthy parents. At the age of eighteen he pushed his
life-boat out into the current of human affairs, to make the voyage
down the stream of time according to his own ability to guide his
bark upon the journey. Already the perils of his early years have
been safely passed, and now he is on the calm waters of the post-
meridian of life, with a serene sky above him, promising a prosper-
ous passage on to the ocean of eternity. He was born in Clarke county,
Virginia, January 20, 1838. .His father, John Maddex, was a native
of Maryland, but married Miss Mariah Sweeney in Virginia and there
reared his family. In 1856, R. B., the subject of this sketch, came
to Missouri and followed farm overseeing in Boone county until the
outbreak of the war. In 1872 he took charge of the university farm,
and conducted it for ten years with excellent success. In 1882 he
came to Cooper county and bought his present farm of 240 acres, on
which he has since lived. It is well improved, and he is comfortably
situated in life. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a
highly respected citizen and neighbor.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1101
JOSEPH E. MEREDITH.
Unless something phenomenal or out of the regular order of
events happens to change the zoological annals of Cooper county
with regard to animals, feres, natural, from what they are at present,
Joseph Meredith will go down in history to the remotest generation, as
having killed the last wild deer that yielded up its final afflatus within
the borders of this county. His father, Thomas Meredith, was one
of the pioneer settlers of the county, and was himself second to but
few in the chase in the early days of the country, when game of every
description was abundant. Thomas Meredith was originally of Ken-
tucky,' as was also his wife, formerly Miss Susan Wooldridge, but
here they reared their family and lived until their deaths, worthy
neighbors, and as well respected as any family in the county. Joseph
was the third of their family of ten children, and was born here Jan-
uary 19, 1830. Farming became his life occupation, and he has fol-
lowed it with satisfactory success. Except an absence of five years,
during which he was farming in Mason county, Illinois, this county
has been his constant place of residence. His homestead contains
over 100 acres, and he has it comfortably improved. In December,
1857, he was married to Miss Rachel Leith, a native of Tennessee.
They have five children: Fannie, Lewis, Ralph A., Mary S. and
William H. Three, alas! are dead : Eva, Anna and Jessie. Mr. M.
is a member of the M. E. church south.
B. H. MEREDITH.
When Mr. Meredith was married, fifteen years ago, he entered
upon the voyage of life as a farm laborer, and by his own industry,
good management and personal worth has maintained his family in
comfort, made a name for himself that is spoken of with respect wher-
ever mentioned, and accumulated a substantial share of this world's
goods upon which to rely in after years, and from which to give his
own children a better start in life than he himself had. If the success
of men should be measured by their opportunities, then few ought to
be entitled to greater credit than he. The same ability and worth
that in such circumstances accomplished what he has, in more favor-
able conditions would undoubtedly have achieved more striking re-'
suits. He was born on the 25th of October, 1843, and was the sixth
of a family of ten children of Thomas and Susan (Wooldridge) Mer-
edith, old and respected residents of this county. His whole life has
been spent in agricultural pursuits, except about three years spent in
71
1102 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Boonville, during which he worked at the carriage painting trade. He
was married December 3, 1868, to Miss Susan Hannah, of this count}'.
Heaven has favored them with five children : William F., John W.,
Meriam A., Mary S. and Maggie B. Mr. Meredith's farm contains
half a section of fine and well improved land — a monument to his
own honest toil and intelligent management. He also deals largely in
stock of ever}' kind, buying and shipping extensively all the time. He
is a worthy member of the M. E. church and of the I. O. O. F. order.
F. W. MITZEL,
farmer and stock raiser and dealer. Mr. Mitzel's father, Peter
Mitzel, was a thrifty, intelligent Ohio farmer, who settled in this
county from the Buckeye state in 1858 and followed farming and
stock raising, to which F. W., the son, was brought up. F. W.
Mitzel, the subject of this sketch, was but ten years old when his
parents removed from Morgan county, Ohio, where he was born De-
cember 2, 1848, to this county; and hence he was principally reared
in Cooper county. After he attained to manhood he engaged in
farming and stock raising on his own account, and in these industries
he has been very successful. In later years he has also engaged large-
ly in dealing in stock, buying and shipping to the wholesale markets
cattle, hogs, sheep, etc. His farm contains about three-quarters of
a section of land, and is kept in excellent condition. Mr. Mitzel was
married May 22, 1867, to Miss Cora Simms, of this state, but on the
5th of last March (1883), she was taken from him by death, leaving
him five children : Charles, James, Matilda (named for Mr. M.'s
mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Ethel), Ernest and Lettie.
Mr. Mitzel is a member of the I. O. 0. F.
E. C. MOORE,
contractor and builder. The leading contractor and builder of this
place and the surrounding country is the gentleman whose name
heads this sketch. E. C. Moore was born in Clarke county, Virginia,
December 8, 1847. After reaching the age that it became necessary
to choose a calling for life, he decided to adopt that of carpentry,
which he at once began to learn. Having acquired this trade he fol-
lowed it in Virginia with satisfactory results until 1878, when, hav-
ing married in the meantime, he removed to this state with his family
and located at Pilot Grove. Here he resumed work at his trade, and
for the last five years he has been the principal contractor and builder
of the place. He has built nearly all the houses that have been
HISTORY OV HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 11<J.'>
erected in the town since he became one of its citizens, and he has an
enviable reputation in his calling as a thorough, energetic ancLupright
mechanic. He was married February 24, 1873, to Miss Maggie J.
Smith, of Virginia. They have one child, Emma V. Mr. Moore's
parents were Sylvanus and Abigail Moore, his mother's family name
having been Fridly.
D. P. NIXON.
One of the most prominent, public-spirited and worthy citizens 01
Pilot Grove township, and of this part of the county, is the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch. An educated, progressive and
enterprising farmer, formerly of Ohio, he has introduced into this
county the methods of farming that have distinguished the agricul-
turists of the great Buckeye state above those of any other common-
wealth in the Union. And not only is he conspicuous in his locality
by his success as a farmer, but in the general interests and public
affairs of the community he occupies an advanced, public-spirited po-
sition, striving at all times to promote the good of all, and to im-
prove and develop the township and the surrounding country. He is
one of a class of northern, new-era, enterprising farmers and citizens
that the west and south have too few of, and of whom they could never
have too many. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, February 19,
1842, and is of Virginia descent; his father, William H. Nixon, was
born in Virginia, and his mother, formerly Elizabeth Edmondston,
a native of Ohio. His grandfather, David Nixon, was a native
of Virginia, but became a pioneer to Ohio, and was a soldier of in-
trepid courage and daring in the early Indian wars. This quality —
fearless, patriotic bravery — descended undiminished to the grandson,
and when the opening ball of the rebellion was sent on its mission
of death over the ramparts of Fort Sumpter, he was one of the first
to answer with a musket in hand, the call of the bleeding Union for
help. The flag that had floated in triumph at Yorktown, New Or-
leans and the capital city of the Montezumas he followed through
four long years of hardships and danger, until it waved in triumph at
Appomattox with "a star for every state and a state for every star."
He was a volunteer in company C, 73d Ohio infantry, and was mus-
tered out of the service in 1865. He was in both the battles of Bull's
Eun and many other leading death-duels of the war, when —
" Hand to hand, and foot to foot;
Nothing there, save death, was mute ;
Stroke, and thrust, and flash, and cry
For quarter, or for victory,
Mingle there with the volleying thunder."
1104 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
He bears three honorable scars received in the defence of his
country, the noblest insignia a patriot can wear. After the war he
returned to his native state and engaged in farming and stock raising,
which he followed there until 1866, when he removed to this state,
and after stopping a year in Pettis county, settled in Pilot Grove
township, of this county, where he has since lived. Here he has long
held a place among the leading farmers and stock meu of the county.
His farm contains about 300 acres of excellent land, handsomely im-
proved and kept in neat, tidy, farmer-like condition. December 31,
1868, he was married to Miss Christine Schlotzhauer, of this county.
They have four children living: Charles W., Catherine E., Alex-
ander F., and Birdie W. Mr. Nixon is a member of the M. E.
church.
O. T. ORR,
farmer. Mr. Orr is of Irish descent, his grandfather, William Orr,
having come over from the Emerald Isle about the middle of the last
century and settled in Pennsylvania, where he reared a family. Of
his children, John, the father of O. T., made Kentucky his home, and
there married Nancy Steerman, a young lady originally of Virginia.
Of this union O. T. Orr was born in Nicholas county, September 20,
1827, and was the youngest of a family of seven. Reared in the Blue
Grass state and brought up to the occupation of farming and stock
raising in his native state, he attended to the duties of fields and pas-
tures and flocks and herds until 1874, when he directed his course
westward along the way the " star of empire " leads, and settled in
Cooper county. Here he resumed his life calling — tilling the soil —
and prosecuting the first labor that occupied the Creator on the morn-
ing of the sixth day, raising cattle, etc. These duties he has since
followed, and his labors have been rewarded with satisfactory success.
He now has a farm of about a quarter section of good land, which he
has comfortably and conveniently impi'oved, and his blue grass pas-
tures are tenanted with fine cattle and other stock. He was married
February 7, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Evans, of Kentucky. They
have eight children : Virginia, Robert A., Georgie, Warren, Anna
Lee, V. G., Isadora and O. T. Mr. Orris a member of the Christian
church and of the Masonic order.
GEORGE T. PENDLETON, M. D., deceased, and-T. O. PEN-
DLETON, M. D.
Dr. Geo. T. Pendleton, the father of Dr. T. O. Pendleton, was born
in Jefferson county, Kentucky, Decemher 18, 1824, and was reared
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1105
and educated in his native county. After completing his literary and
general course, he began the study of medicine with the view of
becoming a physician, and continued in this for several years. In due
time he became a matriculate in the Louisville medical college, and
remained a student in that institution until his graduation. After this
he engaged in the active practice of his profession in Jefferson county,
and on the 1st of May, 1851 , was married to Miss Catherine McGruder.
In 1855, Dr. Geo. T. Pendleton and family removed to Missouri, and
located in Cooper county, where the doctor became one of the leading
physicians and prominent citizens of the county. He had a family of
eight children, Dr. T. O. Pendleton being his eldest son. The father
died here on the 25th of January, 1883, in his fifty-ninth year, having
been a resident of the county nearly thirty years. Dr. Geo. T. Pen-
dleton was more than a successful physician and a useful citizen, he
was a good man in the highest and best sense of the term. Naturally
gifted with a superior mind, he had improved it by a wide range of
reading, and was more than ordinarily well informed on all the
leading subjects of general thought, so that among his neighbors and
acquaintances he exercised a marked influence. In all matters when
a counsellor was needed by those around him, he was invariably con-
sulted; and such was the respect with which his opinions were
received, that his advice was generally followed. And the purity of
his character and the tenor of his conduct were in keeping with the
confidence and esteem with which he was regarded. During all the
long years of his residence in this county, not a breath of wrong was
ever breathed against his name, but on the contrary, he was only
spoken of, as he still is, in terms of praise for some good act done, or
some noble quality of his mind or heart. In the practice of his pro-
fession he labored more for the amelioration of suffering humanity
than for his own interests. Indeed, it seemed that he cared only for
his patients and was regardless of his own health, for he often visited
them when he himself should have had the care of a physician. Years
of constant exposure in the practice finally broke down a constitution
naturally, vigorous and strong, and a life that might otherwise have lasted
many years more, was cut off before the serene twilight of old age had
settled about him. But in the measure of life he did fill, as much
good and as little evil was crowded, as but seldom marks the career
of men. He sank into his grave amid the sorrow and regret of a
community that had long learned to love him as a friend and benefactor.
And in the light of the venerated memory he left behind may be seen
faint glimmerings of that higher and richer reward he has won beyond
1106 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the grave. But the labor of his life was not broken off by his death.
He left a son, the highest pledge of faith in humanity that man can
give, who is not unworthy to succeed him. Dr. T. O. Pendleton
was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, January 26, 1853. He was
reared in Cooper county, Missouri, and educated in the ordinary
schools. At the age of twenty-one he began the study of medicine
under his father, and after a due course of study in the Missouri
medical college, graduated from that institution in 1876, with high
honor. After this he was engaged in the practice at Pilot Grove,
until the fall of 1881, when he returned to Schell City, this state.
He remained thereuntil the fall of 1882, when he located at Marshall,
Saline county. By the death of his father he was called home and he
accordingly located permanantly at Pilot Grove. On the 20th of
July, 1877, he was married to Miss E. S. Cunningham, of St. Clair
county. They have one child, Gertrude. Dr. Pendleton is a thorough
physician and enjoys an excellent reputation as a practitioner.
Personally he is highly and justly popular. Unquestionably, an
honorable and useful life lies before him.
GEORGE W. EOE.
Mr. Roe's father, Samuel Roe, Sr., was the founder of the town
of Pilot Grove, having been the owner of the present town site, and
having laid it off into town lots, and secured the establishment of the
depot at this point. Samuel Roe was a native of Maryland, where
he was reared and lived for some time after his marriage. His
wife was formerly a Miss Sarah Shaw, of that state. In 1827 they
came to Missouri, and settled in Cooper county. Here he entered the
land in which Pilot Grove is now situated, and opened his farm.
He died May 25, 1878. He was a man of great energy and enterprise,
and was for years a leading farmer of the county. He manifested
great zeal and public spirit in the building up and prosperity of Pilot
Grove, and before he died, he was rewarded by seeing the place he
had founded, well started and secure on the way to future importance
as a business centre. Geo. W., the subject of this sketch, was born
here, September 30, 1834, and was the youngest of the family of
seven children. Reared on the farm, while not engaged in farm duties
in youth he attended the usual sessions of the neighborhood schools,
and thus acquired a common practical education. Farming has been
his life occupation. When Pilot Grove was founded he warmly
seconded his father in the establishment and improvement of the place,
and since the latter's death, he has taken up the work himself, of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1107
making the place one of the best towns along the railroad. Geo. W.
Roe has an excellent farm of his own, adjoining town, and has it well
improved. May 1, 1856, he was married to Miss Ann N. Maddex,
originally of Virginia. They have six children : David Lee, Wm. S.,
Daniel W., Sallie, Era May and Chas. P. They have lost one child,
Thomas E. Mr. Roe is a member of the M. E. church south.
ALEXANDER ROE.
Mr. Roe is a son of Samuel Roe, the founder of the town of
Pilot Grove, an outline of whose life is given in the sketch of G. W.
Roe, in this volume. Their father, however, was twice married, a
fact overlooked heretofore, and Alexander was a son by the father's
first wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Leith, of Maryland, who died
prior to the emigration of the family from that state. Alexander
Eoe was born in Caroline county, Maryland, September 22, 1819,
and was therefore a lad of eight years when his father settled in this
county, in 1827. Reared on afarm, farming has been his life occupation
and he owns an excellent homestead where he gives his attention to
grain and stock raising. He received his education in the common
schools of the county, and largely under the tutorage of his father,
the latter having been a teacher of some note in those days, indeed
the first school the son ever attended was taught by his father. At
the age of twenty-five, Alexander was married to Miss Ann Walton,
of this county. They have eight children : William, Alice, John,
George, Martha, Kate, Alexander and Russell. Mr. Roe is an indus-
trious intelligent farmer, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all
who know him. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
south.
J. W. H. ROSS, M. D.,
physician and surgeon, Pilot Grove. For nearly twenty-five years
Dr. Ross has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Saline,
Pettis and Cooper counties, over fourteen years of which he has been
located at Pilot Grove, his present home. Thoroughly educated in
his profession and a physician of long and successful experience, he
has a large and excellent practice, and enjoys the unlimited confidence
of the public, not only in his chosen calling but as a citizen and a man.
His grandfather, Dr. G. C. Harth, was one of the oldest physicians
of central Missouri, and it was under the latter's direction and instruc-
tion that Dr. Ross acquired his profession. He commenced reading
under his grandfather in 1856, and continuing his studies, attended the
St. Louis medical college in 1858-59. After this he began the prac-
1108 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
tice of medicine in Pettis county, but returned to St. Louis in 1860,
and graduated from the medical college of that city in the spring of
1861. He then practised in Saline and Cooper counties, and in 1869
located at Pilot Grove, where he has since remained. Dr. Ross was a
son of William C. Ross and wife, formerly Miss L. C. Harth, daughter
of Dr. Harth, and was born in Boonville, April 3, 1838. His father
was a native of Virginia, but came to this county early in life. He
was drowned in the Missouri river, at Boonville, March 19, 1839.
The doctor is a member of the old school Presbyterian church ; also
of the Masonic order and of the I. O. O. F. January 17, 1860, he was
married to Miss S. L. Francisco. They have six children: George,
W. C, Charles H., Bessie, Johnnie and Linn.
MARSHALL RUST,
dealer in lumber and building materials. Mr. Rust has led an active
life and his activity has been not without substantial results. He now
owns and conducts a large lumber yard at Pilot Grove, and also has a
branch yard at Bunceton, both of which have an extensive and profit-
able trade. He is one of those enterprising men that cannot content
themselves with plodding along through the world without at least
making an effort to accomplishing something of a substantial character
in life. He was born in the Old Dominion, October 8, 1851, and was a
son of Dr. John B. and Julia A. (Burgess) Rust, late of "Warren
county, that state. His father died when he was fifteen years old.
He then came west and located in Hannibal, Mis»ouri. From there
he went to the Phoenix City on the lakes, but soon returned to his
native state. In Virginia he became a prominent railroad contractor,
and followed that in the senior commonwealth of the south until
1873, when he engaged in building a road in the District of
Columbia. A year later he came west again and followed railroad
contracting in Missouri and Texas until 1881, when he settled at
Pilot Grove, and became a partner with Mr. McVeigh in the lumber
business. This he had followed, however, in St. Louis about a year
in 1874. In 1882 he became sole proprietor of the lumbering inter-
ests of his firm, which he has since conducted. Mr. R. is a mem-
ber of the Masonic order.
R. H. SCHLOTZHAUER.
Among the prominent young farmers of Pilot Grove township, the
name that heads this sketch must not be passed in silence. Mr.
Scholtzhauer has a fine farm of about 500 acres of good land, all in cul-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPED COUNTIES. 1109
tivation, and he is a leading raiser of fine, graded cattle and the best
breeds of hogs. He is a native of the county, and was born January
29, 1853. His father, Henry Scholtzhauer, was a native of Germany,
but came to this country early in life and became a wealthy citizen of
this state. R. H., the subject of this sketch, was given a good educa-
tion in the schools of Warrenton, Warren county, and afterwards
devoted himself to the industries in which he is now ensraared. He is
an intelligent, progressive and modern-ideaed farmer, and his fu-
ture holds out every promise of a successful and useful life. He
was married August 28, 1872, to Miss Caroline Stewart, of Warren
county. They have five children: Earl S., Peter S., Walter S.,
Brice H. and Fletcher C. Two are deceased: Leland and Hattie.
Mr. Scholtzhauer is a member of the M. E. church.
WILLIAM SCHUSTER.
Mr. Schuster was only two years of age when his parents emi-
grated from Germany to this country in 1853, and settled in Cooper
county. Hence, in all but nativity, he is an American, having been
reared and educated in this county — his life-long home. He was
born in South Germany, July 4, 1851, the seventy-fifth anniversary of
the great republic of the new world. His parents, Frank and The-
ressa (Cleten) Schuster, were worthy and intelligent people, and after
their settlement in Cooper county enjoyed the respect and good opinion
of all who knew them. William grew up to the occupation of a farmer,
which he has since followed and with excellent success. He now has
a good farm of nearly 200 acres, and has it substantially and com-
fortably improved. He makes somewhat of a specialty of raising fine
horses and mules, and has representative animals necessary to this, of
the finest breeds. On the 27th of July, 1876, Mr. Schuster was mar-
ried to Miss Christine Felton, of this section of the state. They have
a family of five children ; Frederick, Maggie, Annie, Frank and Mary.
Mr. Schuster is a member of the Catholic church.
ALFRED M. SIMMONS,
farmer and stock raiser. Among the educated, progressive and well-
to-do agriculturists of Pilot Grove township, Alfred M. Simmons
should be specially mentioned. Reared on a farm and having received
a more than ordinarily good education in youth at the Kemper family
school, he brings t& the business of farming and stock raising, on his
handsome farm of 400 acres of cultivated land, not only the practical
experience acquired by a farm bringing up, but also the knowledge of
1110 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
the business that can only be had through education. From the time
of Constantine Porphyrogenitus, under whose direction Cassiaus Bas-
sus compiled his celebrated Geoponics, or treatise on agriculture, edu-
cation, not less than experience, has been thought important to the
successful prosecution of agricultural industries. Alfred M. Sim-
mons was born in Boonville, February 11, 1845. His father, Alfred,
was a native of Bullitt county, Kentucky, where he was reared and
married to Elizabeth Simmons, of which union Alfred M. was born.
The father and family came to Missouri in an early day and located
in Cooper county. Here he engaged in merchandising in Boonville
for a number of years, but subsequently settled on a farm in the
county, where the son was reared. Farming has been Alfred M'a.
life occupation, in connection, in later years, with stock raising, in
both of which he has been successful. He makes specialties of short-
horn cattle and fine Cotswold sheep. During the war Mr. Simmons spent
two years in Montana and Wyoming. He was married in November,
1865, to Miss Mattie V. Zeller, originally of Maryland. They have
six children : Louisa A., Willie, Harvey, Gracie, John and Milton.
Mr. Simmons is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church.
THOMAS M. SMITH,
farmer. Although Mr. Smith is of Virginia parentage, and was born
in West Virginia August 15, 1832, he was reared iu Ohio and Indiana,
and remained in the latter states and in Illinois until he was thirty
years of age. His father, Eice M. Smith, and his mother, prior to
her marriage Miss Ann E. Eobertson, were both natives of the Old
Dominion, and his father was a gallant soldier under the stars and
stripes in the war of 1812. Thomas was the ninth of their family of
ten children, and when he was but four years old his father died in
West Virginia, the year after which his mother removed with her
family to Ohio, where they lived for ten years. In 1857 they pushed
on further west and settled in Indiana. There Thomas grew to man-
hood, and having received a good ordinary education in the free schools
of Ohio and Indiana, he engaged in clerking in a store, in which he
was employed five years. After this he learned the carpenter's trade,
and worked at that about five years, and then turned his attention to
farming, which has been since his principal employment. In 1859 he
crossed over into Illinois, and farmed in that state for three years, and
at the expiration of this time, came to Cooper county, this state,
Farming here three years, he then removed to Johnson county, but
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1111
returned in 1873, since which this has been his permanent home. He
owns a good farm of 200 acres, which he has well improved. He also
handles some stock. June 19, 1862, he was married to Miss Margaret
E. Johnston, of this county. They have one child living, Martin A.,
and have lost three : Kobert B., Thomas M. and Anna P. How truly
they may say of death :
Insatiate archer ! could not one suffice?
Thy shaft flew thrice, and thrice our hopes were slain?
Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
J. E. SMITH,
furniture dealer and undertaker ; also marshal and collector of Pilot
Grove. Mr. Smith comes of one of the oldest families of Virginia, his
forefathers having been inhabitants of the Old Dominion from its earl-
iest colonial days. His grandfather was a gallant soldier in the war
for independence, and followed the flag of the new-born nation until
it waved in final triumph over the battlements of Yorktown. His
father, John Smith, was a worthy citizen ot the grand old common-
wealth, and there married and reared his family. J. E. Smith, the
subject of this sketch, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, April 17,
1837, and grew up in his native county, where he received a good,
practical education. Before he attained his majority, however, he
came west and from 1855 to 1860 he followed farming in Illinois.
The last named year he returned to Virginia, and the war breaking out
shortly afterwards, he enlisted in the ranks of his native state in de-
fence of her sovereignty and institutions, and gave four years of his
young manhood to the service of the south. He was in nearly all of
the principal battles, from Manassas to the final surrender. He held
the office of forage master in Buckhaw's battalion. After the war he
resumed farming in Virginia and also engaged in the saw milling busi-
ness, which he followed until 1880, when he came to Missouri and
located at Pilot Grove. Here he established himself in the undertak-
ing and furniture business. He has held the office of marshal since
the town was incorporated, and he made the first municipal assess-
ment of the place. April 7, 1864, he was married to Miss Lucy A.
Marshall, of Virginia. They have four children: Emma C, Luther
E., Thomas S. and Sallie E. Mr. Smith is a member of the I. O. O.
F., and Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist church.
JOHN SMITH, i
farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Smith came to this country in 1849 from
Germany, where he was born and reared to his seventeenth year,
1112, HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
landing at Baltimore without money and without friends, and for
twelve years worked at the shoemaker's trade, which he had learned
in the old country. He is now, and for years has been, one of the
substantial and successful farmers and stock men of Cooper county.
Such a career is an eloquent tribute to the character and personal
worth of the man. He was born February 22, 1832, and was the
eldest of eleven children, the family of Adam and Catharine (Hoiel)
Smith of the Fatherland. After landing in this country he worked
two years in Baltimore, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Memphis and other
cities, and in 1851 came to Howard county and followed his trade at
Roanoke until 1861, when he engaged in farming. His homestead in
this county contains 340 acres, and is a fine farm. He deals consider-
ably in cattle, and raises grain and stock for the markets. In March,
1861, he was married to Miss Mary Kasley, a native of Baden, Ger-
many. They have eight children : Joseph, Johnnie, Leonard, Rose,
Annie, Berdie, Albert and Minnie. Mr. S. is a member of the
Lutheran church.
A. N. SPENCER,
farmer. Mr. Spencer was born in England May 17, 1837, but when
he was only four years of age, his parents emigrated from the
" Mistress Island of the Seas " to this country, and after a two years'
residence on the Atlantic coast crossed the Alleghanies and came on
to Cooper county, where they made their permanent home and where
A. N., the son, grew to manhood. His father, John B. Spencer,
built the first stone house that was erected in this part of the country,
and was a well-to-do and highly respected citizen of this county. His
mother, formerly Miss Ann Harrison, of the " Motherland of Shake-
speare," was a lady of great personal worth, and was esteemed by all
who knew her for her many estimable qualities of mind and heart.
Early in life the son, A. N., learned the plastering trade, and this he
followed for years afterwards, alternated with farming. During the
war, however, he went to St. Louis, where he utilized his time by
clerking in a hotel, in which he was engaged about three years. Aftei;
this he returned to Cooper county and devoted his attention to farm-
ing, which he has since followed. His farm of over 100 acres is com-
fortably improved, and he is an industrious, intelligent and well-to-do
farmer. June 11, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary A. Bagwell of
this section of the state. They have two children : Laura L., wife of
S. W. Phillips, and John W. Death has taken from them three
others. Mr. Spencer is a member of the Baptist church. For eight
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1113
years he held the responsible office of justice of the peace of his town-
ship.
PROF. J. M. STITES,
educator and agriculturist, Pilot Grove. Prof. J. M. Stites was born
in Wilson county, Tennessee, February 3, 1834. When he was four
years of age his parents, Levi and Mary (Adamson) Stites, migrated
to Illinois,, where they lived until 1840 and then renioved to Missouri,
settling in Greene county, His father was originally of North Caro-
lina, but his mother was a native of Tennessee. The son, J. M.,
grew up in Greene county, and although his advantages for securing
an education were very indifferent, such was his ambition for learning
and his stalwart force of character, that no difficulties seemed to him
too great to be surmounted. An education he was determined to
have. Accordingly he availed himself of all the instruction he could
get in the ordinary neighborhood schools, and assiduously applied him-
self to study at home. The mastering one book led the way to an-
other, and saving the money he worked for, in order to be able to get
such books as he needed, he thus pursued his studies, steadily advanc-
ing in the acquisition of knowledge until his superior acquirements
becoming recognized, he was called upon to open a school, which he
did, and which was largely patronized. He soon established a wide
reputation as a thorough, able and successful teacher. Inasmuch as
this calling afforded him better opportunities than any other for self-
instruction and at the same time was more congenial to his tastes, it
became his regular employment, and for over twenty-five years he has
followed it, educating the young and preparing their minds for the
activities of life. He taught principally in Polk county until 1863,
when he removed to Cooper county, where he has continued his life-
work in different parts of the county up to the present time. Febru-
ary 28, 1858, he was married to Miss Amanda Hall, originally of
Tennessee. They have five children : Horace L., Fannie R., Mattie
D., Charles A. and Bertha. When his family of children began to
grow up around him, feeling the want of a settled home where they
«ould be reared to habits of industry and removed from all the tempta-
tions of town or city life, he decided to settle on a farm, and accord-
ingly bought a neat homestead in the country which he has well
improved and where he lives a generous, hospitable and blameless
life. Although farming is not his life occupation, in this also he has
achieved substantial success. But the acquisition of wealth has not
been his ambition in life. To improve the mind, the immortal part of
human nature, and to elevate those around him by the power of edu-
1114 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
cation are the great aims, for the accomplishment of which all his
energies are devoted, and in which all his hopes are centred. He
believes with Wendell Phillips that " education is the only interest
worthy the deep, controlling anxiety of thoughtful men."
A. H. THRUSTON,
druggist and apothecary, Pilot Grove. It is the least of the plain
truth always to say that Mr. Thruston has, at Pilot Grove, one of the
finest drug stores, if, in fact, not the very finest, in Cooper county.
His store building, thirty by seventy feet in dimensions, is a model
of convenient arrangement for his business, and of neatness and good
taste, and this he has filled with a heavy stock of drugs of every
description, paints, oils, druggists' sundries and etceteras, almost ad
infinitum, all of the best quality, and kept in the best condition.
The fact that he has such a drug establishment speaks more for his
popularity as a druggist and citizen, and for his business ability, than
the modest dignity of this work will permit to be expressed. The
facts, therefore, unadorned by the rhetorician's art, will have to suffice,
and they are eloquent enough. Mr. Thruston is a native Missourian,
having been born in Morgan county, this state, December 13th, 1842.
The drug business has been his life occupation. In 1865 he en-
gaged in the business on his own account at Versailles, in his native
county, where he continued with excellent success for four years. In
1869 he changed his location to Otterville, where he established a
large drug store and built up an extensive trade. Remaining at the
latter place until 1874, he then came to Pilot Grove, where he has since
lived. Here he has achieved the most gratifying success. Mr.
Thruston is not only a thorough druggist and apothecary, but he has
made a specialty of the study of chemistry, and is more than ordi-
narily versed in that science. Hence he is proficient in the preparation
of many articles that those less skilled have to depend upon the
wholesale houses for, exclusively. He also manufactures at his own
store the following extracts of various kinds : Baking powders, bluing,
and so forth. September 6th, 1866, he was married to Miss Edith
White, an accomplished young lady, formerly of Kentucky. They
have one child, Mable Clark. Mr. Thruston's parents were among
the pioneer settlers of this section of the state. His father, William
R. Thruston, was a native of South Carolina, and his mother, e/rigi-
nally Miss Mary A. Melton, was of Tennessee birth. They reared
their family in this state. Mr. Thruston is a member of the I. O. O.
F., and Knights of Pythias.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1115
P. R. WOOLDRIDGE,
liveryman and farmer. Nothing more conclusively attests the grow-
ing importance of Pilot Grove than the fact that the livery business
has become a necessity to the place. Eecognizing the clearly felt
want, Mr. Wooldridge, a year ago, established a large livery stable at
this place, where he keeps an ample supply of horses and buggies of
the best quality, to meet the demands of the travelling public, as well
as of the citizens of the town, who have occasion to use them. He
has an excellent stable, and everything is kept in the best of order
and condition. Mr. Wooldridge was born in this county, October
17th, 1835, and was a son of Starlin R., and Ann (Roe) Wooldridge.
His mother was from Maryland, and his grandfather, on his father's
side, was one of the first settlers of Cooper county. Farming has
been Mr. Wooldridge's life occupation up to the time he began the
livery business, and he still owns an excellent farm near Pilot Grove.
He was married May 2d, 1877, to Miss R. Warren, originally of Mary-
land. They have two children, Rossie and Jesse K. Mr. W. is a
member of the M. E. church south. '
PKAIEIE HOME TOWNSHIP.
GEORGE T. AKERS,
farmer, section 32. Mr. Akers' father, Ishman Akers, although a
native of Kentucky, came to this state from Tennessee, of which he
had been a resident, in 1829, and made his home in Moniteau
county. He was married, however, in this county, to Miss Sarah,
daughter of James Shields, an early settler of Cooper county, but
who subsequently removed to Moniteau. Her parents died several
years ago in Henry county. George F. was born in Moniteau county,
January 27th, 1839, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. At
the age of twenty-five, February 10th, 1864, he was married to Miss
Martha, daughter of Reuben and Judida (Hall) Smith, who were
among the pioneer settlers of Moniteau county. She was born May
20th, 1841. Her parents died, her father in 1850 and her mother in
1879. Mrs. A. has a brother and a half-brother, Blackburn and
Huder Smith, and a sister, Harriett Howard, still in Moniteau county.
Mr. Akers has a brother, James S., in Texas, and one William J., and
a sister, Mary S. Dalton, in Henry county. After their marriage,
Mr. and Mrs. A. lived in Moniteau county, eugaged in farming, until
1878, when they came to their present farm in Prairie Home town-
1116 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND GQOPEK COUNTIES.
ship. It contains a quarter section of good land, and is devoted mainly
to grain growing, principally wheat. They have a family of five
children: Louisa Octavia, aged eighteen; Ida A., aged nine; Martha
May, aged six ; Florence Ethel, aged three, aud Julia T., aged one.
Two are dead, Thomas Lee and Mary Ellen. They have also reared
two nephews, Newton and Eoyal, sons of Mrs. Akers' brother, Eoyal
Smith, aged respectively twenty-six and twenty-one, both of whom
are still at home. Mrs. A. is a member of the Baptist church. Mr.
A. belongs to the A. F. and A. M.
JOHN E. BLANK,
farmer, section 16. In 1852 when Nicholas and Catharine Blank came
to America? from Bavaria, Germany, John E., their sou, was a lad
eleven years of age, he having been born in their native country, Sep-
tember 22, 1843. They first stopped in Moniteau county, but the
following spring settled near where John E. now lives. There the
father died April 8, 1878, but the mother is still living and resides on
their homestead. John, after he grew up, was married June 4, 1868,
to Miss Margaret Cleckner, of this county, and engaged extensively in
the life of a farmer. This he has since followed with excellent suc-
cess. He has a good farm of 200 acres comfortably improved, and
devotes his attention mainly to grain growing, and raises some stock.
They have a family of six children, Emma, Bertha, John J., Nicholas
H., Louisa L., and Oscar O. During the war, Mr. Blank served
three months in the regularly enrolled militia. He was with the
squad of eleven engaged in looking for a stray mare when Bill An-
derson's command fell on them, and killed seven of the eleven. Mr.
Blank is a member of the Evangelical church.
•
SAMUEL CARPENTER,
farmer, section 24. In 1819, Samuel Carpenter, the father of the
subject of this sketch, then under twenty-one years of age, came to
Cooper county from Kentucky, and the following year was married at
Clark's Fork, to Miss Sarah Lougley. This union proved along and
happy one, and was blessed with twelve children, of whom Samuel,
Jr., was the eighth. They were as follows : Andrew M., Henry,
Susan, Calvin, William, Mary J., James T., Samuel, Gabriel, Sarah,
George and Ellen. Nearly all of these grew to maturity and become
heads of families, but now only four are living, Andrew M., Samuel,
Gabriel and George. The parents after their marriage settled in what
is now Prairie Home, but two years afterward went to the praifle
near Pisgah, and lived there, except one year, in Benton county, un-
til their deaths. The mother died May 5, 1862, in her fifty-seventh
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1117
year; the father, April 30, 1868, in his sixty-eighth year. In 1849
he went to California, and was satisfactorily successful there, return-
ing in less than two years afterwards. He was also a successful
farmer, and at his death had a landed estate of about 500 acres.
Samuel, the son, was born near Pisgah, August 5, 1835, and was
reared on his father's farm. October 22, 1856, he was married to
Miss Lucy Dooley, of Miller county. She was born December 2,
1838. Samuel accompanied his father to Benton county, where he
entered laud and lived about two years. He then returned to Cooper
county, and has since resided here. In February, 1855, he bought his
present farm, containing 520 acres of fine land, which is well im-
proved. Besides this, he also owned 600 acres, which he has divided
among his sons. On his homestead he grows about 300 acres of grain
annually, about two-thirds of which is wheat. The balance is in blue
grass and meadow. Mr. Carpenter raises considerable stock, having
over' a hundred head of cattle, and some of them of a very tine quality.
He has a family of three sons and a daughter, William Henry, George
Andrew, Mason Rice and Martha Ellen. Another, Uriah G., died in
infancy. All his children have been educated at the Prairie Home In-
stitute. His wife, himself and family are members of the Baptist
"church at Pisgah. His children were born as follows: William H.,
September 4, 1857 ; George A., March 16, 1860 ; M. C, October 28,
1863, and Miss Martha E., July 28, 1868. Mr. Carpenter is one of
the most successful and enterprising agriculturalists of the county.
CALVIN M. CAREY, deceased,
late proprietor of Maple Grove farm. A man who led a useful and
blameless life, and of whom it might with truth be said that —
" Nothing in his life
Became him like the leaving it,"
was Calvin M; Carey, the subject of this memoir — a public-spirited
citizen, a valued neighbor, and a kind and affectionate husband and
father. Having had but little to begin life with for himself, by his
own honest exertions and personal worth he accumulated a comforta-
ble estate as a staff for old age, and reared a family that reflects credit
upon his name, and cherishes and venerates his memory. He was
born October 20, 1825, in the township where his whole life was
spent, and in whose bosom his remains are now sleeping to wake no
more —
" 'Till joy shall overtake
His perfect calm."
72
1118 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Mr. Carey was the third of a family of eight children of Evan
and Sallie (Burger) Carey, six of whom, two brothers and four
sisters, are now living : George and Alfred, and Ann, Sarah, Mary
and Bettie. The father died many years ago, but his mother is still
living at the age of seventy-eight. Reared on his father's farm in
youth, he attended such neighborhood schools as they had in those
days, and occupied much of his leisure time in study at home, thus
acquiring a good practical education. Farming, not unnaturally, be-
came his occupation for life, and in this he was abundantly successful,
leaving a splendid farm of some 500 acres at his death, on which his
family still resides. He also dealt, to a considerable extent, in mules
and other live stock. Mr. Carey was twice married. His first wife,
formerly Miss Mary Bruce, to whom he was married in early man-
hood, died in 1854. December 2, 1862, he was married to Miss Ma-
tilda T. Miller, a most estimable and amiable lady, originally of
Madison county, Kentucky, born June 6„ 1840. She was a daughter
of James E. and Harriet F. (Tevis) Miller, of Moniteau. Her father
died in 1846 and her mother in 1867. She has a brother at Sedalia,
Doctor Robert T. Miller. Mrs. Carey still survives her lamented
husband. They were blessed with a family of seven children : Estelle
E., Hattie M., Anna M., Maud T., Sallie B., Robert A. and George
C, the last of whom, however, died in childhood. All are at home,
and were educated at the Prairie Home institute. Their father was
an active, zealous friend to education, and was mainly instrumental in
building up the institution at which his children were educated. He
was for twenty years an earnest, sincere member of the Methodist
church, and on the 11th day of February, 1879, breathed his last,
triumphant in death in the faith which his life had so long and so
beautifully illustrated.
MAJOR DRURY DAVIS.
Major Drury Davis was one of the early settlers of Howard
county, Missouri. He emigrated from Wayne county, Keutucky, and
settled in Howard county, Missouri, in the fall of 1817, about three
miles southeast of where Fayette is now. He was one of the first
justices of the peace of Howard county. He was a great hunter. He
killed a great many deer, found a great many bees, and manufactured
a considerable amount of gunpowder. After about four years' resi-
dence in Howard county he emigrated to Cole county, Missouri, and
settled at a very noted spring about sixteen miles southwest of Jeffer-
son City, when that country was a wilderness. Soon after he settled
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1119
in Cole county, and he built a powder mill and manufactured a large
'quantity of gunpowder. He was justice of the peace, major of the
state militia, and represented Cole countv in the state legislature when
Cole included nearly all of what is now Moniteau and Miller counties.
In 1832 he removed to Cooper county, where he lived until 1843, en-
gaged mainly in farming. In 1843 he removed to Macon county,
Missouri, and engaged in farming and merchandising. He removed
back to Cooper county in 1856, where he remained until he died, in
the eighty-fifth year of his age, on the 10th of October, 1872.
O. P. DAVIS.
O. P. Davis, son of Major Drury Davis, was born in Wayne
county, Kentucky, on the 16th day of September, 1816. He was the
eldest of a family of sixteen children — twelve sons and four daugh-
ters. His mother's maiden name was East, daughter of Captain North
East, of Wayne county, Kentucky. She was iii many respects a very
remarkable woman. She carried the subject of this sketch in her lap
on a horse from Wayne county, Kentucky, to Howard county, Mis-
souri, when a boy one year old, expecting to bury him at almost every
encampment on the way, he being sick when they started, and sick all
the way. She raised all her children to be grown without calling a
doctor to see one of them. She was a woman of fine, practical sense,
and great resolution. She was for many years a devoted member of
the Baptist church, and for several of the last years of her life a worthy
member of the Christian church. The subject of this sketch grew up
in Missouri, when school facilities were very poor; but being passion-
ately fond of books from a child, and a close student during the early
years of his life, he managed to acquire a fair English education. He
became a member of the Baptist church at Pisgah,- Cooper county,
Missouri, in 1837. He removed to Macon county, Missouri, in 1839,
with his youngest brother, Jeremiah Davis, when that part of the
country was almost a wilderness, undergoing the privations and hard-
ships incident to a frontier life. He was licensed to preach the gospel
by the Baptist church in the spring of 1842, and was regularly or-
dained in the spring or summer of 1843. He preached for the Baptist
church in that country with great acceptance until the spring of 1846,
when they accused him of preaching what they called Campbellism,
and decided that he should preach no longer for them. He preached
but little from that time until the fall of 1848, when he identified him-
self with the Christian church, and has been engaged in the work of
the ministry ever since. His labors were confined chiefly to Macon
1120 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
county until the spring of 1857, when he removed to Cooper county,
Missouri, and was for several years the only Christian preacher in
Cooper county. He has been instrumental, in a large measure, in
establishing and building up the Christian church in Cooper county
since 1857, and also in Moniteau and Miller counties. He was married
on the 12th day of September, 1843, to Miss Sally L. Robinson,
daughter of Samuel E. Robinson, of Mercer county, Kentucky. They
have raised eight children — four sons and four daughters — one now
dead and seven living, all members of the Christian church. He is
still farming and preaching, though, owing to feeble health, is preach-
ing but little at this time.
U. E. & D. L. DAVIS,
general merchants, Prairie Home. The business of the above named
firm was established by the senior partner, Mr. Urban E. Davis, in
February, 1881, and in January, 1882, his elder brother, Drury, L.,
became his partner, since which it has been conducted under the
name of U. E. & D. L. Davis. Drury L. was the second and Urban
E. the fifth of a family of eight children, the former born March 29,
1849, and the latter July 20, 1852, both in Macon county, Missouri.
Both had the advantages afforded by the common schools, and Drury L.
attended the state normal school at Kirksville three years. He entered
the normal school in 1869 and concluded his studies there in 1873,
having taught a three months' school at Newburg and an eight
months' school at Salisbury in the meantime. After his normal
course he taught two terms at New Salem, followed by four years'
teaching at Prairie Home. He then taught two years at Pisgah and
another year at Prairie Home, after which he became a partner with his
brother in their" present mercantile business. While teaching he also
conducted a farm of eighty acres near Pisgah. He was married
August 1, 1878, to Miss Florence M., daughter of Charles B. Frank-
lin, of Prairie Home. She was born September 10, 1860. They have
two children: Maud, born August 9, 1879, and Ida May, born Feb-
ruary 24, 1881.
Urban E. Davis, after quitting the farm at the age of twenty,
went to Texas in 1872 and engaged in school teaching there, but re-
turned the following year and farmed until 1880. He then went
back to Texas and established a mercantile business at Mill Sap that
state, with his cousin, Drury Davis. Returning to Missouri in a
couple of months after this, he thereupon, in February, 1881, estab-
lished the store at Prairie Home, in which he is now a partner. His
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1121
cousin subsequently died in Texas, leaving their business there with-
out a manager, and on account of that event he went to Mill Sap and
closed it out, since which he has devoted his whole attention to his
Prairie Home interests. They carry a large stock of general mer-
chandise, and have an extensive and rapidly increasing trade. Both
are thoroughly qualified business men and are justly popular as neigh-
bors and citizens. They are members of the Christian church, and
Drury L. is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
FRANK M. DAVIS.
Frank M., son of Major Drury and Nancy P. (East) Davis, was
born in Cooper county, Missouri, April 4th, 1836. When he was nine
years of age his parents removed to Macon county, where Frank M.
grew up to his nineteenth year. He then returned to Cooper county
and was engaged in farm labor at the time of the outbreak of the war.
He thereupon enlisted in the Confederate service, in the 2d Missouri
cavalry, under Colonel McCuIloch, and remained with his regiment
until its final surrender in 1865, participating in all the battles in
which it was engaged. At the close of the war he returned to Cooper
county and was married November 16, 1865, to Miss Emeline,
daughter of William Hurt. He then bought a part of the Logan
farm, on which he lived seven years, after which he removed to the
old Davis homestead near Jewett's mill. He remained on this place
until 1881, when he removed to his present farm, which contains 240
acres of excellent land in a good state of improvement. Mr. Davis
is an industrious intelligent farmer and a good neighbor and citizen.
Three children have blessed his married life — Katie, Albert S. L.,
and Addie. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Christian church, and her
husband is overseer of the P. of H. at Fairview.
CHARLES C. ELDRIDGE,
farmer, section 2. Mr. Eldridge is native of Rhode Island, and was
born at East Greenwich, Kent county, of that state, September 29,
1840. He was a son of Charles and Sarah Eldridge. At the age of
sixteen he came west and lived in Wisconsin about three years, where
he learned the machinists* trade, at Beloit. Returning to his native
•tate in 1861, he enlisted in the 1st Rhode Island battery, in which he
served three months. After this he enlisted for three years in the
4th Rhode Island, and was subsequently promoted to the position of
lieutenant. At Petersburg, Va., he was wounded in the shoulder
by a minnie ball. At the conclusion of his military service, he re-
1122 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
turned to his trade and worked at Providence, Ehode Island, at
Cleveland, Ohio, and at East Greenwich, his birth-place. In 1866 he
came to Missouri and worked with his brother, James. He was mar-
ried December 23, 1869, to Miss Martha A., daughter of North
Davis. She was born in Macon county, and her father having died
was reared by her grandfather, Drury Davis. About this time he
bought the Talbot place, and has since added to it until now he owns
250 acres of fine land, substantially improved. He grows over 100
acres of grain and raises some stock, principally cattle, hogs and
sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge have a family of eight children,
James S., Lucy S., Elizabeth D., Margaret A., Charles C, Anna M.,
Mary F., and an infant. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M.,
and of the Christian church.
NEWTON A. GILBREATH,
farmer, section 25. One of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of
Prairie Home township is the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch. His farm contains over three-quarters of a section of good
land, and he gives his attention to both grain and stock raising, mainly
cattle and hogs in the stock line. He was born on the farm where he
now and has since lived, November 11, 1834. His father, Hugh Gil-
breath, who was a native of Virginia, came to this county from
Tennessee, in 1827, and principally improved the place. He first
bought a tract of land of eighty acres of William Martin, and then
the following year eighty more of Jesse Martin, to which he
after added other tracts until at his death, January. 21, 1852, and
many years before, he owned about 800 acres. Newton A. was a son
by his father's second marriage. By the first marriage there were
six children : John, Jane, Catherine, Nancy and two others. Their
mother, formerly a Miss Conover, died before the family came to this
state. After her death their father married Miss Flora McDuffy,
originally from South Carolina, but then a resident of Tennessee.
Twelve children were the fruits of this union, of whom N. A. was
the eighth, as follows : James C, Derinda, Hugh F., Mary A., Nancy
E., William M., Louisa, Newton A., Alfred W., Flora L., Thomas J.
and Minerva. Seven of these are still living, and most of them
became heads of families. Newton A. in common with the other
children, received an ordinary good education as he grew up, and was
married November 18, 1863, to Miss Logie A. daughter of Logan
Forsythe, an early settler of the county. He has had charge of the
farm since his father's death, and owns the homestead tract. During
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1123
the war Mr. G. was taken prisoner by the Unionists and confined in
St. Louis and Alton military prisons some time, after which he was
released on parole on condition that he would remain in Illinois. He
was absent from home about one year. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbreath have
no children of their own, but have three that they are rearing :
Joseph Potter, aged thirteen ; Lizzie McArthur, aged twelve, and
Ellis Hoden, aged seven. Mrs. G.'s father was killed when she was
less than a year old. Her mother is now the wife of John R.
Williams.
CAPTAIN ALBERT HORNBECK,
farmer. Captain Hornbeck, assessor of Cooper county, and for a
number of years a prominent merchant of the eastern part of the
county, at Prairie Home, was born in Saline township August 30,
1840. He was a grandson of Michael Hornbeck, who came to this
county from Tennessee with his family as early as 1814, and built
the second house ever erected in Boonville. In 1817 Michael Horn-
beck settled the Muir farm, near Boonville,- and afterwards removed
to Saline township and opened the farm where 'Squire Freeman now
lives. He died about 1858, his wife having preceded him in death
some ten years. They had nine sons and one daughter, most of
whom became heads of families. Andrew, their second son, and the
father of Captain Hornbeck, was born in May, 1814, in Tennessee,
just before his parents started for this country. He grew up here and
was twice married, rearing two families of children. His first wife,
formerly Miss Sallie Woods, to whom he was married about 1836,
was a daughter of Alexander and Nancy Woods, early settlers in the
county, from Tennessee. She had two sisters and five brothers, all but
two of whom are still living. She died about 1846, leaving five chil-
dren : Gilbert, Albert (the subject of this sketch), William, Riley and
Nancy. Gilbert died in bwyhood and William at the age of twenty-
four. His second wife was Elizabeth, a cousin of his first wife, and
daughter of Jesse Woods. Nine children followed this union : Jere-
miah, Jackson, Samuel, Thirza, Jesse, Michael, Robert, John and
Martha— all of whom are living in Saline township except Thirza and
Michael. In 1849 the father settled about a mile and a half east of
Prairie Home, where he lived a well respected life and was satisfactor-
ily successful as a farmer until his death. Albert, the second son by
the first marriage, grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in the
spring of 1861 enlisted in Captain Simmons' company, under Gover-
nor Jackson's first call. In the following August he entered the 10th
Missouri regiment as first lieutenant of Captain Barry\s company, in
1124 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER CODNTIES.
which he served until well along in the war, when he recruited a com-
pany of volunteers, of which he was elected captain. This he com-
manded until he was wounded in a charge at Mine Creek, Kansas.
Recovering, however, he rejoined the command, and served until the
general surrender. Coming here after the war, he was married Octo-
ber 11, 1866, to Miss Mary E., daughter of William McClanahan, of
this county. She was born October 22, 1842. They have a family
of five children: Gilbert, Hattie E., Sallie, Charles M.,died in infan-
cy, William A. and Jessie Lee. Captain Hornbeck has followed farm-
ing all his life, except while in the army, and from 1869 to 1878,
during which time he was merchandising. He lived three years in
Henry county — 1867, 1868 and 1869 — and one year in Texas — 1878.
He has a neat, comfortable farm at Prairie Home. In 1882 he was
elected county assessor for two years. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church and of the A. F. and A. M.
WASHINGTON A. JOHNSTON,
farmer. Between 1817 and 1821 four brothers, Garvin, Robert B.,
Alexander and James, the sons of Alexander and Margaret (Barnett)
Johnston, came out from the chivalric Palmetto state of the south and
made their homes in Missouri, the first in Jackson county, and the
other three in Cooper county. Robert B. came in 1819, and in 1824
was married to Miss Elender, daughter of William and Nancy (Pern-'
berton) Powell, of this county. On coming to the county Robert B.
Johnston settled on a claim he bought, and improved, an excellent
farm, afterwards adding to it until it contained 240 acres of fine laud.
There he lived a quiet, industrious and honorable life, and died in 1868
at the advauced age of ninety-three. He was an old-time Jackson
democrat, strongly southern in sympathies, and for sixty years a
ruling elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His wife is
still living at the age of eighty-three. They lived together within a
fraction of sixty years, and reared seven children, all of whom are
still living, there having been but one death in the family, that of the
father, since they were married. Their family of children consisted
of one son, the eldest, and six daughters, as follows : Washington A.,
the subject of this sketch ; Nancy J., wife of Asa McClaiu, in Carroll
county; Martha R., wife of Rev. W. D, Mahan ; Mary Barnett, wife
of Judge J. S. McFarland ; Elizabeth A., wife of Henry Howard,
Carrollton ; Margaret E., wife of F. M. Smith, and Susan E., wife of
James Parsons. Washington A. was born January 1, 1825, on the
farm upon which he still lives, and received an ordinary, good educa-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1125
tion in youth. April 20, 1848, he was married to Miss Martha,
daughter of William Hunt, of this county. She was born January 4,
1829. They have two children : Nancy, wife of William J. Lacy, and
Jennie L., still at home. Both were educated at Prairie Home insti-
tute, and the latter filled the position of music teacher at that school.
Mr. Johnston joined General Price's army in 1861, but was captured
three months afterwards and paroled. He remained true to his pa-
role until the close of the war. He is a worthy and exemplary mem-
ber of the Christian church, and a warm friend to education. His
farm contains 320 acres of excellent land. Mr. Johnston is one of
the sterling, true and staunch men of Cooper county.
JOHN S. JOHNSTON,
farmer, section 2. James and Martha (Brown) Johnston, the parents
of John S., emigrated from Tennessee in 1818, and settled in Clark's
Fork, in this county, where the father afterwards died about 1870,
his wife having preceded him to the grave during the late war. There
were six children — John S. being the eldest — as follows: John S.,
Hugh, James B., Joseph R., Mary and Ann. Mary married North
Davis, and died prior to 1860. Ann married William Parsons, and
died about 1868. John S., the eldest, was born before his parents
left Tennessee, in Warren county, October 25, 1816, but was reared
in this county. Reared on a farm, he devoted himself to a farm life,
and followed that occupation first in Morgan and Pettis counties after
he grew up, where he had entered 200 acres of land. Subsequently
he lived a year in Macon county, and, after his marriage, settled near
Prairie Home, where he owned a 200 acre tract of land. In October,
1855, he engaged with his brother Hugh in merchandising at Otter-
ville, Missouri, and followed it for four years. He then came to his
present farm, which contains over a quarter section of good land. He
raises wheat principally, but also raises other cereal products and
some stock. He was married October 14, 1850, to Miss Nancy C.
Zollinger, originally of Frederick county, Maryland. She was a
daughter of George Zollinger, who came to this county in 1818. They
have three children : James, married Kate Gilbreath, now residents of
Prairie Home township ; Kate attended Haynes' school, of Boonville;
and George attended Prairie Home school. The last two are at home.
Mr. J. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and was a school director for
ten years.
REV. H. D. KENNEDY,
Cumberland Presbyterian minister. Rev. H. D. Kennedy was born
in Todd county, Kentucky, September 1, 1837. His father was
1126 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Hon. Urban E. Kennedy, and his mother formerly Miss Lavina
Bryan, both natives of the same state. They were married in that
state, and lived in Todd county until their deaths. The father was a
prominent citizen of the county, and was for several terms a member
of the state legislature. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-
three. The son, H. D., was educated at Bethel college, Tennessee,
from which he graduated in 1858. He has been a life-long member
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and commenced his ministry
in Tennessee and Kentucky. In 1871 he came to Verona, Lawrence
county, Missouri, and had charge of the church there nearly three
years. He then assumed control of the church at Independence,
Missouri, and remained there a year ; after this he went to Columbus,
Johnson county, and occupied the pulpit at that place until 1876.
From Columbus he came to Otterville, and served the congregation
there until 1880, when he took charge of the New Salem, Bethel and
New Bethlehem churches, and made his home at Prairie Home, where
he has since resided. Rev. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Pres-
byterian committee on theological examinations of candidates for ad-
mission to the ministry of the New Lebanon presbytery, and is also
chairman of the home missionary committee. He was married in
Christian county, Kentucky, February 24, 1861, to Miss Antoinette
Barnette, but she died August 17, 1873. About five years afterwards,
March 28, 1878, he was married a second time. His present wife
was the widow of George W. Stevens, brother to the late Colonel
Joe L. Stevens. Her maiden name was Mary E. Morris ; she was a
daughter of William Walter and Sarah E. (Spenney) Morris, and was
born March 2, 1847. Mr. Morris came to Cooper county early in
life, and for many years was a prominent merchant of Boonville. He
and his wife were both natives of Virginia ; her father, Weeden
Spenney, ran a mill near Bnnceton, and was well know and highly
esteemed throughout the country where he lived. He had but two
children, both daughters, and both married, Miss Morris, the younger
daughter, having become his wife after the death of her elder sister.
The present Mrs. Kennedy is the only living representative of either
the Spenney or Morris families in this state, except her daughter by
her first marriage, Miss Celeste Stephens, aged seventeen, now at-
tending school at Boonville. Weeden Spenney died in 1859 ; Mr.
Morris died in Texas about 1855 ; his wife, Sarah E:, died September
14, 1848 ; Mrs. Kennedy's first husband, George W. Stephens, died
July 29, 1874. Rev. Mr. Kennedy has one sister in this state, Mary
E., widow of Rev. J. H. Niskell, late of the Cumberland Presbvte-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1127
rian church at Salem, Illinois. She now resides in Lexington,
Missouri.
WILLIAM KIRSCHMAN,
farmer, section 8. Mr. Kirschman was born in the vicinity in which
he now lives October 21, 1841. He was the fourth of a family of
nine children of Ernst Kirschman and wife, formerly Miss Anna Muri.
His father was a Prussian by nativity, but his mother was originally
from Switzerland. They were married in Ohio, and removed to Mis-
souri and settled in Cooper county in 1835. The father died here in
1854 ; the mother survived the husband nearly thirty years, dying
January 23, 1883. The following were their family of children : Mary
A., now the wife of G. H. Meyer, of California, Missouri ; Caroline, now
wife of J. N. E. Moser, of the same place ; Thomas, residing at
Jimtown ; William, the subject of this sketch; John, residing at
Jimtown ; Henry, residing in Cole county ; Charles, residing on the
old family homestead ; Elizabeth, widow of A. L. Maas ; and Ernst,
residing near William. The father had no brothers or sisters, and his
descendants are the only ones known of the name. William grew up
on his father's farm, and when the war came on was old enough for
military duty. He joined the 5th Missouri state militia, commanded
by Colonel Albert Siegel, in which he served two years. He then
turned his- attention to farming, and was married March 22, 1865, to
Miss Matilda, a daughter of Christopher and Ruth (Martin) Jahn, of
Moniteau county. She was born February 28, 1843. After farming
a year, Mr. Kirschman ran a saw, grist and carding mill three years,
in Cole county. He then, in 1868, bought land at Prairie Home and
farmed there until 1881, when he came to his present place, a good
farm of 160 acres of land, known as the " Hanshaw farm." He
raises nearly 100 acres of grain annually, and also raises some stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirschman have a family of eight children. Henry G.
died November 22, 1882, in his seventeenth year. The others are as
follows ; Mary A., Elsie J., Benjamin F., Wm. O, Emma R., Ernst
M., Ida L. and Charles P.
ARCHIBALD J. LACY, M. D.,
physician and surgeon. The Lacys and the Johnstons are two well-
known and worthy families of the Old Dominion, members of each of
which occupy prominent places in the history of that state. Of these
families, Dr. Lacy, the subject of this sketch, for over thirty years a
practising physician of this section of the state, is a direct descendant
and lineal representative. William Lacy was the founder of the first
1128 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
named family in this country, a native of England as his name implies.
He had six sons, Archibald being one of these. Archibald settled in
Kent county, Virginia, and reared a family, of whom Theophilus and
William Adam were his two sons. William A. became a physician,
married and reared a family. His wife was formerly Miss Agnes
Johnston, whose family is too well known to require further notice.
They reared five children, of whom Dr. Archibald J., the subject of
this sketch, was the only son. In 1836 the family came to this state
and settled in Cole county (the part that is now in Moniteau), and in
1851 they removed to Saline county. Subsequently they went to
Vernon county, where Dr. William A., the father and his family still
live. Archibald J. was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, July
25, 1823, and came with his parents to Cole county, this state, in
1836. He was educated in the common schools of his native state
and of Cole (now Moniteau) county, and studied medicine under his
father, a very able and successful physician. In 1848 he entered
McDowell's medical college, at St. Louis, and was graduated from
that celebrated institution in 1850. He then entered upon the prac-
tice of his profession in Monitqau and Cooper counties, and soon ac-
quired an enviable reputation as a skilful and thorough physician.
He has since been engaged in the practice in the surrounding country
with but few intermissions of only a short time each. In 1863 he
entered the Confederate army as contract surgeon in Shelby's brigade,
and continued there until the close of the war. He then practised at
Clark's Fork, this county, until 1879, when he came to Prairie Home,
where he has since lived. Dr. Lacy has been twice married. His
first wife, formerly Miss Mary L. Winston, originally of Stokes
county, North Carolina, when he married in Platte county, Missouri,
February 25, 1846, died October 24, 1848. April 1, 1851, the doctor
was again married, Miss Julia A., daughter of Dr. R. W. M. Gale, of
this county, becoming his wife. She was born in Booliville, April 21,
1832. His last wife died, June 28, 1870. Of -the first union there is a
son : William J. married Miss Nannie S. Johnston and resides near
Prairie Home. Of the second wife there were three children : Robert
A. married and subsequently died July 18, 1878 ; George G., married
and resides in Saline township ; and Agnes G., died January 3, 1875,
near Salado, Texas. The doctor has been a member of the A. F. and
A. M. for ten years and is secretary of the Prairie Home lodge. He
has a picture of his father, himself, his son and his grandson — the
eldest sons in lineal descent for four generations.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1129
FRANK S. MENEFEE,
farmer, section 24. Mr. Menefee is a representative of two of the
most respectable families of northeastern Kentucky, the Menefeesand
Aliens. His father was Dr. Jonas Menefee, for over forty years one
of the prominent physicians and leading citizens of Nicholas county,
and his mother, formerly Miss Jane Q. Allen, was a daughter of Jud^e
Allen, of Paris, Bourbon county. Frank S. was born in Paris, Ken-
tucky, January 30, 1825, but was reared in Corlish, Nicholas county,
where his parents lived, and near which his father owned a fine farm.
His mother, however, died when he was about ten years of age, and
his father was married twice afterwards. The second wife, formerly
Miss Maria Hedges, lived only a short time after her marriage, and
after her death his father married Miss Nancy Thomas. Dr. Menefee
died September 13, 1866, and his last wife in 1879. There were but
four in his family of children, and two of them, Laura and John Allen,
died before reaching their tenth year. The eldest, Grosjean, died in
1849, at the age of twenty-seven. All were children of the first mar-
riage. Frank M. was educated for a physician, but his natural inclina-
tion led him to prefer the life of a farmer. ' In 1846, however, his
youthful enthusiasm led him to enlist for service in the Mexican war,
but the company was never called into the field. Animated by a spirit
of adventure, he then came west to Leavenworth, Kansas, and there
entered the service of the Government and drove a team across the
plains into Chihuahua, Mexico. He was out on this trip about
eighteen months. He then engaged in driving stock south, but after-
wards returned to Kentucky, and on the 28th of September, 1849, was
married at Aberdeen to Miss Mary, the accomplished daughter of
Colonel Hamilton. Her father had been a gallant officer in the war of
1812. Mr. Menefee then followed farming in his native county until
1860, when he removed to Knox county, this state. But three years
afterwards he returned to the Blue Grass state, and in 1868 came out
to Missouri again and settled on his present farm, the Jesse McFarlaud
farm, as it is called, a fine estate of over 400 acres, handsomely lo-
cated and comfortably improved. Here he has since lived and fol-
lowed grain and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee have a family
of four children : Charles, married Miss Lizzie Taylor, of Saline
county, and resides near Pilot Grove ; John A., farming in Colorado ;
Miss Laura, at home, and William H., in stock business in Nevada;
Jonas and Samuel G., both at home. Mrs. M. and Miss Laura are
members of the Christian church, and the latter received a superior
education at the Prairie Home Institute.
1130 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
FRANK SIMMONS.
It was about 1830 that Bell Simmons, the grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, emigrated from North Carolina with his family,
and settled in Moniteau county. He lived in that county until his
death, which occurred about 1844. His wife, whose maiden name was
Ellen Hawkins, survived him some twenty-five years, dying in Henry
county, this state, in 1869. They had a family of five children.
Nancy, became the wife of John Murphy, but both she and her
husband are now deceased. Kelly, the father of Franklin, to be
noticed further along ; Noah died in Texas about six years ago, leaving a
widow, formerly Miss Lucy Vivion of Moniteau county, Missouri;
William, married Miss Calphurnia Alexander and died about four years
ago in Henry county, and Litia, wife of William Deatherage. Kelly
Simmons, the second of these, after he grew up, was married August
21, 1833, to Miss Malinda, daughter of Thomas and Margaret
(Yount), Smith, mention of whom is made in the sketch of Jeremiah
Smith, their son. Mrs. Simmons was born in Tennessee, March 21,
1816. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons reared a family of ten children, of
whom Franklin is the youngest, as follows : Thomas, resides at
Prairie Home ; Manson B., resides in Barton county ; Margeret E., wife
of Richard Hudson, Tipton, Missouri; Martha J., wife of Henry
Shores of Salem, Missouri, but died in 1875; Susan A., wife J. S.
Shores, Brownsville, Missouri ; Joseph H., resides near Fort Worth,
Texas, Ephraim, resides in Prairie Home township ; William, on a part
of the old homestead ; Richard T., resides near Flora Orr, and Frank-
lin. The father of these commenced in life a poor man, and by industry,
good management and fair dealing, accumulated a comfortable estate
long prior to his death, which occurred June 10, 1882. His home-
stead numbered 400 acres of fine land and he had it well improved.
He was a member of the Baptist church for nearly forty years and his
widow, a motherly good woman, partook of the communion with her
husband during all this time. She is still living where so many happy
years have been spent. Franklin, her youngest son, who was born
April 22, 1858, a young man of great industry, excellent character
and superior intelligence, has charge of the homestead part of the
farm, and is conducting it with the most gratifying success. He was
educated at Prairie Home institute and has every promise of becoming
one of the successful farmers and useful citizens of the county.
JEREMIAH SMITH,
farmer, section 19. One of the oldest citizens of Cooper county,
and one whose life has been such that in the past he can find nothing
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1131
to regret; in the future, nothing to fear, is the venerable old gentleman
whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Campbell county,
Tennessee, May 16, 1810. His father, Thomas Smith, was a native
of Virginia, but in early life made his home in Tennessee, where he
met and won in marriage Miss Margaret Yount, originally of North
Carolina. Eight years after the birth of Jeremiah they started by
wagon in a ti-ain of pioneers consisting of five families — James and
Henry McKinney, Dave Chambers, William Poe, and themselves —
across the country to the frontier of civilization — the territory of
Missouri. Mr. Smith's parents settled in Old Franklin, and six
years afterwards, when the river swept the place away, they removed
to Moniteau (then Cole) county. His father was a brickmason, and
built most of the early brick houses in this section of the State. In
1830, he returned to Cooper county and entered a tract of 160 acres
of land near Prairie Home, now owned by N. Eeader, where he lived
until his death, which occurred in 1848. He entered other lands
besides that, and when he died owned about 1,000 acres. His wife
died in 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. They had a
family of eight children, Jeremiah being the eldest. The others were
Richard, now resides near Jefferson City; Maria, wife of P. W.
Bankson, but died about 1870 ; Matilda, married William Moore, in
Moniteau county, and died about twenty years ago ; Malinda, widow
of Kelly Simmons ; John, died in California about 1850; Boon, a
merchant at Belton, Cass county, died February 1, 1883, leaving
a widow and children ; and Mary, wife of C. C. Banta, of Henry
county. Jeremiah after he grew up started out in the world for him-
self by working for $100 a year, and thus secured money to enter
eighty acres oHand, which he did in 1837. The first winter he im-
proved forty acres, having but one horse to use on his place. From
this small beginning he increased his possessions to over 500 acres,
and after having giving lands liberally to his children he still has a
large and comfortable homestead. In 1839, he went to Louisiana in
the°horse and mule'busine*s, and has had considerable to do with stock.
He has entered lands in various parts of the state, and dealt to some
extent in real estate. Mr. Smith was married April 11, 1845, to
Miss Lititia C, daughter of Jesse George, of this county. She was
born March 1, 1823. They also have had a family of eight children —
Thomas E., who married Mary Wall, and lives in Cass county;
George A., married Dora Williams, of Bates county; Martha E.,
married Joseph Franklin, of Bates county ; Robert B., married Katie,
■ daughter of James Boswell ; Alice, William A., John H., and Josie.
1132 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
Lee, are still at home, and all were educated at the Prairie Home
Institute. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian church.
OTTO SPIELER,
farmer, section 3. Mr. Spieler was born in Saxony, Prussia, March
4, 1836, and came to this county with his parents, Andrew and Do-
rothea (Rise) Spieler, in 1846, who settled in Cooper county on the
place where they still reside. Both were born in 1802, and at the age
of eighty-one are still comparatively vigorous in mind and bod}', and
now live with their son, Otto. When a youth, between fifteen and
nineteen, Otto clerked in Boonville for Calhoun & Bacon, about three
years, from 1851 to 1853. During the war he served about five
months in the regularly enrolled militia; was first lieutenant in com-
pany E, 52d Missouri, and was in the skirmish at Big Lick
when seven out of his squad of eleven were killed. He made his
escape with only a slight wound, but ran two and a half miles hotly
pursued, and wounded one of his pursuers by firing back while run-
ning. July 2, 1865, Mr. Spieler was married to Miss Margaret Young,
a native of Indiana. She was horn at Goshen, that state, January 1,
1850. They have a family of eight children : Minnie, Elizabeth,
Ernst, Otto, Henry, Laura, Bertha and Elsa. His farm contains 300
acres, and he raises over 100 acres of grain, principally wheat, and
some stock, mainly sheep, hogs, horses and mules. Mr. S. was jus-
tice of the peace in 1881 and 1882, and is now road overseer. He is
a member of the Evangelical church.
S. M. TEEL, M. D., and JOHN M. POINDEXTER, M. D.,
constitute the firm of Teel & Poindexter, physicians and surgeons
at Prairie Home. Dr. Samuel M. Teel, the senior partner of the
above named firm, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, January
4, 1851, and was a son of Samuel M. Teel, Esq., and his wife, form-
erly a Miss Agnes Johnson, a daughter of Capt. Collin Johnson, who
settled in Cooper county, near Otterville, where he lived until his
death. The doctor is the sixth of a family of thirteen children, all
of whom are still living, but he is the only one now a resident of this
state. He took an academic course in the university of Virginia, and
in 1874 entered the medical department of that university, from which
he was graduated with distinction two years afterwards. In Novem-
ber, 1876, he came to Missouri, and was associated with Dr Wm. H.
Ellis in the practice in this county two years, after which, on the 2d ot
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1133
September, 1878, he located at Prairie Home. Here his thorough
qualifications as a physician, his close attention to the practice, and his
gentlemanly, unexceptionable bearing have ingratiated him into the
confidence and esteem of the public, and justly brought him and his
worthy associate an extensive and lucrative practice. He was mar-
ried, November 5, 1879 to Miss Nettie P., the accomplished daughter
of John E. Williamson, of Saline township. She was born, June 20,
1861. They have a family of two bright and interesting children :
Agnes, born August 10, 1880, and Anna E., born March 4, 1882.
The doctor and his estimable lady are both members of the Baptist
church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Dr. John W.
Poindexter was also a son of the old Dominion, and was born at Char-
lottesville, November 1, 1851. His father, Dr. James W. Poindexter
is an old and prominent physician in that part of Virginia. His moth-
er was formerly Miss Mary J. Wayt, a most worthy and excellent lady.
The doctor received a superior general education, and entered the
Virginia medical college at Eichmond in 1872, from which he was
graduated with marked honor in March, 1875. He then entered
actively upon the practice of his profession in association with his
father at Charlottesville, and was afterwards located at White Hall,
but in 1860, came to the imperial west — the hesperian garden of
fortune for all young men of intellect, culture and energy, and joined
Dr. Teel in the practice at Prairie Home. Here his progress to promi-
nence as a physician, and to success in life has been rapid and
substantial, and gives promise of a bright and useful future.
MES. SAEAH S. THOMPKINS.
Mrs. Thompkins, daughter of William and Elizabeth H. (Stegar)
Robertson, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, September 27,
1806. Her father died when she was but seven years of age. Her
mother, however, who was of German descent, lived to an advanced
age. When in her twenty-second year, October 22, 1829, Mrs.
Thompkins, then Miss Eobertson, was married to Albert G. Thomp-
kins, a native of Flu viana county, Virginia, born August 22, 1779,
and a nephew to Hon. George Thompkins, who founded the first law
school at St. Louis ever established west of the Mississippi river. No
children were born of this union. Two years after their marriage
they determined to come west to seek their fortune, and, accord-
ingly in 1831, came by wagon across the Alleghanies and into the
heart of the great interior valley of the continent, making their
home in Cooper county. The entire journey was made in a one-
73
1134 HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
horse wagon, which contained all their worldly possessions. Here,
in 1833, they entered eighty acres of land, putting up a cabin, in
which they lived some time without a chimney, doing their cook-
in"- out of doors. But they had brave hearts and willing hands,
and it was not long before the rewards of cheerful industry and
intelligent management began to accumulate. Their store of this
world's goods increased until in 1862, when Mr. Thompson was
called by the voice of God to enter npon that higher and better
life prepared for all his children. His estate was valued at $25,000.
He died the 12th of February, at the age of sixty-three, after a
more than ordinarily active and successful life, leaving behind as
many friends and as few enemies as seldom fall to the lot of man.
He kept a stage stand for many years, and was postmaster at
" Mednay," as the stand was called, during the whole time. The
war swept away sixteen negroes they owned, and otherwise dam-
aged their estate, but not so much as to embarrass it. Mr. Thomp-
kins was a member of the Methodist church south for thirty-six
years — since 1826. The farm is now being conducted by Mr.
Charles R. Scott, as manager, who was born in Potosi, Missouri,
August 4, 1847, and is a sou of Harold B. and Sarah J. (Chris-
ten) Scott, originally of Virginia. He was reared in St. Louis, and
in 1861 came to Cooper county, since which he has made his home
at Mrs. Thompkins. However, he was with Shelby from 1863
until the close of the war. He is W. M. of Prairie Home lodge,
A. F. and A. M.
JOHN ZIMMERMANN,
hardware and tin shop. Mr. Zimmermann was born in Hesse, on the
Rhine, January 3d, 1834, and, while he was in his infancy, his
parents, Wyatt and Barbara (Felker) Zimmermann, immigrated to
this country, and settled on the Monitean, in Moniteau county. His'
father died there in 1848, and his mother afterward married a Mr.
Witman. She died in Boonville in 1882, aged eighty-six. After his
father's death, in 1849, John went to St. Charles, where he served an
apprenticeship at the tinner's trade of seven years. July 13th, 1856,
he was married to Miss Lizzie Creekbaum, of that city. He then
worked on a farm two }'ears, and in 1858 returned to Cooper county,
and established a shop at Boonville. He continued here two years,
and in 1860 went to Fayette, where he remained until 1874, when he
returned to Boonville, and, in the summer of that year, located at
Prairie Home, and established his present business. He has a good
stock of goods in his line, and a satisfactory trade. His wife died
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1135
March 12th, 1874, having borne him six children, as follows: John
Henry, at Fayette; Agnes, Charles, William, Anna M., Emma and
Joseph M.
SALINE TOWNSHIP.
PHILIP M. BASS,
farmer. Mr. Bass was the youngest of a family of eight children of
Talbot and Sally (Lawrence) Bass, originally of Kentucky, but only
two of these are now living, the other being a sister, Julia A., the
widow of Alfred Windson, late of Moniteau county, Their mother
died when Philip M. was still a boy, and the father afterward married
Mrs. Agnes Campbell, a widow lady. She is still living, but he died
in 1859, in Moniteau county, this state. The family of children died,
as follows : Isaac went to California in 1842, and has never been
heard from since : Elizabeth died while a young lady ; Woodford died
of the cholera, on the river, in about 1854 ; Bradford was killed by
the militia during the war, while running the mill at Big Lick;
Catherine died in maidenhood, and Warren died in May, 1876, near
Overtown. Philip M. Bass was. born while his parents resided in
Platte county, this state, August 22d, 1843. He was reared to a
farm life, and in youth acquired the substantial rudiments of an edu-
cation. He was just old enough to enter the army when the war
broke out, in 1861, being then in his eighteenth year, and accord-
ingly he enlisted in the Confederate service, under Colonel McCul-
loch, and remained in that command until its surrender at Columbus,
Mississippi, in May, 1865. His brother, Warren, enlisted at the
same time, and they served together until the close of the war. Both
were in all the battles in which the command took a part, and both
were wounded ; Philip in the right shoulder, at Harrisburg, Missis-
sippi, by a minnie ball, and Warren in the wrist by a navy ball, at
Pea Eidge. Warren's wife, formerly Miss Eliza McClauahan, since
his death, has married James Broyles, of Saline township. Philip
married Miss Sallie, daughter of Adolph Smith, of Moniteau county,
February 26th, 1868. She was born January 16th, 1847. They
have had four children, Charles R., Columbus E., and Julia A. The
eldest died in infancy. Except during the war, Mr. Bass has been
constantly engaged in farming, and is an industrious farmer and well
respected citizen.
1136 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
SYLVESTER CALVERT,
proprietor of Cedar Ridge farm, section 7. Mr. Calvert, the owner
and proprietor of the above-named farm, was born on his father's
homestead, adjacent to the son's present place. February 17, 1833.
His Grandfather, John Calvert, was one of the pioneer immigrants to;
this county, settling in Jolly's Bottom with his family, from Tennes-
see, as early as 1813. He died there, in 1840, from the effects of an
accident received while assisting in " raising" a horse-mill for Gabriel
Brown, a near neighbor. His widow, whose maiden name was Dor-
cas Collin, subsequently married James Mahan, but she died a few
years afterwards, in 1847. Leonard Calvert, the father of Sylvester,
was a lad six years of age when his parents emigrated from Tennessee,
having been born' in 1807. After he grew up he was married to Miss
Roxy Morley. This union was a long and happy one, and was blessed
with the remarkably large family of sixteen children, fifteen of whom
ived to maturity, and fourteen of whom are still alive and have fami-
lies of their own. The parents died within two years of each other,
in Pettis county, of which they had been residents for many years, the
father passing away in his sixty-sixth year, and the mother two years
before. Of this family Sylvester was the third in priority of birth.
At the age of twenty-four he was married to Miss Lucretia F. Bell, of
Boone county, the date of their banns being the 7th of March, 1857.
She died, however, November 4, 1866, leaving three children : Roxy,
wife of Thomas Blackburn ; Ida and Lucretus, who died in his twelfth
year. In 1869, October 7, Mr. Calvert was again married, Miss
Frances H. Walker, of Virginia, becoming his wife. Five children
have resulted from this marriage, all of whom are at home : Elva L.,
Alice C, Emma J., Mary P. and Leonard W. Mr. Calvert's farm is
an excellent one, and is substantially improved. He raises some stock,
but devotes his attention mainly to, grain-producing, growing about
100 acres o'f wheat annually, and large quantities of corn and other
cereal products. He joined General Price's army while it was in this
state in 1864, and served until the end of the war. He is a member
of the Baptist church .
BRADLEY CAMPBELL.
William Campbell, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch,
was one of the early settlers of this county, having immigrated here
from Tennessee in 1820, whereupon he opened a farm in what is
known as Jolly's Bottoms, locating his residence on the bluff. He
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTJES. 1137
died about 1840. Bradley was about thirteen years of age when the
family removed to this state. He was bom in Cocke county, Tennes-
see, November 4, 1807. After attaining his majority he was married
August 21, 1829, to Miss Meeky, daughter of Samuel Hall. Her
father died in St. Louis while en route to this county. The following
year Mr. Campbell settled on his present farm, first entering eighty
acres, which he improved. Since then he has added to and improved
it until he now has a neat farm and comfortable home. Mr. and Mrs.
Campbell have been blessed with seven children : Samuel H., now of
Nebraska ; Clancy, Eliza, both early deceased ; Johannah, Smith, now
of Moniteau county ; John L. and William. Clancy, their second
daughter, is now the widow of E. H. Williams, and Johannah is the
wife of Levi Shepherd. William, Jr., the youngest of the family of
children, was born on his father's farm October 22, 1843. In his
twenty-third year, March 22, 1866, he was married to Miss Martha,
daughter of Samuel Kimbrough, now of Texas. They have one child,
a daughter, OUie, born April 2, 1867. William Campbell and wife
are members of the Baptist church at Big Lick. His mother died
September 24, 1879. She had been a member of the same denomi-
nation for over half a century, as has also his father, Bartley Camp-
bell.
JOHN M. CAMPBELL,
farmer, section 27. When, in 1861, the bugle-call of the south sum-
moned her brave sons to rally in defence of her hereditary institutions
and the firesides of all, the subject of this sketch, then just entering
upon the twenty-first year of his age, and fired with enthusiasm for
the land of his fathers, was one of the first of Missouri's gallant young
chivalry to enroll his name among those, who in defence of southern
rights and southern manhood, had " the heart to do " and if necessary
" the courage to die."" He at once became a volunteer in the 2d Mis-
souri cavalry under Colonel McCullough and followed the fortunes of
his command from the first shot it fired in the opening of the conflict
until its meteor-like banner faded from the heavens to be seen no more
forever. He participated in all the principal battles of the war in
which his command was engaged, and finally surrendered with it at
Columbus, Mississippi, in 1865. Keturning home in August, after the
surrender, he was married, the 2d of January following, to Miss
Mary E., daughter of Nathan Cooper, and at once established himself
on a farm, which he had rented in Moniteau county. Two years after-
wards he went to Nebraska, where he lived seven years, but in 1874
1138 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
returned to Cooper county and located on his present homestead, a
neat farm of about a quarter section of excellent land. He is princi-
pally engaged in wheat growing and raising marketable hogs, although
he raises other live stock and cereal products. Mrs. and Mrs. Camp-
bell have had a family of seven children : Jesse L., Dora M., Gray D.
and Ida H. are living. Lena F., William L. and Bradley are dead.
He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Campbell's
parents, Bradley and Meekey (Hall) Campbell, are among the oldest
and most highly respected residents of the county, and he is the fifth
of their family of six children, having been born at their homstead on
Saline creek March 24, 1841.
OSCAR P. CASE,
blacksmith and general repairer at Big Lick. Mr. Case is a native of
Illinois, and was born in Kane county, February 2, 1849. While still
a youth, his parents removed to Iowa, and, at the age of sixteen,
Oscar F. entered a blacksmith shop at Bradford, in that state, to
learn the ferreous art. After learning the trade there, he worked a
year at Waverly, and the following two years at Connor's Mills.
From the last named point he changed his location to Jewett's Mills,
where he worked about ten years. In 1879, leaving Jewett's Mills,
he came to Big Lick, where he has a large custom, and has established
for himself a wide reputation as a thorough mechanic. May 28, 1871,
Mr. Case was married to Miss Nancy, daughter of John Durnil, of
this county. They have four children : Julia, aged ten years ; An-
drew, aged seven years, and Wirt and Birt, twins, aged four years.
During the war Mr. C. enlisted in the Iowa hundred-day men volun-
teers, and served four months in Tennessee and Mississippi. His
parents, Hoad G. and Julia (Morris) Case, are still residents of
Iowa.
WILLIAM E. CLAYTON, Sr.,
farmer, section 5. William E. Clayton, who was born in Maryland,
December 16, 1826, was less than a year old when his parents, John
and Sarah (Leath) Clayton, immigrated to Missouri, and settled in
Clark's Fork township, six miles southwest of Boonville, in Cooper
county. They reared a family of six children : John M. ; Martha,
wife of John Gilbreath, of La Plata, Missouri; Nancy A., died with
her husband, Robert Hardcastle, in the Black Hills, on their way to
California, in 1852 ; William E- ; Susan, died in her seventeenth
year; and Charles Turner. The mother of these died in 1832, and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1139
the father, in 1858, on his homestead in. the bottom, one and a half
miles southeast of Overton, where he had settled a number of years
before. William E. Clayton married in his thirty-eighth year, Octo-
ber 4, 1854, Miss Lavina, daughter of Moses Street, formerly of
Virginia. She was spared to him nearly nineteen years, but was at
last taken away by death, May 7, 1873. Nine children are the fruits
of this long and happy union : Rachel Leath, wife of John Fitz-
patrick; Sarah, wife of D. C. Bell; James B., Charles, John W.,
Mary E., Lucy, Martha and Andrew Thompson. All but the first
two are still at home. In 1850 Mr. Clayton went to California, but
returned soon afterwards and followed farming in the bottom until
1862, when he settled on his present place. He has a good farm of
nearly a quarter section of land, about 100 acres, of which are in the
bottom, but the balance is on the bluff. He has been a member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church since 1867, and of the I. O. O.
F. since 1856.
MARTHA F. DRISKILL.
Mrs. Driskillwas a daughter of John and Nancy (March) Daven-
port, formerly of Kentucky, but later, residents of Boone county,
this state, both of whom are now deceased. She was born in Boone
county, October 10, 1835, and of the family of children of which she
was a member, but one is now living, William H., who resides with
her on her farm in this county. She first became the wife of John
Stone, of her native county, where they lived a number of years after
their marriage, but he died, in 1863, at Petersburg, Virginia. Four
children were the fruits of their union: William H., now in Texas;
Mary A. , widow of George Powell ; Nancy A, wife of Samuel Hickon,
and Susan H., wife of George Vaughn. After Mr. Stone's death his
widow, the subject of this sketch, was married, April 7, 1870, to
Moses Driskill, of this county, who was born October 26, 1827. He
was a widower at the time of his marriage to Mrs. Stone, his first
wife, previously Miss Sophia Turner, having died some years before.
By his former marriage there are four children ; Margaret, wife of
James Bruce, of Moniteau ; Missouri A., wife of Wesley Bruce ;
Henry and Sophia. Mr. Driskill, lately deceased, universally re-
gretted by all who knew him and deeply mourned by his family and a
large circle of friends. He was a man of the better qualities of mind
heart, and at the time of his death was a sincere and exemplary mem-
ber of the Baptist church. By her last husband Mrs. Driskill has a
family of three children ; Ruth P., aged twelve years; Ella Blanche,
aged ten years, and Mattie Pearl, aged eight years. Mrs. D. has been
1140 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
a member of the Christian church for the last twenty years. She now
resides on her farm in Saline township, a comfortable homestead of
nearly a quarter section of excellent land comfortably improved. Five
years ago they met with the misfortune of losing their dwelling and
all their household goods by fire — a fine residence — entailing a loss
of over $2,000, but they have put up a neat, substantial house in its
stead, and are rapidly recuperating from the loss so uufortunately vis-
ited upon them.
CHARLES L. EAGER,
farmer, section 21. Lewis Eager, the father of Charles L., is a name
familiar to all the old settlers of the eastern part of the county. He
was a native of Virginia, and was born in Louisa county, of that state,
in 1809. He settled in this county about the middle of the thirties,
opening a farm at Big Lick, and also engaged in milling there, which
he followed for over thirty years, or until within ten years of his death,
which occurred March 29, 1878. He married in Louisa county, Va.,
in early manhood, Miss Cynthia, a daughter of William D. Gooch,
becoming his wife. She preceded her husband in death nearly twenty
years, crossing the silent river to the unknown and echoless shore of
eternity April 30, 1859. They reared a family of four children, of
whom Charles L. is the youngest, viz. : John W., Mary L. V., wife
of H. C. Simms, Tyre H., and Charles L. Charles L. Eager, the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born at his father's farm May 5, 1850, and as
he grew up received a good ordinary education in the common schools.
In his twenty-sixth year he was married to Miss Rebecca J., eldest
daughter of Levi Shepherd, their marriage occurring February 17,
1876. The spring of the same year he settled on the farm where he
now lives, an excellent homestead of nearly 200 acres, nearly all of
which is under fence, and is otherwise substantially and comfortably
improved. He gives his attention to grain growing and stock raising,
in both of which he has satisfactory success. He has built an excel-
lent house and a good barn on his place, both of which are above the
average of farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Eager have a family of two
interesting children : Anna Lee, born January 27, 1878, and Lewis
Virgel, born August 6, 1881.
„ BLASIUS EFINGER,
farmer, section 1. Mr. Efiuger is a native of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, and was born January 25, 1830. He was a son of Matthew
Efiuger and wife, whose maiden name was Cardule. When twenty-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1141
four years of age he came to this country, and for four years made
his home iu Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Louisa Zellar, for-
merly of Wurtemberg, the date of their union being April 29th, 1858.
After their marriage they removed to Cooper county, this state, where
Mr. Efinger farmed on rented land and worked at Ennor's mill until
1863, when, having accumulated enough to buy a farm, he purchased
his present place and devoted his whole energy aud attention to grain
and stock raising, and to improving his place. His farm contains
250 acres of good land, and is a comfortable homestead, in good
condition. During the war he served four months in the M. and M.
in the second year of the war. He has a family of three children :
Mary Louisa, Louisa Caroline, and Henry E. Mrs. E. is a member
of the Presbyterian church.
J. ALBERT ELLIOTT,
farmer and stock raiser, section 2. Although a young man, Mr. El-
liott, as a new-era, educated and progressive farmer and stock man,
has done not a little and will doubtless do far more to advance and el-
evate the occupations in this county to which he is devoted. He has
an excellent farm of 350 acres, and gives it his undivided attention,
producing large quantities of grain and raising fine stock, particularly
horses aud mules. He began with the Norman stock of horses and
afterwards added the Clydesdales, procuring the finest representatives
of these breeds that could be had. For mule raising he also has the
best quality of stock, and by his enterprise in these lines he has done
much to improve the general average of the stock raised in the com-
munity. He was born in the neighborhood where he now lives, April
30, 1850, and was the second of three children of Henry and Laura
(O'Bryan) Elliott, who were married in 1847. The youngest of the
children, Henry, died in infancy, but the eldest, Mary E., is living,
and is the wife of John E. Willson, of Muncie, Indiana. The father
was a native of New York, but came to this county in early manhood
and lived here until his death, June 29, 1880. The mother was a
daughter of John O'Bryan, of this county. After their marriage
they lived oti the O'Bryan homestead until 1852, when they settled on
the farm where J. Albert now lives. The father, however, removed
to Boonville in 1864, but two years afterwards bought the William
Ragland farm, four miles east of Boonville, where he lived until his
death. The mother still survives her late husband, aud is now living
in Boonville. J. Albert, the subject of this sketch, received his edu-
cation in the Kemper family school at Boonville, in the St. Louis uni-
1142 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
versitv and the Cayuga Lake academy, of Aurora, New York, but had
to quit the latter before his graduation on account of his father's ill
health. November 1, 1870, he was married to Miss Nellie R. King, of
Cayuga county, New York, but she survived her marriage less than
three years, dying April 3, 1873. Some three years afterwards
Mr. Elliott was married, July 19, 1876, in Lafayette county, to Miss
AllineE., daughter of George W. Jones, of that county. They have
two children : Mary, born August 30, 1877, and Henry E., born Oc-
tober 4, 1879. After returning from college, Mr. Elliott was engaged
in farming two years, and then merchandised at Morrisville, Polk
county, about two years. On the death of his father he settled on
his present farm, where he has since lived. He has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity for ten years, and is a Royal Arch Mason. Mrs.
E. is a member of the Christian church.
C. E. ELLIS, M. D.,
at Big Lick. Dr. Ellis is a young physician who, after a thorough
preparatory course of reading, and a regular graduation in medicine
from one of the best institutions west of the Alleghanies, entered
upon the practice of his profession in 1881, in this county, and, con-
sidering the length of time he has been engaged in the practice, he has
succeeded in building up an unusually good patronage. He is a native
of this county and a son of Dr. William H. Ellis, an old physician
and a highly respected citizen of Prairie Home township. His
mother was formerly a Miss Ann M. Johnson, and C. E. is the third
of a family of four children : "William, Maine, C. E. and Anna. He
was born in Prairie Home township, December 16, 1857, and his
youth was employed with the ordinary duties about his father's home-
stead and in attending school. The more advanced acquirements of
his education were received at Prairie Home Institute and Parrish Insti-
tute. After completing his education he began the study of medicine
under his father, which he continued with diligence until he was pre-
pared to become a matriculate in a medical college. He then attended
a term of nine months in the medical department of the university of
Louisville, and afterwards continued his course there until his grad-
uation, which occurred in March, 1881. For the first six months
after the completion of his medical education he practiced with his
father at Prairie Home, but in July of the same year located at Big
Creek, where he has since been. Dr. Ellis was married November 9,
1882, to Miss Bettie Winterbower, sister to Dr. Winterbower. She
is a native of Hardin county, Missouri, and was born December
16, 1860.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1143
CHARLES W. ERHARDT,
farmer, section 2. Mr. Erhardt is another of the many farmers of
German birth, who have achieved success by their own personal
worth. He was a son of Andrew and Mary (Stein) Erhardt, who
emigrated from Germany, in 1836, to this country, and settled on the
"Ginger" farm, in Saline township, this county. In 1849, the
father went to California to dig a fortune out of the gold-decked Cor-
dilleras. He died there, however, within a few months after his ar-
rival. His widow, the mother of Charles W., resided with the latter
until her death, in 1872. The other members of their family of chil-
dren were, Augustus, who died December 25, 1881, in St. Clair coun-
ty, where he then lived ; Albert died in the fore-winter of the same
year in Henry county, of which he was a resident : and William re-
sides near Butler, Missouri. April 15, 1849, Charles W. Erhardt was
married to Miss Margaret Burger, originally of Bavaria, Germany.
They have( seven children, Herman, Sophia, wife of Henry Suanch ;
Mary, Charles, Caroline, Louis, and John. In 1844, Mr. Erhardt
located on his present homestead, which contains nearly a quarter sec-
tion of land. He is also interested in farming in St. Clair county,
where he has a farm of 200 acres. He is a typical representative of
his nationality, industrious, frugal and level-headed in his farming, as
well as in other matters — a substantial, valuable citizen of the com-
munity where he lives.
TYRE H. FARRIS,
farmer, section 7. Tyre H. Farris is a descendant of the third gene-
ration of one of the early settlers of Cooper county. James Farris,
his grandfather, came to this county with his family and settled in
Jolly's Bottom as early as 1822. He died there in 1845, but his wife,
formerly Miss Lydia Morley, survived him over thirty-five years, dying
in August, 1881, at the advanced age of seventy-five. Of their family
of seven children reared to maturity, James H., the father of Tyre,
was the second. At the age of twenty-five, James H. Farris was mar-
ried to Miss Zerelda J. Bell, of Chariton county, after which he con-
tinued to live on his parental homestead until his death, which occur-
red August 5, 1871. His widow still survives him, and lives with her
son, Tyre, on the farm. She has two other children living: Emma,
wife of James Mitchell, and Lydia, at home. One, Daniel B., the
eldest, is dead. Tyre was reared on the farm, and was married Sep-
tember 25, 1879, to Miss Marian, daughter of James Powell, of Jolly's
Bottom. She, however, was born in Bates county, where her father
1144 "HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
had removed before the war. Tyre was born August, 3, 1859. They
have one child, James W. Mr. Farris, although a young man, is an
enterprising and successful farmer, and manages his farm of over 250
acres with as much business judgment and energy as a farmer far
more experienced and advanced in years might be expected to do. He
grows annually about 120 acres of wheat, besides raising large quanti-
ties of corn and other products, and also considerable live stock.
Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
GEORGE F. FLUKE,
farmer, section 5. The subject of this sketch was born at Connor's
Mill, in this county, May 27, 1850, and is the second of a family of
three children of John and Louisa (Fisher) Fluke, the other two
being John W. and Mary E., wife of Z. R. Neal. The father is a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and a miller by trade. He came to this county
in 1838, when about twenty years of age, and has followed milling
here many years. Among other mills he has run is the Jewett mill,
which he run with Jewett a number of years. The mother is a native
of Monroe county, Illinois. When quite young she came to this county,
and was partly reared in the family of Leven Cropper, then living
near Overton. There she met and married Mr. Fluke, and they have
since continued to reside in this county, where they have reared their
family. George F., the second son, was brought up to the occupa-
tion of a. farmer, which he has since followed. He was married March
13, 1872, to Miss Eliza A., only daughter of Walter and Mary J.
Givens. They have two children : Andrew Jackson, aged nine years,
and Mary Lou, aged three years. The mother of these was born Jan-
uary 7, 1852. He now has a farm of nearly 300 acres, about 200
acres of which is fine bottom land, the balance being on the bluff. He
raises grain and stock in a general way, giving his attention princi-
pally to wheat, of which he produces large quantities for the market,
He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterjan church.
JAMES MADISON FREEMAN,
farmer and stock raiser, section 25. 'Squire Freeman settled in this
county in 1840, and was originally from Madison county, Kentucky
having been born there August 19, 1813. When he was twelve year
of age, however, he was brought by his parents, Jonathan and Ann:
(Coulton) Freeman, to this state, who emigrated to Boone county ii
1825, and settled near Columbia, wfiere the mother died in 1837, am
the father in 1853. They were both natives of North Carolina, bu
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1145
*
came out to Kentucky early in life, and were married in the last named
state. They had a family of nine children — six sons and three daugh-
ters— but three of whom are now living, and of those 'Squire Free-
man is the eldest. William, the next youngest to the 'squire and the
fifth of the family, is a resident of Tipton, Missouri, and Caroline is
the widow of Eolla West, and resides in Pettis county. 'Squire Free-
man received a good education while he was growing up, and when he
came to Cooper county taught school here five or six years. March 31,
1846, he was married to Miss Rebecca A., daughter of Michael Horn-
beck, who came to this county in an early day and settled on the farm
the 'squire now owns. He died before the war. He and his wife,
Lydia, reared a family of nine children — eight sons and one daugh-
ter. But one son, Robert, and Mrs. Freeman are all that are now
living. Robert lives in Texas. 'Squire and Mrs. Freeman have a
family of four children : James M., aged twenty-four years ; Lona,
aged twenty-two years ; William Robb, aged twenty years, and Ho-
gan, aged fifteen years. The two elder have received collegiate educa-
tions. James M. graduated from Kemper's school, of Boonville.
'Squire Freeman's farm contains 320 acres, over 100 acres of which
are devoted to grain growing. He also raises considerable numbers
of stock, principally cattle and hogs. He has abundant water on the
place for stock raising, and a good meadow. For twelve years prior
to the war he served as justice of the peace, and until he refused to
accept the position any longer. He has often been urged to offer him-
self for public oflice in county offices, but has steadily decliued to
become mixed up in' politics. He has been a member of the Cumber-
land Presbyterian church for twenty years.
WALTER GIVENS,
farmer, section 8. Alexander Givens, the grandfather of Walter,
the subject of this sketch, was one of the early settlers of this county,
coming here from Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1818. He settled
in section 1, township 48, range 16, where he die*d in 1833, and where
Walter Givens was born, three years before, February 9th, 1830.
Robert M. Givens, the father of Walter, was thirty-six years old
when he came to this county, in company with his father's family, in
1818. He was twice married. First to Matilda, daughter of David
Stevens, from Tennessee, by whom he had eight children,- six sons
and two daughters, and of these Walter was the fifth. His second
wife was formerly Miss Susan Thomas, now a resident of Hickory
county. By her he had four children, all sons but the youngest. He
1146 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
*
died in 1859. His first wife died in 1837. Walter grew up on the
old homestead, and at the age of twenty-one, was married, December
10, 1851, to Miss Nancy J. Vivian, of Moniteau countj'. She sur-
vived her marriage only a short time, bearing her husband one child
at her death — Eliza A., now the wife of George Fluke. In 1855 he
was again married, Miss Nancy A. Norman becoming his second wife.
Three children were born of this union, all of whom died in infancy,
and their mother followed them to the grave in 1859. On the 3d of
April, 1863, Mr. Givens was married to Mrs. Mary J. Norris, widow
of John O. Norris. She has been spared for twenty years to comfort
and brighten his home. They have three children : Richard Hubart,
Walter Lee, and Warren Thompson. Mr. G. first lived on the farm
adjoining his father's, but in 1863 settled on his present homestead.
It contains 160 acres, and is devoted mainly to grain growing. Live
stock is also raised for home use, except hogs, of which he fattens a
number every year for the market. Mrs. G. is a member of the Bap-
tist church. In 1864 Mr. Givens joined Shelby's command, under
General Price, while in this state, but was captured the following fall
in Greene county, and confined in Rock Island prison until the close of
the war.
REV. ISAAC GOOD,
homestead, section 34. Rev. Mr. Good has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church for the last twenty years, and in January,
1873, entered the ministry of that denomination, since which he has
been actively and earnestly engaged in the work of his sacred calling,
mainly in Cooper county. He joined the church at Pleasant Green in
1863, and began to preach ten years later at Oak Grove. He is a
native of Tennessee, and was born in Washington county of that state
February 15, 1835. His father, Emanuel Good, was originally from
Pennsylvania, but his mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Petman, was
born and reared iuTennessee. Both were of German descent. They
were in the " Rhomboidal State," and made their home there until
their immigration to this county in 1843. They first located about
five miles below Rocheport, but the following year removed to the
neighborhood of Connor's mill, and five years afterwards settled in
Moniteau county, where the father was taken off by death the 2d of
September, 1852. The mother survived her husband about sixteen
years, but on the 12th of October, 1868, joined her husband in the
last loug sleep of death. They reared a family of five children:
Sarah became the wife of Jesse Driskill, but after his death in Cali-
fornia in 1852, she married Jacob Rimel, and died July 6, 1877 ; Le-
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1147
vina, wife of Thomas Pate, of Moniteau county ; Martha died in
March, 1843, aged sixteen years. Isaac, the subject of this sketch,
and Adella, wife of James Maze, of Moniteau county. In youth Isaac
attended such schools as were convenient, and also devoted much of
his leisure to private study, thus acquiring as he grew up the more
important essentials of an English education. On the 21st of June,
1854, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Louisa
Hampton, of this county. Ten children have been born to them, but
they have been more than ordinarily unfortunate in their family, hav-
ing lost five of their children. Four died in infancy, and the fifth, a
promising young man, died just after he had attained his majority, on
the 18th of March, 1879. The five still spared them to bless and
brighten their home arS : Virginia L., Hugh L., Hester E., William
J. and Missouri A. Hester is the wife of John C. Potter, of Moni-
teau county. During the war Mr. Good served about ten months
under General Price, but at the expiration of that time was honorably
discharged on account of physical disability, having been confined to
the hospital by ill-health during much of the time of his service. He
has a neat farm and comfortable home, and is so situated that he is
not compelled to rely on his ministerial work entirely, to supply the
physical needs of life for himself and family. With him his services
for the Master and for the church are matters of love, regardless of
the rewards of this world.
HENRY A. HOBERECHT,
farmer, section 36. Mr. Hoberecht is of German parentage, both his
father, Frederick, and mother, formerly Christina Kuhn, having been
natives of Prussia. His grandfather, Henry Hoberecht, was one of the
earliest settlers of the county, and located on the farm where Henry
Hoberecht now lives. Frederick and Christinia Hoberecht reared a
family of eight children, of whom Henry, the subject of this sketch,
was the eldest. He was born January 13, 1851. He had four sisters
and three brothers : Paulina M., wife of Charles Beck, died February
19, 1877; Sophia L., wife of Herman Erhardt ; Frank H., Charles
W., Rocenia H., Laura E., and John O. Henry A. was married June
11, 1874, to Miss Nancy J., daughter of James T. Wilson, originally
of Adair county this state. Two children have blessed their union :
Sadie May and. Alma Bertie. Mr. Hoberecht's parents both died of
the pneumonia within less than a week of each other, the father,
April 10, 1871, and the mother the 16th of the same month. The
old homestead farm contains over 400 acres of land, about a third of
1148 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
which is fine bottom land. Mr. Hoberecht raises nearly 200 acres of
grain, and also some live stock — cattle, hogs, horses, mules, etc.
He and his wife are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church of Highland.
H. BROWN HOPKINS,
farmer, section 14. Among those who have long been extensively
engaged in farming in this county, the name of Mr. Hopkins justly
claims a prominent place. His farm contains nearly 700 acres of fine
land and he is one of the leading grain producers of the county. For
several years before the war he was a prominent farmer and had on
his place forty-one slaves, being thus amply supplied with labor to
conduct his farming operations on a large scale. Mr. Hopkins was
born in Jefferson (then Rodney) county, Mississippi March 3, 1815,
and was a son of Charles Hopkins, a native of Pennsylvania, and wife,
previously Miss Susanna Stampley of the former state. His father
died in 1833, while on the steamboat Memphis, and was buried in the
city of that name on the Mississippi. H. Brown, the son, was then
eighteen years of age, and a short time afterwards removed with his
mother's family to Kentucky, where she subsequently became the
wife of John B. Trueman. After this they went to Texas and re-
maining there two years came to Cooper county, this state, in 1856,
where after working a farm they had leased, they bought and made it
their permanent home. However H. Brown, the subject of this
sketch was married in Hardin county, November 22, 1856, to Miss
Rebecca Burcham of that county and in December of the same year
went to Texas, coming from that state the following year with Mr.
Trueman and family to Cooper county. Since settling in this county,
Mr. Hopkins has been engaged in farming, and although he suffered
severe losses during the late war, he nevertheless is possessed of a com-
fortable estate and is one of the substantial, responsible citizens of
the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have a family of four children,
one, Ida W., the eldest, being deceased. The other five are Emma,
Susan, Hattie H., Trueman B. and Atlas Brown. Mr. Hopkins is a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Highland and has
been a member of Masonic order thirty-five years. His wife is a
member of the Baptist church at Big Lick.
HERMAN KAISER,
farmer, section 27. Mr. Kaiser came to this country from Germany
in 1860 and located in this county, where he engaged in farming and
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 114U
:oon bought a place of his own, 200 acres in Saline township on
vhich he still resides. He has been satisfactorily successful as a
armer, and has improved his place in a comfortable and substantial
nanner. He was born in Hanover, Germany, June 30, 1837, and
vas the third of a family of five children of Henry and Mary
'Wanett) Kaiser, both of whom are now deceased. The mother
lied in 1870, and the father in 1875. The other four children are:
Greorge, Henry, died in 1873 ; Lizzie, wife of Henry Otto, of St.
Louis, and Catherine, wife of Doon Depe, of the same city. During
the war Mr. Kaiser served about three months in the militia. Feb-
ruary 10, 1866, he was married to Miss Mary Gatchett, a native of
Ohio. They have eight children : John, Lizzie, Millie, Henry,
Emma, Louisa, Catherine, and Anna. Sophia died at the age of
eight months. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser are members of the Lutheran
church at Pleasant Grove.
ALEXANDER LAMM,
farmer, section 22. Mr. Lamm was the youngest of a family of eight
children of William and Mary (Boren) Lamm, who came to this
county in 1816. All these, save one, grew to maturity and married,
but only two, besides Alexander, are now living. William Lamm,
the father, was a native of North Carolina. Coming to this county
in the pioneer days, when game of all kinds was abundant, he became
a noted hunter in this section of the county, and his name is familiar
to all early settlers as the hero of many adventures in the chase. He
it was who shot a deer a quarter of a mile off,.acrossa deep slough and
then swam over to it and towed it back by a plow line tied to his waist.
Besides farming he also followed "flatboating " — floating grain down
to the wholesale markets. He opened the farm (having entered the
and) on which Alexander now lives, in 1820, and lived there until
his death in 1878. His wife had gone before to light his way to
Heaven some thirty years prior to his death. Alexander, born on
the family homestead, November 22, 1832, was married after he
grew up, prior to the late war, to Miss Margaret J., daughter of
William Smith, of this county. They have three children : James,
now of Jefferson City ; George and Charles. Mr. Lamm has al-
ways lived on the parental homestead, a neat farm carefully im-
proved. He follows farming in a general way and with satis-
factory success. He is now serving his second term of three years
as school director. His wife is a member of the Baptist church.
74
1150 HISTORT OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
JOHN H. MOLAN,
farmer, and of J. H. Molan & Co., proprietors marble yards, Gooch's
Mills. Mr. Molan is a well-to-do farmer and prominent business man
of the eastern part of the county, who commenced for himself with-
out anything, when a young man, and has risen to a comparatively
comfortable situation in life, entirely by his own merits. He is of
German parentage, but was himself born in this country — in St.
Louis — October 22, 1851. His father, Diederich Molan, and mother,
formerly Miss Elizabeth Snuck, came to St. Louis from Asnabruck,
Germany, in 1845, and eleven years afterwards removed to this
county and bought a place of 163 acres of land on Saline creek,
where they settled and lived the remainder of their lives. She died
April 1, 1870, and he December 19. 1871. There are five of their
family of children — John H., Catherine, Elizabeth, John William and
Julia, the last being now Mrs. Hasp, of Clark's Fork, and Elizabeth is
the wife of George Meyers. John H., the subject of this sketch
was married February 7, 1872, to Miss Louisa Meyer. She died
January 22, 1881, having been the mother of four children, but two
of whom are now living : Louisa, aged eight years, and Emma, aged
four. John H. died in infancy as did also Henry. April 19, 1882, Mr.
Molan was again married, his present wife having been Miss Elizabeth
Herth. She was born December 20, 1854, and is a daughter of Peter
Herth, of Saline township. Mr. Molan' s farm contains nearly 400
acres of good land on which he grows over 200 acres of grain, prin-
cipally wheat. He also raises live stock, mainly cattle and hogs. He
and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. The marble busi-
ness in which he is a partner, was established in January, 1882, Mr. J.
B. Kirkman, a skilful artisan in that line, and a capable, responsible
business man, being his associate in the establishment. They carry a
stock of stone valued at $1,000, and the first year did a business of
over $2,200. Mr. Kirkman was born in. Guilford county, North •
Carolina, March 19, 1850, and was a son of Thomas Kirkman, origi-
nally of Maryland, and wife, a native of the Old North State. J. B.
did service in the Confederate army during the war, and in 1866 came
to Columbia, Missouri, where he learned the tombstone business and
worked there until June, 1881, when he removed to Boonville. In
January, 1882, he entered into his present partnership with Mr.
Molan. Mr. Kirkman was married December 19, 1872, to Miss
Emma F. Blanchard, at Columbia. They have three children — Ger-
trude, Mandie and Huldah.
HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1151
HENRY W. MILLS,
farmer. In the lives of its venerable yeoman citizens, such as the one
whose name heads this sketch, is to be found the true source of the
growth and prosperity of Cooper county. Their industry has pro-
duced its wealth, their character and intelligence have given it its
enviable reputation, and their sons and daughters are the rich legacy
they have provided to guaranty its future. Born in Louisa county,
Virginia, July 17, 1815, in 1842, Mr. Mills came to Cooper county,
and, on the 20th of August of that year, was married to Miss Susan
V., daughter of Charles T. Lewis, an early settler and worthy citizen
of the county. First he lived on a part of the farm he now owns, and
the following year after his marriage removed to the state of Missis-
sippi ; but remaining there only two years returned to Cooper county
and carried on the J. K. Ragland farm for one year. He then pur-
chased forty acres of land in his own right, the nest-egg, so to speak,
of his subsequent estate of nearly 1,000 acres. Possessed of the
qualities and character he has always shown, success was as sure to
come as fruit is certain to ripen on the tree when secure from injury.
Up to 1866 he had added to his farm until it numbered 200 acres.
Then he increased it to 536 acres. Again, he bought 300 acres more,
making an aggregate of over 900 acres. But, in the meantime, he
and his good wife had been blessed with a large family of children,
among whom he divided his land as they grew up, leaving himself
only a comfortable homestead, on which he still lives. On this he
raises over 100 acres of grain, and considerable quantities of live
stock — cattle, sheep, hogs, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have given to
the county thirteen worthy sons and daughters, ten of whom are still
living, and nine became heads of families, the youngest being still at
home: William H., married Miss Sallie L. Craig; Charles T., died
February 29, 1880, leaving a family, his wife having formerly been
Miss Nellie Brosins ; James T., married Miss Bettie Tucker; Mary
A., wife of George Adams, died in 1867; Hunter N., married Miss
Ellen Thomas; Augustus K., married Miss Sophronia Stiffler ;
Walker M., died February 24, 1878, aged twenty-four years ; John
A., married Miss Dora Campbell; Susan H., wife of John Elliott;
Florence M., wife of O. C. Byler ; Carrie L., wife of Dr. J. D. Potts ;
Earle S., at home. Mr. Mills himself was the fourth of a family of
six children of William and Elizabeth (Gardiner) Mills, of Louisa
county, Virginia, as follows: Margaret E., wife of Dr. A. Kueckel-
han, of Lamine township, this county ; Mrs. Mary J., widow of Ed-
1152 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
ward McPherson, of Boonville ; the eldest sister, Ann Quarles, wife
of James Quarles, died in Boonville, in 1850 ; the brothers — Addison
died in St. Louis, of cholera, in 1848 ; and William died of yellow
fever, in Mississippi, in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. R. have been members
of the Christian church since 1863, and prior to that were connected
with the Baptist church. He is also a member of the P. of H. At
the age of three-score and ten, less two years, Mr. Mills is still vigor-
ous and active in mind and body.
HUNTER N. MILLS,
farmer, section 26. By reference to Henry W. Mills' sketch it will
be seen that Hunter N. is the seventh of the former's family of ten
living children, and was born November 7, 1849. The son remained
with his family until 1875, when, being then twenty-six years of age,
and having married the year previous, he settled on his present place,
a comfortable homestead of 220 acres, which he has well improved.
Since then he has been prosecuting his farm affairs with great energy,
and has justly won the reputation of being one of the enterprising,
successful young farmers of the township. He grows over 150 acres
of grain annually, about four-fifths of which is wheat, and he also raises
considerable numbers of stock, mainly hogs and cattle. He was mar-
ried October 7, 1874, to Miss Ella Thomas, daughter of Doctor
Thomas, now of Greenwood, Jackson county, but for a number of
years a prominent physician of this county. She was born near Pis-
gah, this county, April 2, 1853. They have a family of three inter-
esting children : Mabel Gray, aged seven years ; Irene Vibert, aged
fou,r years, and William Robert, aged two years. Mrs. Mills is a
member of the Baptist denomination, and he is a member of the
Christian denomination and of the Patrons of Husbandry.
JOHN J. MILLS,
farmer, section 23. Mr'. Mills is of German nativity, having been
born in Hanover, Germany, March 22, 1822. When quite a young
man he entered into the royal army of his native kingdom and served
something over a year, participating during that time in the war with
Denmark. But in 1852 he came to this country and made his perma-
nent home in Cooper county. The first year after his arrival here he
worked with Benjamin Hawkins and helped build a bridge over the
Petite Saline at the Lick. The following two years he worked in the
mill at Big Lick for Mr. Gooch, and at about the expiration of this
time was married, in October, 1855, to Miss Louisa, daughter of
HISTORY OP HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1153
Theobold Miller, of this county, but originally of Prussia. He then
engaged in farming, buying eighty acres of land, and by industry
and good management has achieved excellent success as a farmer. He
has increased his possessions until now his place contains about 300
acres of good land, and he grows annually over 100 acres of grain,
besides raising some stock. During the war Mr. Mills was a mem-
ber of the Missouri state militia, and in 1864 enlisted in the 45th
Missouri infantry, under Colonel Murphy, doing service principally
in Missouri and Tennessee. Mr. Mills' first wife died, leaving him
four children : Charles L., married Miss Koxy Shipley, January 18,
1880; Mary, wife of Henry Tine; John A. and Louisa W., now at
home. Subsequently he married Miss Margaret Miller, sister of his
first wife. She died ten years afterwards, leaving three children :
Sophia, Catherine and Sarah, all at home. His present wife was for-
merly Mrs. Elvina, widow of John Jacobs. She is a member of the
Methodist church, and a very worthy lady.
THOMAS MITCHELL,
farmer. For nearly three-quarters of a century the Mitchell family
has been identified with the material development and agricultural in-
terests of Cooper county. Its representatives for three generations
have ranked among the substantial and well-to-do farmers of the
county, and of these Thomas Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, and
the grandson of the old pioneer of the family to the county, Thomas
Mitehell, is by no means the least worthy. He was born in Cooper
county, near Boonville, Missouri, April 12, 1822. Starting out in
life for himself at a comparatively early age, and relying almost en-
tirely upon his own exertions to make his way in the world, he de-
voted himself to farming, and went to work with a degree of energy
and resolution that could not fail to produce substantial and satisfac-
tory results. Accordingly, he soon became possessed of an excellent
farm of his own, and for years he has held a position among the most
progressive farmers of the county. He has made a specialty of wheat
growing, and he it was who first introduced into this county the cele-
brated Fultz variety of wheat, which has resulted in so much advan-
tage and profit to farmers, and, in fact, to all classes in the county.
He raises annually about 100 acres of this variety of wheat, and, as
an evidence of his success in wheat growing, the fact should be stated
that for six years in succession he has raised as much as twenty-five
bushels to the acre on the same ground. Mr. Mitchell was married
on the 15th of February, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Pulliam, of Boone
1154 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
county. They have been blessed with three children, but two of whom,
however, are now living : James P. and Flora. The second child,
William P., died in infancy, in 1855, aged twenty months. James P.
is married, and resides with his father. Mr. Mitchell was the eldest of
a family of eight children of William N. and Margaret Mitchell. Wil-
liam N., the father, was born in East Tennessee January 20, 1799, and
when seventeen years of age came with his parents to Cooper county,
who immigrated here in 1816. His father, Thomas Mitchell, Sr., was
originally from Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth
Moran. They are believed to be the first family that drove through
to this part of the state from the MississipjDi, on the south side of the
Missouri river. They crossed the Petite Saline at a ford near where
Hurt's bridge now stands. He died on his homestead near Boonville
August 13, 1839. His wife preceded him to the grave nearly twenty
years, having died October 27, 1820. He was a successful farmer,
and took a zealous interest in public affairs. He was a devoted par-
tisan of General Jackson. Of his family of four sons, including Wil-
liam N., the father of Thomas, Jr., all of whom became influential
citizens, none are now living. William N. died May 7, 1865, pre-
ceded to the grave by his wife ( formerly Miss Margaret Miller, daugh-
ter of Judge James Miller, one of the first members of the county
court), November 21, 1862. She was born in Mecklenburg county,
North Carolina, June 2, 1803. They were married August 17, 1820.
Both William N. and his wife were kind and good neighbors, and
were highly esteemed by all who knew them. Mr. Thomas Mitchell,
Jr., and wife, have been worthy and exemplary members of the Bap-
tist church at Boonville for the last thirty years.
Z. E. NEAL,
farmer and miller, section 7. Z. R. Neal was the second of a family
of seven children of Rev. Minor and Nancy (Amick) Neal, for many
years residents of this and Morgan county. The father was a min-
ister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for twenty-five years,
and up to the time of his death, in August, 1878. The mother is
still living, and resides near Otterville. Rev. Minor Neal was a native
of Kentucky, but came to this county early in life, where, excepting
fifteen years' residence in Morgan county, he continued to live until
his death. He was twice married. His first wife survived her mar-
riage but a short time, and by his second he reared his family of
children: Margaret E., wife of W. R. Spencer; Z. R., May W.,
wife of Samuel Hickson ; James R., George M., Louisa J., wife of
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1155
B- F. Young, and Thomas L. Z. R. Neal was brought up to the
occupation of a farmer, which he has since followed. He rented
land up to 1882, when he bought his present homestead. Of his
farm there are over 200 acres in the bottom. He raises about 100
acres of wheat, and about seventy-five acres of corn, besides other
cereal products. March 18, 1875, Mr. Neal was married to Miss May
E., daughter of John Fluke, of this county. They have one child,
William, aged four years; one is dead, John M., aged eighteen
months. Mr. N. is also interested in saw-milling, having had a mill
since the fall of 1882. He is a member of the Cumberland Presby-
terian church.
P. C. NUCKOLS.
If commencing in the world without means or other advantages,
accumulating a comfortable estate by one's own industry, maintaining
his family in comfort, and, through all, preserving a name above
reproach, maybe said to constitute a worthy and successful life, then
the life of Mr. Nuckols may be justly so characterized. He came to
this county in 1869, then a young man twenty years of age, havino-
been born in Goochland county, Virginia, February 1st, 1849, and
began here as a farm laborer, working by the month. He is now the
owner of the well-known Walker farm, near Overton, containing
three hundred acres of fine bottom land — one of the choice farms
of the county. He first worked a year for Mr. J. K. Ragland, then a
year for Dabney Jordon, of Howard county, and after this followed
overseeing three years. Having married December 3d, 1873, after
overseeing, he rented land of Mr. Ragland, and farmed on his own
account two years. Removing then to the Walker farm, he kept vig-
orously at work, economizing and managing to the best advantage,
and in Ferbruary, 1882, bought the place entire, and became its
owner and proprietor. Still comparatively a young man and full of
energy, directed by good judgment, he has every promise of becom-
ing one of the first farmers of Cooper county. He now produces
annually over 200 acres of grain, and is making a fine beginning in
stock raising. His wife, who has contributed not a little to his suc-
cess, by industry and good management of their domestic affairs, was
formerly a Miss Zerelda J., daughter of Fountain and Catherine
Brushwood, of Boone county. She is also niece of Mrs. James
Farris, of this county. They have one child, Mattie Belle, aged 6
years. One is dead, an infant, Bettie, aged 14 months. Mr. Nuckols
is a member of the Baptist church. He has been a member of the A.
1156 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
O. U. W. three years. His parents, George P. and Martha (Craw-
ford) Nuckols, are still residents of Virginia, where they were both
born and raised.
ULEICH OERLY,
farmer, section 33. Mr. Oerly was a son of Christian and Mary (Hans-
wirth) Oerly of Switzerland, where he himself was born June 21,1827.
He, with his father and family, came to this country inl850, and settled
in Ohio, where the father died in 1851. Two years afterwards Ulrich
came to Moniteau county and lived there until 1865 and then came to
Cooper county and located on his present farm. It contains over 300
acres of good land, and he has it comfortably improved. He gives
his attention to wheat growing, and raising sheep and hogs, in all of
which he has had excellent success. He was married April 13, 1852,
to Miss Margaret Gather, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, but originally ot
Switzerland. They have had a family of nine children, eight of whom
are still living. Mary died in infancy, John, married Elizabeth Misch-
ler ; Emanuel, married Mary Mischler ; who died in February, 1882,
Samuel, married Mary Grauch ; Mary, married Adam Schilb ; William
Ferdinand, Charles and Frederick. Mr. Oerly served in the militia
during the war. He is an industrioui, well-to-do farmer and well re-
spected citizen.
JOHN PUESLEY,
farmer, section 28. About the beginning of the present century John
Pursley, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, then a young man,
came from South Carolina, where he had been born and reared, and
made his home in Illinois, then a territory. He there married and
lived opposite St. Louis a number of years in what is known as the
American bottom. But as early as 1815 he removed to this county
with his family. He first settled on what is now known as the Wool-
dridge farm, and afterwards, in about 1830, on the present John S.
Campbell farm, where he and his wife lived until their deaths, she dye-
ing about 1848 ; he about 1854. They reared a family of seven chil-
dren : Rua, died unmarried ; Caroline, late wife of John Lamb ; Gar-
vin, deceased father of our subject; John, died unmarried; Robert,
died in boyhood ; Joseph, died in 1875, and Ann, wife of Elijah Beg-
ley, of Cedar county. Garvin, the third of this family, after he grew
up was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Charles Clark, of this
county, in about 1842. The first two years of their married life was
spent in Cedar county, this state. They then settled on a farm on the
Saline in this county, but in January, 1852, his wife died, leaving him
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1157
a family of three children, two, Robert and Joseph, having died in
infancy. Those living were: Louisa, wife of Smith Campbell, of
Moniteau county ; Charles, died July 24, 1867, aged twenty-one, and
John, the subject of this sketch. In 1855 the father married again,
Miss Sarah Taylor then becoming his wife. Three children resulted
from this union : Preston W. , Ulysses G. and Perry T. He died Feb-
ruary 12, 1882, in his sixty-third year, having been born in St. Clair
county, Illinois, April 9, 1819. His last wife still survives him. John,
his only surviving son by his first marriage, was born July 26, 1848.
He was reared on his father's farm, and received a practical education
in youth in the neighborhood schools. January 16, 1870, he was
married to Miss Julia, daughter of Enoch Rector. She was born in
Cedar county, December 29, 1849. Five years after their marriage
they lived on his father's homestead in this county, but in 1875 they
settled on their present place, a good farm of 160 acres of land, com-
fortably and substantially improved. Mr. Pursley is an industrious
farmer, and is well respected as a neighbor. They have three children :
Beulah, aged twelve years ; Ernest, aged nine years, and Earle, aged
five years.
WILLIAM RAGLAND,
farmer and stock dealer. William M. Ragland, the father of William,
the subject of this sketch, and J. Kelly Ragland, his brother, came to
this country at a comparatively early day froin Virginia, in which state
they were born and reared, and purchased a thousand acres of land in
Saline township, a part of which was the old " Governor Miller farm."
William M. Ragland was married near Bunceton, this county, to Miss
Bettie, daughter of James Quarles, formerly of Louisa county, Vir-
ginia. Of their family of children, William, the subject of the
present sketch, was born June 18, 1857. On account of the unsettled
condition of affairs during the war, William R. Ragland removed with
his family to St. Louis, where he died a short time before the restora-
tion of peace. His widow subsequently became the wife of Richard P.
Rider, president of Steven's college, of Columbia, Missouri, where
she now resides. J. Kelly Ragland, the brother, married Miss Maria,
daughter of Dr. Buckner. She died, however, sometime afterwards.
The land J. Kelly Ragland and his brother purchased, they improved
in a superior manner for the purpose of stock raising, which they
carried on on a large scale. J. Kelly remained in Cooper county until
his death, which occurred in November, 1882. He was one of the
leading stock men of central Missouri and was, besides, a man of supe-
1158 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
rior education and fine business qualifications. After a long and active
life, he died with as many friends and as few enemies as any man who
ever passed away within the border of this county. He left a large
estate at his death, appraised at nearly $100,000, which was divided
among his relations. William Kagland, the subject of this sketch,
and his brother James, own the farm of their late uncle, one of the
finest landed estates in the county. They are extensively engaged in
grain growing and stock raising, and are among the most prominent
agriculturalists in these lines. William Ragland was married Septem-
ber 21, 1882, to Miss Ella E., daughter of W- G. Hayes, of Saline
township. They settled on the " Kelly Eagland farm," in February
of the present year. Both are worthy members of the church.
A. F. SANGER,
merchant and postmaster, Gooch's Mill. Mr. Sanger was a lad of
twelve years when his parents, Dominique and Christiana Sanger,
emigrated from Silesia, Prussia, to this country in 1859, and located
in Boonville, he having been born in " the dear old Fatherland beyond
the Rhine," March 6, 1847. His father died here in 1873, and his
mother followed her life partner into the mysteries of death in 1880.
The son spent his youth partly in this city and partly in St. Louis,
here working at the potter's trade, there employed in a rectifying
establishment, and for two years he travelled for J. M. Jeggler. In
the fore-wiuter of 1863 he enlisted in the union service, and was an
attache of the Rolla supply train, and wore the blue for about ten
months. He enlisted again in the fall of 1864 at St. Louis, and was
stationed at Little Rock, Arkansas, until July, 1865. Up to 1874 he
was engaged in various lines of business, always active and full of
energy, and in February of that year he took charge of the large
business establishment of Meistrell & Smith, at Gooch's Mill, which
he has since conducted, and with the most gratifying success. This
is one of. the largest business houses in the eastern part of the county,
and enjoys an extensive and rapidly increasing trade. Mr. Sanger is
essentially a self-made and self-educated man, and he has made him-
self one of the best qualified and most thorough-going business men
of the county. He has been postmaster for a number of years, and
is exceptionally popular with all who know him. He was married
November 12, 1872, in Boonville, to Miss Mary T., daughter of
Joseph and Catharine Spady. She was born July 8, 1851. They
have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Mary
(Nelson), they are rearing. Mr. Sanger has a neat farm of nearly
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1159
a quarter section of lowland about two miles southwest of the mill.
He is a member of the Catholic church at Boonville.
JACOB SCHILB,
farmer, section 34. Jacob Schilb, Sr., the father of the subject of
this sketch, followed the trade of carpentry in Bavaria, Germany, of
which country he was a native, and he there lived until his immigra-
tion to America in 1847. He was married in Bavaria to Miss Marga-
ret Miller, and of this union there were five children, four sons and a
daughter, Margaret, who subsequently became the wife of Henry
Myers, in this county, and died some two years afterwards. The
sons are all living and are residents of the same neighborhood, all
substantial and well respected citizens. They are as follows : Jacob,
Adam, Theobald D. (or David), and Frederick. The father and
family located on the farm where Jacob now lives shortly after their
arrival in this country. They had been on the way from Germany
over five months, a journey of remarkable length in the time occupied,
during which they passed through varied and trying experiences.
The father died on his farm in about nine years after his location up-
on it, the date of his death being June 30, 1856. The mother, how-
ever, survived until the 30th of December, 1875, when she followed
her husband to the grave. He was an industrious, good farmer, a
worthy citizen, and a generous and kind neighbor. Jacob Schilb,
the eldest son, was born November 24, 1825, and was, therefore,
about thirty-three years of age when his parents came to this country.
He became a resident of Cooper county in 1852. Farming has con-
stituted his principal occupation, and he now has a neat farm, Gom-
fortably and substantially improved. The following year after his
arrival here, he was married, May 29, 1853, to Miss Anna B. Kise-
ling, originally of Bavaria. They have had a family of seven children,
two of whom are dead — Barbara dying at the age of three years, and
Sophia in infancy. Those living are : Margaret, wife of Aug. Stock ;
Elizabeth, wife of George Stock ; Mary, widow of Alex. Stock ; Caro-
line and Mamie, both at home and unmarried. Mr. S. and his family
are members of the Evangelical church at Pleasant Green.
ADAM SCHILB,
farmer, section 32. Thirty-three years Mr. Schilb has been a resident
of Cooper county, and these three decades and more of the flower of
his life have been devoted to honest, untiring industry, resulting not
less in the material development and prosperity of the county than
1160 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
in his own comfortable situation in life. His fine farm of nearly
three-quarters of a section of land is but a fraction of what he has
made, it is only what he has saved, and bears the same ratio to the
aggregate value of his services that the net profits of a business
house bear to the aggregate volume of its business. Who will un-
dertake to estimate the worth of such men to a country ? Starting
out in life without anything but his own brawn and brain, for a num-
ber of years he worked in a pottery for Wesley Williamson, grad-
ually paying for and making a farm to which he ultimately turned his
whole attention, and now he is one of the substantial farmers and
comfortably situated citizens of the county, and has been for years.
He was married March 1, 1853, to Miss Barbara, daughter of Leon-
ard Beltz, brought by her parents from Bavaria to this county. They
have eight children, and have lost two ; Adam, married Mary Oerly ;
Catherine, died in infancy ; William, died aged fifteen years ; Jacob,
Theobold, Franz, Barbara, Elizabeth, Louisa and Mary. He and wife
are both members of the Evangelical church at Pleasant Green. Mr.
Schilb's parents, Jacob and Margaret (Miller) Schilb had a family of
five children, of whom Adam, the subject of this sketch, was the
second, having been born January 14, 1828. In the sketch of the
eldest brother, Jacob, will be given further particulars af the father's
family. Space, however, may be spared here to mention that Theo-
dore David, one of the younger of the sons, is also a well-to-do
farmer and a self-made man and resides near the subject of this
sketch. He was born October 10, 1833. He commenced in life for
himself by learning the blacksmith's trade with David Ferce inBoon-
ville, and worked there three years. He then put up a shop of his
own on a piece of land he bought, and followed blacksmithing and
farming together until about the close of the late war. Since that
time he has given his whole attention to farming. His place contains
about 200 acres of choice land, and is well improved. He raises both
grain and stock for the general markets and is a worthy brother of
Adam as a farmer and citizen. As a neighbor and friend he is more than
ordinarily hospitable and kind. He was married August 31, 1857, to
Miss Catherine Youngk, a young lady formerly of Indiana, born Oc-
tober 15, 1839. They have been blessed with twelve children : Da-
vid, Henry, Margaret, Frederick, Sylvester, Catherine E., Elizabeth,
Barbara, Jacob, Adam, Catherine and Mary. Adam and Catherine
E., however, being dead. Mr. Schilb is an active and earnest sup-
porter of the public school system. He and family are members of
the Evangelical church.
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1161
HERMAN SCHMIDT, deceased.
It is impossible to estimate how much this country owes to the
hardy, honest sons of the German Fatherland who have come over
here and joined their labor and their intelligence with those of the
people of the New World in building up one of the greatest nations the
sun ever shone upon. There is not a county, nor scarcely a neighbor-
hood, in the United States that does not bear the marks of their
industry and of the successful, useful lives they lead. This reflection
is induced by scanning the life of Herman Schmidt, deceased, the sub- ,
ject of this sketch. But sixteen years old when he came to America
with his brother's family, in 1836, and making his home in Cooper
county four years afterwards, by his own worth and exertions he
became a successful farmer and established for himself an honor-
able name as a public-spirited, patriotic citizen, proving of value
to the community in which he lived as a civil officer, and gal-
lantly serving his country when it was threatened with destruction
by the late civil war. He was born in Saxony, Germany, Decem-
ber 22, 1820, and was a son of Frederick and Christina Schmidt,
who emigrated to this country in 1836, and after four years' residence
in Ohio settled in this county in 1840. The mother died a short time
afjter their arrival here, and subsequently the father married Mrs.
Christina Yost, of St. Louis. He died September 25, 1865, and his
last wife three years afterwards. September 30, 1868, Herman, the
only son of his father who reached maturity, devoted himself to agri-
culture and soon became remarked among his neighbors for his untir-
ing industry, and the intelligence, frugality and success with which he
conducted his farming operations. He was busily occupied with farm
duties when the war burst upon the country ; but he dropped every-
thing and became an ardent and resolute soldier for the Union, being
a volunteer in the Missouri state militia. After the restoration of
peace he was an active republican, believing it as much his duty to
protect the country against the ballots of its enemies as against their
bullets. In fact, he was one of a body of seven enfans perdus who
cast their ballots for Lincoln in this county in 1860. He held various
civil offices in the township, but steadily refused to accept a county
office, which he was many times pressed to do. Local positions he
filled ; such as justice of the peace for eight years, and others, for the
accommodation of his neighbors. He was married July 28, 1847, to
Miss Theressa, sister of Ernst Spieler, originally from Germany, and
reared a family of six children : Henry, died aged nineteen ; Ida, wife
1162 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
of Albert Hoberecht; Emma, widow of Hosenbacb; Hermann A.,
Bertha and Otto Gr. Mr. Schmidt died January 4, 1880, regretted by-
all who knew him, and mourned by his family and a large circle of
friends. The management of the farm — a large grain' and stock
farm — has since devolved on his son Herman H., a young man of
great promise as a successful agriculturalist and useful citizen. At his
father's death he was just preparing to enter Prairie Home Institute ;
but at once resigned his purpose, and entered actively upon his farm
duties. He is rapidly proving himself a worthy successor to his father,
not only on the farm, but as a public-spirited, enterprising citizen.
He is an ardent republican, and cast his first ballot for that party.
The family are all members of the Lutheran church, as was also the
father.
HENRY CLAY SIMMS,
farmer, carpenter and undertaker, homestead, section 20. The sub-
ject of the present 'sketch, was born in Boone county, twelve miles
north of Columbia, October 9, 1844, and was the only son of a fam-
ily of four children reared by William and Vienna (Hagdon) Simms.
The father was originally from Virginia, but the mother was a native
of Kentucky. In 1865 the family removed to Cooper county, and
after living in Boonville awhile settled in the bottom near Overton.
The mother died in 1875, and her husband followed her four years
afterward, in 1879. William Simms was a carpenter by trade, and to
this occupation Henry Clay, the son, was brought up, which up to the
last six years has been his principal employment in life. On the 29th
of June, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary Louisa Virginia, only
daughter of Lewis Eager, of this county, and in 1881 he came to his
present farm, the old " Eager Homestead." He has something over
three forties of good land comfortably improved, and besides this
has an eighty acre tract a short distance from the homestead. He
also has on his farm a carpenter's and wagonmaker's shop, and does
a general undertaking business. His interests in all these lines are
perhaps the most important in the eastern part of the county, and to
keep them in progress he employs no less than eight hands all the
time. Mr. and Mrs. Simms have a family of three children : Hattie
May, aged fourteen years ; Annie Louisa, aged ten years, and Wil-
liam Lewis, aged six years. Mr. S. is a member of the. Baptist
church.
JOHN B. SPADY,
farmer, section 12. In 1849 Frank J. Spady and wife, formerly Miss
Catherine Keller, emigrated with their family from Alsace, France
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1163
(now Germany), of which province both were natives, and after stop-
ping in Kentucky a short time came to Missouri and settled on the
farm where they now live, in Saline township, of this county. Here
their family of six children, including John B. the subject of this
sketch, grew up, and all but two who had died from the effects of a
stroke of lightning, received in 1857, have since married and have
families of their own. The father is about seventy-three years of age
and the mother seventy-one, yet they are in comparatively good
health and have the promise of still more advanced leases of life.
John B. was born in the Land of Vines, November 27, 1848, and was
therefore but one year old when his parents immigrated to this coun-
try. His whole life thus far has been spent on the farm, having been
reared to an agricultural life, which he adopted permanently after
arriving at the age of majority. February 22, 1870, he was married
to Miss Mary, daughter of Conrad Cash, of Pilot Grove, and four
children have blessed their union: Frank, John, Anna and Clara.
During the late war Mr. Spady was a member of the Missouri state
militia, under Captain Shoemaker, and was captured while General
Price was at Boonville, but was released on account of being under
military age, and rejoined his company immediately after his release.
Mr. Spady follows farming in a general way, raising grain and stock.
The farm being the old family homestead of his father contains
nearly a quarter section of good land, and is comfortably improved..
He and his wife are both members of the Catholic church of Boonville.
F. E. SPIELER,
farmer, section 1. Among the educated, enterprising, and successful
citizens of Saline township, of German birth, the name that heads
this sketch is worthy of special mention. Mr. Spieler was fifteen
years of age when his parents, John A. and Christiana (Riese) Spieler,
emigrated from Germany to this country in 1846, having been born
January 28, 1831. His parents located near Pleasant Green, in this
county, where they are still living. They reared but three children,
Theresa, wife of Harmon Smith, Ernst, the subject of this sketch, and
Otto, now at the family homestead. Ernst received a good educa-
tion in youth, and afterwards taught school two terms of eleven
months with excellent success. After this he engaged in milling,
which he followed eight years, and then returned to farming, to which
he had been brought up. In this he has been not less successful than
in school teaching and milling. His place contains 400 acres of ex-
cellent land, and is devoted mainly to grain raising, principally wheat
1164 HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
and corn, although he also grows considerable quantities of other
cereal products, and raises some stock. In 1862 Mr. Spieler en-
listed in the state militia, and in 1864 was wounded near Big Lick, by
that "destroying angel," Bill Anderson, who swooped down on our
subject, with ten other militiamen, while they were out looking for a
stray mare, killing seven outright, F. Hofferberg, D. Huth, E. Blank,
H. Weber, J. Edir, Peter Diehl, and Lieutenant B. Diedrich : four
escaped, Ernst Spieler, Otto Spieler, John Blank, and Jacob Blank.
Mr. Spieler was wounded in the right arm and severely cut in the
right shoulder. March 9, 1862, Mr. Spieler was married to Miss
Elizabeth Young, a native of the city of New York. They have nine
children, Emma, Maggie, Sophie, Louisa, Oscar, Theodore, Ida,
Richard and Nora.
AARON J. VAUGHAN
farmer and school teacher. Aaron J. Vaughan, born in Big Lick
township, May 9, 1833, is descended from two of the pioneer families
of this county, the Vaughan and Hammons, both having settled here
in 1818. Thomas, the father of Aaron J., was about ten years old
when the latter's parents, Thomas, Sr., and Sarah (Jenkins) Vaughan
came to the county from Tennessee, their native state, and located on
a portion of what is now known as the J. K. Ragland farm in Big Sa-
line township. George Hammons, the father of Thomas, Jr's mother,
also settled on a portion of the same farm, and the grandparents
on both sides, except Mrs. Hammons, died prior to 1830. She was
called away from this life nine years afterwards. But three of the
grandfather Vaughan' s family of eight children came out to this
state with him, however: Thomas, Aaron and John. Aaron died in
in 1842, and John in 1850. Thomas Vaughan, Jr., as already inti-
mated, married Miss Sarah Hammons, in about 1827, and from this
union, eight children resulted, Aaron J., the subject of this sketch,
being the third, and follows Eloira, wife of E. Bay les ; Albert B.,
died in Gratiot street military prison, in St. Louis, during the civil
war; Aaron J.; Lorenzo D., at Overton; Sarah J., wife of Wm.
Kaley, Pilot Grove; John J., at Overton; Catherine, wife of Isaac
Henry, Big Lick, and George W., also died in Gratiot street prison, of
puenumonia. The mother afterward died, March 22, 1858 ; the father
of these died May 4, 1877. Aaron J. Vaughan had no school edu-
cation in youth of any practical value. He early became apprenticed
to the saddler's trade, at Roanoke, in which he continued until he had
acquired that occupation. But anxious to remedy the defects of his
HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES. 1165
early education, he entered school after he had attained his twenty-
third year, and persevered in his studies in the school room, and in
private until he had qualified himself to teach school. Then in 1858
he began teaching, and continued his own studies all the time. In a
few years he became noted, and every where sought after as one of the
best teachers, both for his acquirements and thorough practical meth-
ods in the school-room, in the county. For twenty-four years he has
continued in this calling, intermitting, however, by farming about
half of the time, in which he is now engaged. He also merchandised
two years from 1872, at Overton. During this time he has served
the people of his township as justice of the peace, and is now filling
his second commission as notary public. Mr. Vaughan has been a
member of the Baptist church for thirty years, and was recently or-
dained a deacon. He was married August 11, 1858, to Miss Mary
J. McFall, originally of Kentucky. They have three interesting and
accomplished daughters : Miss Fannie B., who has been teaching for
several terms : Miss Mattie Lee, a most attractive young lady ; and
Master Selby B. The young ladies and their mother are all mem-
bers of the Baptist church.
H. H. WOOLDRIDGE,
farmer, section 15. Merchandising and farming are the occupations
to which Mr. Wooldridge has devoted his energies heretofore, and in
both he has been satisfactqrily successful. Born in Hardin county,
Kentucky, April 12, 1838, he came to this county with his father's
family at the age of twenty, and a few years afterwards, in 1863, en-
gaged in clerking in a general store in Moniteau county. November
4, 1869, he was married to Miss Sallie, daughter of William Eager,
of this county, and thereupon settled on his farm in Saline township.
In 1871, however, he returned to Moniteau county and sold goods on
his own account where he had previously clerked. Subsequently he
resumed farming, and followed it until 1876, when he became a mem-
ber of the mercantile firm of Hayes, Eager & Co., at Overton, with
whom he continued about six years. But in the fall of 1882 he sold
out his interest in the merchandising business and settled on his pres-
ent farm, the old "Wooldridge homestead, " the following spring,
where he is farming on a somewhat extensive scale. The place con-
tains 400 acres of good land, and besides stock raising and growing
general farm products, he raises about 250 acres of wheat and corn,
but principally wheat. Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge have two childreu :
William J., aged twelve years, and Mary E., aged four years. Both
75
1166 HISTOET OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.
parents are members of the Baptist church at Big Lick. Mr. W.'s
father, Jesse Wooldridge, was a native of Virginia, but removed to
Kentucky early in life, where he married and lived until his immigra-
tion to this state, in 1858. His mother (H. H.'s) was formerly a
Miss Susan Hays, a native of Kentucky. She died on the homestead,
in this county, February 25, 1871. Her husband followed her in
death just eleven years afterwards, February 25, 1881. They reared
a family of seven children including H. H., all of whom are residents
ot this county.
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